Day of Liberation Tariffs

[Loyal Coug1]

The only thing I see being liberated so far today is $20-30 grand of my retirement fund. I'll check the carnage tomorrow. Luckily a big chunk is in very safe stuff.

So tariffs. I'm no expert, so please educate me. I always come here thirsting for knowledge. Although I often leave still thirsty.

-Every economist says that tariffs hurt the buyer. So since we have a trade deficit, and if reciprocal tariffs are being levied (they are), aren't the tariffs going to hurt the US more than other countries? Hmmmm

-You know there is an easy solution to the trade deficit. Quit buying cheap shit from countries like China, buy American even if it costs a couple of bucks more. Problem? Try finding a shirt that is made in America at any price. Greedy companies shipped their manufacturing overseas to capitalize on the slave wages and lack of environmental standards of other countries. But you all know that.

But then there are autos. I admit that I drive a Subaru (and a Chevy Silverado), but my Subaru may have been made in Indiana. So you don't need to buy a Kia or Toyota pickup or a BMW. With cars and especially trucks you CAN buy American at a competitive price. I spit on every Tundra I see. Especially the ones with Trump stickers.

Resources like oil, electricity - different cats, but hey. Either pay the going price or quit driving so much and put on a sweater. But it's more complicated.

 

[UberCougars]

Why do you believe reciprocal tariffs are bad?

Did you notice all the different countries dropping tariffs on US produced goods over the past 48 hours?

 

[Coug90]

Nothing like taking it in the nuts financially to own the libs! Murica MFers, look how tough we are!

 

[Coug90]

The only thing I see being liberated so far today is $20-30 grand of my retirement fund. I'll check the carnage tomorrow. Luckily a big chunk is in very safe stuff.

So tariffs. I'm no expert, so please educate me. I always come here thirsting for knowledge. Although I often leave still thirsty.

-Every economist says that tariffs hurt the buyer. So since we have a trade deficit, and if reciprocal tariffs are being levied (they are), aren't the tariffs going to hurt the US more than other countries? Hmmmm

-You know there is an easy solution to the trade deficit. Quit buying cheap shit from countries like China, buy American even if it costs a couple of bucks more. Problem? Try finding a shirt that is made in America at any price. Greedy companies shipped their manufacturing overseas to capitalize on the slave wages and lack of environmental standards of other countries. But you all know that.

But then there are autos. I admit that I drive a Subaru (and a Chevy Silverado), but my Subaru may have been made in Indiana. So you don't need to buy a Kia or Toyota pickup or a BMW. With cars and especially trucks you CAN buy American at a competitive price. I spit on every Tundra I see. Especially the ones with Trump stickers.

Resources like oil, electricity - different cats, but hey. Either pay the going price or quit driving so much and put on a sweater. But it's more complicated.

That’s why Trump waited until the spring to start! Two steps ahead of everyone, playing chess while others are playing checkers!

 

[CougSinceBirth]

-You know there is an easy solution to the trade deficit. Quit buying cheap shit from countries like China, buy American even if it costs a couple of bucks more. Problem? Try finding a shirt that is made in America at any price. Greedy companies shipped their manufacturing overseas to capitalize on the slave wages and lack of environmental standards of other countries. But you all know that.

I buy a lot of apparel MiUSA or at least try to. The problem is, general public doesn't want to pay what it costs. And they're not going to like what it costs with tariffs either (I don't expect the prices to drop but it's not like they won't be dropping).

That said, there is plenty of other great made stuff from other countries that are included in these tariffs and now the cost on those just rose through the roof.

I prefer the quality >>>>> quantity, but I know that doesn't align with the general public thinking.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

This one is pretty funny, I don't care whose side you are on. The penguin references made me LOL.

MSN

 

[CougEd]

This one is pretty funny, I don't care whose side you are on. The penguin references made me LOL.

MSN

I once watched a documentary where they interviewed a North Vietnamese veteran and it was extremely interesting. He said the US never got it. They said they would bomb us into the stone ages . He looked into the camera and said.." they don't understand, we are already in the stone ages . We are taking our wounded and dead off the battlefield in horse and cart."

