I must start off here with an apology to my various American friends; nothing personal, chaps.
It's been a bewildering few weeks at the start of what is obviously to be a New Age. All previously assumed givens about ethics, patriotism, honesty, justice, democracy, diplomacy and a lot more besides are going out of the window. Maybe it's overdue; maybe I just don't understand.
OK - deal with it.
I have to hope everything works out all right, and try to avoid saying the wrong thing. Stay out of the way.
However, there are some fundamentals. Since Mr Trump has decided to stamp out world trade (out of spite, as far as I can see), I had better climb aboard, dizzy with excitement, and cast off anything I ever learned or believed. I even propose to have a little initiative of my own. Not quite a New Year's resolution, but I'll give it a bash.
The markets are everything, so out of respect I propose to follow the new lead. If European goods are to be subjected to the rumoured 25% US import tariff, then I shall follow suit, like a good fellow. From this point, as far as possible, I shall avoid purchasing any products which are made or branded in America, or which contain American ingredients.
I don't suppose the USA will notice, but if a billion other people follow my example, that would make a difference.
I'm already on it.
ReplyDeleteWe're in frightening times with more frightening times ahead, I wish I was wrong, but I know I'm not.
ReplyDeleteYou can add me (sadly) as a boycotter of all American produce - which is actually not all that hard here in France.
ReplyDeleteThat would be easier if so many figure ranges hadn't migrated across the pond. I always try to buy UK, but if I have to go elsewhere I'm not sure I view POTUS' attitude towards trade is that much worse than the EU's (NB: I did say he is worse so don't shoot me).
ReplyDeleteI say this because, the number of wargaming traders that have recently stopped selling to the EU, as they now insist you employ someone in the EU to manage your imports, must be one of the few good things about us no longer being in it (again don't shoot me, I voted to stay in).
I shall now duck back below the parapet.
Rob, this thing with small traders ceasing to do business with the EU is BECAUSE we are no longer in the EU. If we were still in, they would by definition be employing people in the EU. It is the opposite of being a "good thing" about leaving. We left, so we fell foul of this rule, so British firms are losing business.
DeleteI’ve had no problem obtaining miniatures or terrain from my usual British suppliers.
DeleteNundanket, this EU ruling post-dates the UK leaving the EU, and ,whether it affects us or not, I consider it to be an unnecessary protectionist barrier and a bad thing. I do not consider our leaving a good thing, but there is still a lot I think is bad about the EU and this is an example.
DeleteIt's certainly 'interesting times'... the tariffs are mad, as they will simply raise prices to US consumers ( and you-know-who has promised to lower prices, at the same time.. ) - someone pointed out that in a typical Wal-Mart store, pretty much ALL the non-foods will have come from China. 25% price rise on all that. how will that go? I kind of assume tariffs are a threat/bargaining gambit and may not be applied in the end, but who knows?
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile I see Tesla sales are going well...
I understand his approval ratings are struggling because cost of living inflation has not benefited from his coronation.
DeleteI wish to add that my personal boycott is not a bargaining manoeuvre, and I shall keep it up until I have starved the beggars out. This is serious, man.
DeletePresident Trump is apparently a mercantilist, with a fixation on the balance of trade. Poor Adam Smith will be turning in his grave. What next? A return to currency made of precious metals?
ReplyDeleteYeah - bring on the precious metals. Whatever he is, he is too thick to understand it. This is the man, remember, who is famous for losing money in owning and selling a casino.
DeleteThis boycott, with or without Trump tariffs, seems to have taken hold in Canada, with reports of 40% of people saying they will no longer holiday in the US. This is worth $billions to the US. Florida, will be losing out big time, as 1000s of Canadians overwintered there like Brits in Spain. And serve them (and esp. Florida) bloody well right, to say nothing of the lost business closer to the border.
ReplyDeleteChris - DJT may also suddenly get a message when the extra 25% on imported BMWs hits his mates directly. He may get the hang of this - not sure.
DeleteI've also decided to rename the Gulf of Mexico, "Donnie's Paddling Pool", which I shall use whenever I wish, in whatever context. Next I am going to rename all the craters on the moon. I have to say, being mad has more advantages than I had imagined.
My initial thought was to create Several Wargamers Against Trump - but I think SWAT sounds a bit too, er, American.
ReplyDeleteSo I have decided to just repaint any unit with orange facings.
Already there! And there is a move to made today (28th Feb) a day where you try not to use cards or devices to make purchases, try not to make online purchases, try not to make purchases from multinational or listed companies or conglomerates, and try not to buy anything at all (vital purchases to be made with cash), that includes booking holidays, travel tickets etc . . . the aim being not to dent world capital, but to send a message to the establishment in all countries, it's the first year and hasn't got much publicity, but hopefully it will grow. In Canada there is a nationalist slant on the days activities this year!
ReplyDeleteH
That's it, I'm never going to buy a Hershey Bar again...
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