” One of the challenges is that the discussion about tariffs on an apolitical basis has been tainted by partisan politics. [snip] The following is not meant to support either position, but rather look at the new contours of the country's economy.”

Jeff, thanks for the thoughtful post. Some of the conflict and confusion you describe is inevitable, because the Tax Code is designed to do two things simultaneously: raise revenue and influence behavior. So an apolitical discussion of tax policy is pointless, except maybe among academics. In the real world, if you don’t like the politics, you probably won’t like the policy and vice versa. Change one, you change the other. That’s a feature, not a bug.

To your main point, the US government was once financed primarily by tariffs, but as you note, those days are long gone. Political control of economic policy was more direct and immediate back then, as was corruption, although both seem to be making a comeback (coincidence?) This is not a problem caused by left or right. Everyone does it. It’s why we have become so cynical.

Personally, I agree we need change in how we finance the government (and elections), but IMHO tariffs are a step backwards, not forwards. Some original thinking would be more welcome.

P.S. The same applies to immigration policy, but that is another discussion. Onward!

abromber