It appears that the President has decided to implement tariffs on imported steel and aluminum in order to protect the domestic industry and its workers. While the reasoning behind this decision is not entirely clear, the aim seems to be to support American jobs and businesses in these sectors.

Our strategic position is a matter of national security. In the event of war, ensuring access to critical resources like steel and aluminum is crucial for our ability to manufacture the tanks, planes, and other military equipment needed to prevail. Our past success in defeating Germany was largely due to our capacity for mass production of these vital assets. Maintaining this industrial capability is essential for safeguarding our nation’s defense.

Nonetheless, let’s put both these reasons aside for a moment. Instead, let’s examine the concept of a monopoly. The typical approach to establishing a monopoly is by aggressively lowering prices to drive all competitors out of the market.

If China had any desire to do such a thing to the US, it would never happen as long as the competition was industry to industry; steel factory against steel factory. However, when the Chinese government helps to finance Chinese steel factories, it makes it impossible for the American factories to compete.

Then, when the American plants cease to operate and the US no longer has skilled steel workers, China can charge whatever it wants. Moreover, if China decides to wage war against us, we will be completely at their mercy. The Chinese government is not known for its mercy.

Maintaining a strong steel and aluminum industry is not an option. It is absolutely essential; that is, unless we do not mind learning Chinese.

As for me, I prefer American English.