Same applies for a large chunk of Maga. They want it broke for some reason. And maga for a large portion are poor, don't have retirements

You get there is a reason Trump no longer cares about the market?

 

[UberCougars]

There was a Colonel in ROTC @WSU who said, “Americans don’t stand a chance against the Soviets because we would revolt within 48 hours of a toilet paper shortage. But, in the Soviet Union, they don’t use toilet paper so they do t know what they’re missing”

Perceptions

 

[UberCougars]

Why do you believe reciprocal tariffs are bad?

Did you notice all the different countries dropping tariffs on US produced goods over the past 48 hours?

Bump

 

[WillieThePimp]

Trump Informs Nation They Better Start Liking Those Little Canned Wieners

WASHINGTON—Saying that Americans should anticipate certain lifestyle changes as a result of his newly announced tariffs, President Donald Trump informed the nation Thursday that they better start liking those little canned wieners. “Hope you aren’t too attached to whatever fancy crap you eat...

theonion.com

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Trump Informs Nation They Better Start Liking Those Little Canned Wieners

WASHINGTON—Saying that Americans should anticipate certain lifestyle changes as a result of his newly announced tariffs, President Donald Trump informed the nation Thursday that they better start liking those little canned wieners. “Hope you aren’t too attached to whatever fancy crap you eat...

theonion.com

The onion.

Cool.

Here's a link to Babylon Bee so you can share more hard breaking stories.

 

[UberCougars]

Remember this guy? I’ve been around so long, I recall him saying the relationship between the 🇺🇸 and 🇨🇦 is over (LOL)

 

[Cougar_Guy]

Bump

Do you not get that many of these original tariffs have nothing to do with punishing the US???

When Country A imposes a tariff to shield an industry with deep historical roots or significant infrastructure, it’s usually trying to preserve jobs, cultural identity, or economic stability. France and the wine industry or Japan safeguarding rice farmers comes to mind. The tariff makes Country B’s competing goods pricier in Country A. Now Country B gets pissed and slaps a reciprocal tariff on Country A’s exports, claiming it’s only fair. This entirely misses the point: Country A’s original tariff wasn’t about punishing Country B, it was about self-preservation. Now both sides dig in, tariffs escalate, and what started as a defensive move turns into a trade war. Everyone loses: consumers pay more, businesses face shrinking markets, and global supply chains get tangled.

Free trade lets countries specialize in what they’re good at, like Brazil with coffee. It boosts global productivity and consumers get cheaper goods, and businesses tap bigger markets. Tariffs distort this and reciprocal tariffs don't fix it, they add to the problem.

It feels like "Liberation Day" will end like a bar fight; lots of broken glass and no one winning.

 

[UberCougars]

Do you not get that Tariffs for me but not for thee isn’t going to fly any more?

 

[Cougar_Guy]

Do you not get that Tariffs for me but not for thee isn’t going to fly any more?

Cool it rhymes!

You asked why reciprocal tariffs are bad, I answered. You apparently have no answer, so I'll interpret that as you taking an L.

Look, if a country is totally reliant upon another's market, and isn't adaptable, then it’ll feel the pinch more from tariffs. But in a mostly free trade world, the system favors those who can pivot over those who double down on escalation. To build upon my previous post, Country A’s tariff might hurt Country B’s sector short-term, but it doesn’t kill Country B’s ability to profit elsewhere or evolve. That’s the resilience free-ish trade offers; options, not dead ends.

And again in a trade war, the group who will suffer the most is us, the consumers, not sure why that makes you happy?

 

[UberCougars]

But, you don’t build anything or sell anything so, there’s that.

Let all the countries follow Macron’s lead and shun doing business with the United States. Let’s see how that works

 

[wazzucougs96]

Tariffs are nothing more than leverage to be used for shakedowns. That is all this is. Pledge fealty to Trump or be tariffed out of business.

 

[Cougar_Guy]

But, you don’t build anything or sell anything so, there’s that.

Let all the countries follow Macron’s lead and shun doing business with the United States. Let’s see how that works out.

Buy yourself a cookie, “winner”

Here, take this too ⭐️ Be sure to show Mom.

Yeeeaaaaahhhh.... Your post doesn't even make sense; how would you know what I build and/or sell?

