Tariffs threaten capitalism
Answer your questions about President Trump’s vast new tariffs | April 7th
As a social science major at Marietta College, I recall reading the work of economist Joseph Schumpeter. His point was clear – capitalism succeeds when raising the standard of living not only for the elite but also for the masses.
For decades, American consumers have enjoyed the benefits of globalization. Globalization has reduced costs through specialization and access to more affordable labor. Once a T-shirt that requires time to spare, costs a few dollars, and smartphones were once considered luxury, but now they are an essential tool in everyday life.
The tariffs are threatening to cancel these benefits. History provides lessons of attention. The Smoot Holy Toll Act of 1930 exacerbated the Great Fear Presion by shrinking trade, but recent steel and aluminum tariffs in 2018 resulted in little employment growth and increased costs for manufacturers and consumers.
Although it is intended to strengthen domestic industries, tariffs often hurt those they seek to protect. Maintaining the capacity to improve capitalist lives requires focusing on what truly drives prosperity: open markets, competition and wide access to resources. Protectionist policies may sound appealing, but if capitalism is to remain a force of progress, accessibility must be prioritized over restrictions.
Tom Feister, Tampa
Look in the mirror
Florida needs to act quickly to stop water pollution April 14th
I find it interesting that our members of Congress are calling on Congress (and the Army Corps of Engineers) to “do more.” It is our own council that has enacted a ban on local regulations, created massive loopholes for farms and industries, and eliminated the Regional Planning Commission. State leaders are unspoiled by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the water management districts of top scientists, and are obsessed with state employees, so our agencies can’t hire the best and brightest. They also allowed the governor to fill Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee with developers. If the lawmakers want someone to help us fix our water, maybe they should look in the mirror.
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In fact, elections have resulted, and the state has been ruled by a single political party for 20 years. This is a model of what the current president is aiming to do nationwide.
Patward, St. Petersburg
Water Pollution
Waste: Die Off | April 6th
Praise to the Times for an excellent water pollution series. Water is Florida’s No. 1 concern. Water quality begins in our neighborhood. Conservation and stewardship are widely supported by the residents. The Southwest Florida Water Management District supports two local projects that lead the way.
The Boyd Hill Conservation Wetland Restoration Project in St. Petersburg, the Wetland Restoration Project to improve water quality and wildlife habitat, and the restoration of the waterways in South Venice Beach are examples of what can be done. Like these projects, areas working with cities and counties can apply for funding from water management districts. As the Times article points out, “Florida must act quickly to stop water pollution.” It starts with each and every one of us in our neighborhood.
Harrison Fox, new Port Richie
Trump’s third season
Letter to the Editor | April 13th
He spoke about the execution of a letter that President Donald Trump was trying to find a way to find around the 22nd Amendment, which took place over the third term. The writer noted that this would qualify Barack Obama to run again. Bill Clinton would also qualify. You might think that Clinton is too old to become president. After all, he’s the same age as Trump.
John Day, Clearwater
Rays and St. Pete
Two years ago I wrote an OP-ED entitled “Will Ken Welch become mayor who loses Rays?” That jammed Cen title blurred the paper that Welch could possibly appear as a big winner for himself and the citizens of St. Petersburg and Pinellas counties.
Two years later, hurricane damage to Tropicana Field fundamentally changed the calculation of the trade. It also ruined the similarities between trust and collaboration between rays, cities and counties.
I suggest revisiting my ideas from two years ago.
We believe that it will be beneficial for all involved for Rays to stay in Tampa Bay. Tampa has always been recognized as a center of population and potential attendance. This season we’ll witness many sold-out games so far at Stein Brenner Field in Tampa. There, the Rays plays as if St. Pete knows how to repair the Tropicana Field.
An unprecedented level of creativity and collaboration between St. Pete, Pinellas counties, Hillsboro counties and new owners of Tampa and Rays.
The benefits of rays moving into Tampa are astounding as the fierce water war that led to the creation of Tampa Bay water in 1998.
St. Petersburg will benefit from the complete development of its historic gas plant site. And cities and counties don’t need to spend hundreds of millions of dollars or provide valuable land to build a new Major League Baseball Stadium. And the rays thrive in a better place.
Solve it, people!
Scott K. Wagman, St. Petersburg
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Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
