Here is what Adam Smith says about tariffs:
“Nothing, however, can be more absurd than this whole doctrine of the balance of trade …” (”Wealth of Nations,” Book IV, Chapter 3, Part 2)
“A trade which is focused by means of bounties and monopolies may be and commonly is disadvantageous to the country in whose favor is meant to be established.” (“Wealth of Nations,” Book IV, Chapter 3, Part 2)
“In every country it always and must be in the best interest of the great body of the people to buy whatever they want of those who sell it cheapest. The proposition is so very manifest that it seems ridiculous to take any pains to prove it. …” (“Wealth of Nations,” Book IV, Chapter 3, Part 2)
Here is what Adam Smith says about taxes:
“First Maxim: The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, … in proportion to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the state.” (“Wealth of Nations,” Book 5, Chapter 2, Part 2)
Here is what Aristotle says about government:
“We should rather say that a democracy is a form of government in which the free are rulers, and oligarchy is one in which the rich rule.” (”Politics,” Book IV, Chapter 4)
“Where laws are not supreme, there demagogues spring up.” (”Politics,” Book IV, Chapter 4)
“Now within all states … it is admitted that moderation and mean are best … for in that condition men are most likely to listen to reason. But he who excels in wealth … finds it difficult to follow reason … (and) grow into violent and great criminals.” (”Politics,” Book III, Chapter 11)
Here is what the Bible says about immigrants and the marginalized:
“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him. … You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.” (Exodus 22: 21-22, revised standard version)
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25: 40, revised standard version)
These statements are part of the bedrock foundation of our nation. Who among those who presume to lead us now follows even one of them?
Russell Weeks, Salt Lake City
