So too, is the Establishment. Instead of whining to the WTO, let Congress, for once, take unilateral action in the U.S. national interest. That shock would awaken Tokyo and the predatory traders of East Asia to the new reality that we Americans have begun looking out for America first. Dollar for dollar, the revenue could be used to cut corporate taxes on small business. If Japan retaliates, raise the tariff to 20 percent.
Japan is the aggressor here.
But Japan cannot win a trade war with America. Toward free traders like Canada and Europe, our policy should remain free trade. But toward predators like Japan and China, it is a time for hardball. Mr. Clinton's men are gingerly moving that way. Unencumbered by conviction they will play the nationalist card.