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.
Rural hospitals are already closing by the score, and any further cuts will only hasten their demise. Not to mention the impact it will have on our seniors.
Everything Trump does seems designed intentionally to weaken America - our health, our environment, our economy, our status as the leader in research, our protection from disasters, our relationships with our allies, our global standing, and pretty much every other measure of a country's quality of life.
Look folks, none of us gets out of here alive. While we're on this earth, we have an obligation to not be heartless dicks to one another.