TRUMP IS REVIVING THE AMERICAN SYSTEM

In the heart of President Donald Trump's economic policy lies a vision not of innovation but of restoration — a return to what was once known as the American System of economics. This system, championed by historical figures like Alexander Hamilton, Henry Clay, and Abraham Lincoln, was the bedrock of American prosperity for over a century, fostering an era of unparalleled economic growth and independence, an era that required no direct taxation of the American people. Here, we delve into why Trump's policies aimed at reviving this system are not just commendable but necessary for the United States to reclaim its economic sovereignty and prosperity.

The American System: A Legacy of Prosperity

The American System was built on three pillars: protective tariffs, government-backed infrastructure, and a [genuine] national bank to support American industry rather than a privately-owned (for profit) central bank like the deceptively named U.S. Federal Reserve (a.k.a. the "FED"). Protective tariffs were not merely trade barriers but strategic tools to nurture domestic manufacturing, ensuring that American industries could grow without being undercut by cheaper, foreign imports. This system also included low interest loans to American manufacturers, incentivizing innovation and expansion within our borders. Perhaps most crucially, it eliminated the need for individual income taxation, as the federal government was funded through tariffs and land sales, thereby keeping more money in the pockets of American citizens.

This system was responsible for an era when America was the world's manufacturing powerhouse, a time when the standard of living for the average American was rising at an unprecedented rate. It was a time when economic independence was not just a slogan but a reality, fostering a nation of producers rather than consumers.

The Shift to "Free Trade" and Its Consequences

However, the American System gradually gave way to what has been misleadingly termed "free trade." This shift can be traced back to the influence of British economic policies post-Civil War, under the guise of globalism. The adoption of these policies, often referred to as "British mercantilism," has arguably led to what we now see as "monopoly capitalism" or "crony capitalism." Here, economic power is concentrated in the hands of an oligarchy, where large corporations, in league with government policy, can dominate markets, squeezing out competition and innovation.

The consequences have been stark - the hollowing out of American manufacturing, the rise in national debt, and an economic disparity that would have been unthinkable under the American System. The promise of cheaper goods has come at the cost of jobs, community stability, and national economic autonomy.

Trump's Economic Policies: A Return to Nationalism

President Trump's push for tariffs on imported goods can be seen as an attempt to revive the protective aspect of the American System. His criticism of multilateral trade agreements and advocacy for bilateral deals where America's interests are foremost echo the principles of economic nationalism that once made the U.S. a beacon of prosperity. His administration's focus on infrastructure, although not fully realized, points towards another pillar of the American System - government investment in national development.

Critics often label these moves as protectionist or backward, but they fail to acknowledge the historical context in which such policies once propelled the United States to the forefront of global economic power. Trump's policies, when viewed through this lens, are not about isolationism but about reasserting economic sovereignty.

The Battle Against Modern Economic Doctrines

The mention of Murray Rothbard's quip about Karl Marx underscores a broader critique of modern economic doctrines like Keynesianism, which have arguably led to an economy where the government's role in managing economic cycles has led to increased national debt and inflation. Trump's economic philosophy, in contrast, aligns more closely with the classical liberal economics that underpinned the American System, where the focus was on fostering an environment where American businesses could thrive without undue government intervention in the market's natural dynamics.

The Stakes: Independence vs. Dependency

The economic war between the American System and British "free-trade" ideologies has never truly ended. It's a battle for the soul of America's economy - whether we will continue as a nation of independent economic actors or become just another node in a global, oligarchic network. Trump's policies, in this light, are not just economic decisions but acts of national preservation, aiming to prevent America from becoming economically subservient to foreign interests, as it might have through military means in 1776, 1812, or during the Civil War.

A Call to Re-evaluation

While Trump's tenure was marked by controversy, his economic policies should prompt a re-evaluation of what economic system truly benefits the average American. The American System, with its focus on national industry, infrastructure, and economic independence, offers a historical blueprint for national prosperity. It's time we consider whether the path of "free trade" has truly served us well or if we should look back to move forward, embracing a system that once made America the envy of the world.

In defending Trump's vision, we're not just defending a man or a policy but advocating for a return to a time when economic policies were crafted with the prosperity of the nation and its citizens at the forefront, not the profits of a global elite. Let us not forget the lessons of history but learn from them to forge a future where economic independence and national prosperity are once again within reach.