Trade war

If a Democrat is elected to the presidency, which is 64% likely according to the smart money, it seems very likely NAFTA will fall. Both candidates for the Democratic party nomination are competing to see who can attack NAFTA most strongly. Since when has a tariff increase ever been beneficial to the United States? It virtually guarantees inflation, as the goods we buy will cost much more if they're produced domestically.

Free trade is the cornerstone of a successful economy. Glance at any nation that cuts off trade or increases tariffs and it's obvious the damage that occurs instantly and deeply. There is a reason we isolate the economies of our enemies and embargoes work so successfully.

Why would we voluntarily embargo ourselves? The answer is simple and absolutely corrupt. The purpose of eliminating NAFTA would be to protect those jobs that cannot compete in the global marketplace at the cost of the US consumer. It prevents the consumer from buying the best goods in order to benefit those that cannot compete and protecting those jobs that should no longer exist. It is nothing more than a handout to those businesses that would close their doors without it. We've been down this path before. Remember the lesson of the Smoot-Hawley tariff. Want to guarantee a depression, raise tariffs... it works every time.