Bush to Reevaluate Steel Tariffs

George: heave the hypocritical horseshit.

I sit absolutely right on the fence regarding the presidency of GW Bush: all for the war on terror and in agreement with its prominence on the presidential agenda, but I have all kinds of problems with his handling of other issues, and his steel tariffs are an abomination on several levels. They are hypocritical, counterproductive, they anger economic partners unnecessarily, are blatantly political, and undermine the president’s basic integrity.

Let’s leave this kind of paleo-liberal pandering protectionism to the likes of Dennis Kucinich (and his 0% presidential poll numbers), shall we?

AP reports:

President Bush will soon consider whether to continue heavy duties he imposed on steel imports last year, deliberations that will start with a government report this month on the tariffs’ effects.

The World Trade Organization ruled in July that the duties violate global trade rules and the European Union is moving ahead with plans to impose $2.2 billion in retaliatory duties on U.S. exports, ranging from footwear to fruit and vegetables possibly pricing them out of the market.

In March 2002, when he imposed the duties on steel, Bush promised to review the report at the tariffs’ midpoint. The report from the U.S. International Trade Commission is scheduled to be presented to Bush by Sept. 20.

….The president’s moves will also test his commitment to free trade, which he touts often as a potential boon for the U.S. economy. Critics said the steel tariffs were a hypocritical act of protectionism.

“Free trade is a cornerstone of the president’s agenda to create more jobs for American workers and spur economic growth,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Tuesday. “That ITC report is expected in the fall, and we look forward to reviewing that at that time.”

Do not favor the few at the expense of the many Mr. President, do not compromise your integrity, do not pander to protectionists, do not contradict your own views for narrow political gain. Dump the steel tariffs.