2 weeks Ago By Jerry Christoff, Hermantown
Back in 1930, the United States implemented a protectionist trade policy called the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act . It resulted in U.S.
trading partners imposing retaliatory tariffs, causing a global trade war that was a major factor in worsening the Great Depression. Though the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act did not cause the Great Depression, economists and economic historians agree its passage worsened the effects of the Great Depression. The Great Depression exacerbated global geopolitical issues, which ultimately led to World War II.
President Donald Trump has made statements that he will not honor Article 5 of the NATO Alliance stating that an attack on one ally is an attack on all if, in his opinion, the attacked ally has not contributed enough financial support to the alliance to his satisfaction. NATO has been the most successful defense alliance ever assembled and prevented wars between great powers for eight decades. Trump appears to be doing everything in his power to weaken or destroy the alliance.
Meanwhile, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are cooperating; and Russia, China, and Iran held a joint naval military exercise in March. ADVERTISEMENT Currently, wealth and income inequality are higher than in 1930, President Trump is starting trade wars, and the world is on fire with geopolitical tension in Ukraine and Gaza. Wealth and income inequality, trade wars, and geopolitical tension were all factors that contributed to World War II.
I am very concerned, because America currently appears to be in a similar state of conditions. If you have similar concerns, I encourage you to contact your state senators and area representative to voice those concerns. I encourage everyone to be an engaged and informed citizen.
Jerry Christoff Hermantown Email submissions to: [email protected] Include a full name, address and daytime phone number. Only names and hometowns will be published.
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