I'm not sure if you're just afraid of being wrong or being exposed so you're afraid to engage, or if you just lack critical thinking chops and don't understand the argument.

If economics isn't your thing, just say so. But you have not responded meaningfully to any of the valid, salient, fact-based points I have made; which I find odd seeing as how you asked the question, twice no less!

 

[UberCougars]

Everyone’s watching tariffs.
But this yield curve shift?
It’s the real game.

Trump isn’t just cutting spending—
he’s restructuring America’s balance sheet in real time.



this

 

[UberCougars]

I thought you guys said Trump was “anti-immigration? immig

 

[CougEd]

Cool it rhymes!

You asked why reciprocal tariffs are bad, I answered. You apparently have no answer, so I'll interpret that as you taking an L.

Look, if a country is totally reliant upon another's market, and isn't adaptable, then it’ll feel the pinch more from tariffs. But in a mostly free trade world, the system favors those who can pivot over those who double down on escalation. To build upon my previous post, Country A’s tariff might hurt Country B’s sector short-term, but it doesn’t kill Country B’s ability to profit elsewhere or evolve. That’s the resilience free-ish trade offers; options, not dead ends.

And again in a trade war, the group who will suffer the most is us, the consumers, not sure why that makes you happy?

Here is the deal... the 34% Trump diehards, the ones who if their own daughter was sexually assaulted by Trump himself would say"what did you do to deserve it dont have retirement accounts. Or investment accounts. They are poor so they know how to be poor. Ans thus they don't care.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

A tariff is just a selective tax. Tariffs are paid for by the consumer. Back when things were much simpler, it was easier to target the tax. Today, when almost everything that is made in the US has at least some foreign component (just like almost everything made in any other industrialized country), tariffs are simply a very broad based tax. I'm a mechanical contractor. Most of what we buy is now (not next month, NOW) up anywhere from 8-30%. We'll pass on the costs on projects we are bidding now. There will be an unholy legal fight over projects that are in process now, for which we are already under contract, and for which we now have to pay more for materials due to the Trump Tariff Tax. We won't get all of our money. The project owners will pay some, but not all. And all disputed payments will be delayed substantially unless we want to bend over and accept a ridiculous loss. The only group that fully benefits are the lawyers, due to the legal struggles.

I can't speak for other industries, but the massive hit that construction will take will certainly contribute to job losses, consumer confidence erosion, and the recession that results. Construction is a major employer. We're doing well to make 5% pretax in a year. These added taxes will pretty much wipe out any profit on jobs that are in progress, and turn some (depending upon what materials are involved) into substantial losers.

 

[UberCougars]

Here is the deal... the 34% Trump diehards, the ones who if their own daughter was sexually assaulted by Trump himself would say"what did you do to deserve it dont have retirement accounts. Or investment accounts. They are poor so they know how to be poor. Ans thus they don't care.

Were you crying 😢 when you wrote this? Because it sure sounds like you were crying.

 

[Coug90]

Were you crying 😢 when you wrote this? Because it sure sounds like you were crying.

By your reaction I’m willing to bet you are in the 34% that Ed’s talking about. Explains how care free you are that Trump is tanking the economy. As long as mom and dad can pay their mortgage you’ll have a basement to sleep in.

 

[Coug90]

 

[BiggsCoug]

Yeeeaaaaahhhh.... Your post doesn't even make sense; how would you know what I build and/or sell?

I'm not sure if you're just afraid of being wrong or being exposed so you're afraid to engage, or if you just lack critical thinking chops and don't understand the argument.

If economics isn't your thing, just say so. But you have not responded meaningfully to any of the valid, salient, fact-based points I have made; which I find odd seeing as how you asked the question, twice no less!

He is a fcking idiot. You cannot fix stupid.

