I'm thinking the U.S might’ve played itself a bit here. The whole we’re too big to fail mindset doesn’t work when the rest of the world decides to push back. Those tariffs aren’t just hurting other countries, they’re hitting Americans too. And honestly, 200% on European alcohol is just punishing the guy who wants to enjoy a decent glass of wine after a long day that's all. I don't know how long people will tolerate it before the frustration boils over but I doubt they'll be patient through this year
The Gallatin Whisky Rebellion never ended. Prior to the Civil War the US government was entirely funded by tariffs. During the Grant, Garfield, and Arthur administrations after the Civil war the 'temporary' income tax caused a great ferment of legislative discussion, mostly about the survival of American industry that thrived because of tariffs. The nice thing about tariffs, besides protecting industries important to national security, is that they are a general parasitism on society, while income taxes are a direct parasitism on each and every wagie. Careful shoppers can avoid tariffs, but good wage earners cannot avoid income taxes.
Sadly, despite the lie that tariffs would replace income taxes, which would be an incredible boon to the middle class and wagies, we're going to get both, which will be even more destructive of wagies than income taxes alone.
Holy smokes, both general and direct parasitism 🤦