Protectionism, Old and New Protectionism, which is the policy of protecting home industries from foreign competition, has many origins. Some date back to the ways of tribal societies which generally viewed foreigners as aliens and enemies. Others are singularly American, arising from economic stagnation and dollar decline. All are the result of misinformation which is more harmful than non-information.
Error is always more active than ignorance.
Every form of protectionism builds on raw political force. It takes an army of tax collectors, administrators, and border guards to protect domestic industries by levying import tariffs and other restrictions on foreign products, or by paying bounties on domestic products. Protectionism builds on the governmental power to tax one man to help the business of another. Taking money from one American and giving it to another is the source of much social and economic conflict. Protectionism receives its political strength from advocates of political power who welcome additions to governmental power.