 

[BiggsCoug]

A tariff is just a selective tax. Tariffs are paid for by the consumer. Back when things were much simpler, it was easier to target the tax. Today, when almost everything that is made in the US has at least some foreign component (just like almost everything made in any other industrialized country), tariffs are simply a very broad based tax. I'm a mechanical contractor. Most of what we buy is now (not next month, NOW) up anywhere from 8-30%. We'll pass on the costs on projects we are bidding now. There will be an unholy legal fight over projects that are in process now, for which we are already under contract, and for which we now have to pay more for materials due to the Trump Tariff Tax. We won't get all of our money. The project owners will pay some, but not all. And all disputed payments will be delayed substantially unless we want to bend over and accept a ridiculous loss. The only group that fully benefits are the lawyers, due to the legal struggles.

I can't speak for other industries, but the massive hit that construction will take will certainly contribute to job losses, consumer confidence erosion, and the recession that results. Construction is a major employer. We're doing well to make 5% pretax in a year. These added taxes will pretty much wipe out any profit on jobs that are in progress, and turn some (depending upon what materials are involved) into substantial losers.

It’s a disaster. All these maga fools champion tariffs are fcking addicts. This is gonna cost real Americans their jobs.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

It’s a disaster. All these maga fools champion tariffs are fcking addicts. This is gonna cost real Americans their jobs.

Don't forget my retirement account........which certain dipshits who didn't actually attend WSU don't appear to have....

 

[95coug]

It’s a disaster. All these maga fools champion tariffs are fcking addicts. This is gonna cost real Americans their jobs.

When every professional economist (who isn’t a GOP shill) says the plan is shit, it’s probably worth paying attention.

Also worth noting that Trump’s plan comes directly from a Grok query…but ignores the footnote that says it’s hypothetical and ignores how trade actually works.

Seems to me that probably what DT is doing is tanking the world and US markets so that his pals (like Vlad) can buy cheap and get richer. I’ll try to do it to, but on a much smaller scale…and only if I can afford to feed the family on the scraps he’s leaving for most of the people. None of whom he gives a damn about.

 

[Coug90]

When every professional economist (who isn’t a GOP shill) says the plan is shit, it’s probably worth paying attention.

Also worth noting that Trump’s plan comes directly from a Grok query…but ignores the footnote that says it’s hypothetical and ignores how trade actually works.

Seems to me that probably what DT is doing is tanking the world and US markets so that his pals (like Vlad) can buy cheap and get richer. I’ll try to do it to, but on a much smaller scale…and only if I can afford to feed the family on the scraps he’s leaving for most of the people. None of whom he gives a damn about.

Yup manipulate markets to make a buck. Let’s not forget Melania and him already ran a shitcoin ponzi.

 

[BiggsCoug]

When every professional economist (who isn’t a GOP shill) says the plan is shit, it’s probably worth paying attention.

Also worth noting that Trump’s plan comes directly from a Grok query…but ignores the footnote that says it’s hypothetical and ignores how trade actually works.

Seems to me that probably what DT is doing is tanking the world and US markets so that his pals (like Vlad) can buy cheap and get richer. I’ll try to do it to, but on a much smaller scale…and only if I can afford to feed the family on the scraps he’s leaving for most of the people. None of whom he gives a damn about.

This is what happens when cult members vote in an idiot.

 

[BiggsCoug]

Yup manipulate markets to make a buck. Let’s not forget Melania and him already ran a shitcoin ponzi.

The most corrupt thing Ive seen a potus do. Fcking crypto currency. Amazing. The oval office is for sale.

 

[dgibbons]

When every professional economist (who isn’t a GOP shill) says the plan is shit, it’s probably worth paying attention.

Also worth noting that Trump’s plan comes directly from a Grok query…but ignores the footnote that says it’s hypothetical and ignores how trade actually works.

Seems to me that probably what DT is doing is tanking the world and US markets so that his pals (like Vlad) can buy cheap and get richer. I’ll try to do it to, but on a much smaller scale…and only if I can afford to feed the family on the scraps he’s leaving for most of the people. None of whom he gives a damn about.

Not lightweights.

Stephen Miran - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Scott Bessent - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Biggs will summarize this and provide a rebuttal, I’m sure.

What a Mar-a-Lago accord could look like

Trump’s team consider financial policy interventions to be crucial in a grand reordering of global finance and trade

www.ft.com

 

[Loyal Coug1]

Not lightweights.

Stephen Miran - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Scott Bessent - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Biggs will summarize this and provide a rebuttal, I’m sure.

