Protectionism Redux

wsj's opinion journal talks about protectionism, blaming democrats for protectionist policies. the wsj opinion page usually blames democrats, so that's no surprise. i've got to give them some credit, though, for mentioning the bush steel tariffs - that must have been a difficult step for them. because protectionism comes from both sides, that's just the nature of the beast.

i guess what i'm trying to say is that amercan democracy encourages most politicians to be protectinists. the public's (understandable) attitude of "what are you going to do for ME?" forces them to be that way, and those that say "well, actually, tariffs and subsidies are bad for the economy in the long run" die out - a kind of natural selection that leaves only unfit policies...

so is there a solution? are we destined to replay our follies because of citizens' ignorance of economics and history?

Labels: ideology, political