Trumps Tariffs and " A Giant Sucking Sound."

History Matters...

Why? Because it might actually lead to an accurate answer.. 

Full disclosure and *complete transparency*, plus TELLING  BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY also matter..

Try only telling one side of a story in court. When the judge finds out you knew the complete story all along, you will not only find out not only what perjury mean, and that it also carries very serious consequences..

That said this post is a mini history lesson. Why because the tariff situation keeps popping up in my YouTube feed. So here we go, back to 1992 and the American Presidential Debate.

Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" quote became one of the most memorable political catchphrases of the 1990s.

During his 1992 presidential campaign as an independent candidate, Perot used this vivid expression to describe what he believed would happen to American jobs if the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented.

Specifically, during the presidential debate on October 15, 1992, Perot said: "If you're paying $12, $13, $14 an hour for factory workers and you can move your factory south of the border, pay a dollar an hour for labor,...you will hear a giant sucking sound going south."

Perot was warning that:

- American manufacturing jobs would rapidly flow to Mexico due to the wage differential

- U.S. workers couldn't compete with significantly lower Mexican wages

- The trade agreement would hollow out America's industrial base

His campaign focused heavily on economic nationalism and opposition to free trade agreements that he believed disadvantaged American workers. Perot performed remarkably well for a third-party candidate, receiving 19% of the popular vote in that election.

The phrase resonated because it encapsulated fears about globalization and outsourcing that were becoming prevalent in the early 1990s. In subsequent years, as manufacturing employment did decline in many parts of the U.S., Perot's warning was often referenced in discussions about trade policy and globalization's effects on the American economy.

Not only that, but you can throw the "Rust Belt" into the mix as well...

The Rust Belt

The Rust Belt is a region in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States characterized by declining industrial activity, population loss, and economic challenges that emerged primarily in the late 20th century.

Key characteristics:

- **Geographic area**: Generally includes parts of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and sometimes Wisconsin.

- Industrial heritage: Once the manufacturing heartland of America, specializing in steel production, automobile manufacturing, and other heavy industries.

- Economic decline: Experienced significant deindustrialization beginning in the 1970s-80s as manufacturing jobs moved overseas or were automated.

- Name origin: The term "Rust Belt" refers to the abandoned, rusting factories that came to symbolize the region's economic downturn.

 Major cities include:

- Detroit, Michigan

- Cleveland, Ohio

- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

- Buffalo, New York

- Gary, Indiana

- Youngstown, Ohio

Recent developments:

Many Rust Belt cities have been working on economic revitalization through:

- Technology and healthcare sectors

- Tourism and cultural attractions

- Urban renewal projects

- Education and research initiatives

Some cities like Pittsburgh have experienced significant comebacks, while others continue to face economic challenges. The region remains politically significant as a crucial "swing" area in national elections.

See what I mean? This gives our current situation a little bit more clearity, doesn't it? Remember history AND telling BOTH SIDES of the story matter.