What a Mar-a-Lago accord could look like

Trump’s team consider financial policy interventions to be crucial in a grand reordering of global finance and trade

www.ft.com

Another registration-required link. How about you summarize for us knowledge seekers? And how did your 401K fare today, Gibby?

 

[BiggsCoug]

Not lightweights.

Stephen Miran - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Scott Bessent - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Biggs will summarize this and provide a rebuttal, I’m sure.

What a Mar-a-Lago accord could look like

Trump’s team consider financial policy interventions to be crucial in a grand reordering of global finance and trade

www.ft.com

Nope. Wouldnt waste my time with your links.

 

[dgibbons]

Another registration-required link. How about you summarize for us knowledge seekers? And how did your 401K fare today, Gibby?

I had no problem with FT. This is similar analysis.

Explainer | What is the ‘Mar-a-Lago Accord’, and will it really crash China’s economy?

The US’ mooted idea to devalue the dollar has been compared to the Plaza Accord of the 1980s, which some believe caused Japan’s ‘lost decades’.

amp.scmp.com

Same as everyone else on the 401k.

 

[dgibbons]

I had no problem with FT. This is similar analysis.

Explainer | What is the ‘Mar-a-Lago Accord’, and will it really crash China’s economy?

The US’ mooted idea to devalue the dollar has been compared to the Plaza Accord of the 1980s, which some believe caused Japan’s ‘lost decades’.

amp.scmp.com

Same as everyone else on the 401k.

If you don’t want to read.

 

[WillieThePimp]

Nope. Wouldnt waste my time with your links.

The Mar-a-Lago Accord is batshit. And it’s over Dribblins head and would require him to put in some work so him claiming that these guys are “not lightweights” is the most depth you’ll get from him.

Wanna see intelligent and articulate people discuss it so you can get the gist? Here’s something I watched a few weeks ago - you can just watch the first 20 minutes. Klein is clearly highly skeptical to say the least.

 

[CougEd]

Not lightweights.

Stephen Miran - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Scott Bessent - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Biggs will summarize this and provide a rebuttal, I’m sure.

What a Mar-a-Lago accord could look like

Trump’s team consider financial policy interventions to be crucial in a grand reordering of global finance and trade

www.ft.com

Great resumes... now what ?

When was the last time the US won a trade war?

Whats the end game . In two and four years is our economy going to have better unemployment numbers, a better stock market? What will be "better", what will be worse"?

Will people be more prosperous?

Even with tariffs, and they move manufacturing back to the US, are jeans, phones going to be priced the same as when they come from other countries, or are prices for these hoods going up?

What is the end game?

 

[Flatlandcoug]

The only thing I see being liberated so far today is $20-30 grand of my retirement fund. I'll check the carnage tomorrow. Luckily a big chunk is in very safe stuff.

So tariffs. I'm no expert, so please educate me. I always come here thirsting for knowledge. Although I often leave still thirsty.

-Every economist says that tariffs hurt the buyer. So since we have a trade deficit, and if reciprocal tariffs are being levied (they are), aren't the tariffs going to hurt the US more than other countries? Hmmmm

-You know there is an easy solution to the trade deficit. Quit buying cheap shit from countries like China, buy American even if it costs a couple of bucks more. Problem? Try finding a shirt that is made in America at any price. Greedy companies shipped their manufacturing overseas to capitalize on the slave wages and lack of environmental standards of other countries. But you all know that.

But then there are autos. I admit that I drive a Subaru (and a Chevy Silverado), but my Subaru may have been made in Indiana. So you don't need to buy a Kia or Toyota pickup or a BMW. With cars and especially trucks you CAN buy American at a competitive price. I spit on every Tundra I see. Especially the ones with Trump stickers.

Resources like oil, electricity - different cats, but hey. Either pay the going price or quit driving so much and put on a sweater. But it's more complicated.

I don't know how much I lost yesterday but courtesy of the Cheeto, I'm down over $100k in the past 45 days. I have faith that things will recover pretty quickly once the Cheeto learns his lesson and backs off but it's not fun having this dumb a$$hole harming my retirement funds with his bull$hit games.