Two-Doll Donnie has no problem telling commoners to be content with less, as long as he and his inner circle can continue to exploit their wealth and power for even greater largesse.

I do not object to rebuilding America's manufacturing base where feasible. We have suffered in some ways by letting that slip away.

But you can't just flip a switch and change the status quo overnight. It's not practical nor moral to try to force an immediate rejiggering of the world's economy after many decades of evolution. You can't just start building factories this week on land that maybe hasn't even been purchased yet or gotten funding in place, or had zoning or infrastructure approved. You'll also have to build a logistics system. And does anybody really think we have all the natural resources we'll need to be fully self-sufficient?

Not to mention the workforce issues. We can't fill jobs now, so what's it going to be like when the new mills and button factories and so on start advertising their openings? Be honest, how many Americans are interested in repetitive physical labor that generally doesn't pay very well? When is the last time an isolationist approach worked?

What the Trumpers like to say is "short-term pain for a long-term gain." But how short is short term? Are we willing to go through years of recession and job loss? Are a few years of breadlines and Hoovervilles OK with everybody? Maybe a few starvations and suicides?

We risk being left far behind, as the rest of the world reconfigures itself to leave us out. And Trump isn't even content with economic changes. He is breaking diplomatic ties with our allies, risking our national security with his daily childish tantrums.

The way to do this would be to start a national conversation, and build a plan that is well thought out, inclusive, and fair to people. Because not everybody can afford to suffer for a few years.