On Jun 21, 5:34*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
wrote:

I do like the idea of taxing the incandescent bulbs. *But I also like
the idea of taxing cheap imports.

Then there are those who are opposed to using tax laws to promote public
policy. Taxes distort the marketplace.

As for taxing imports, this silliness was settled in the 18th Century in
Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations." Smith proved that everybody benefits
when nations do what they do best and freely trade with other nations who
also do what they do best.

Regrettably, not everybody keeps up with the latest economic theories.

Exactly; taxes and tariffs and import controls for no reason other
than to satisfy some lobbyist is why Canadian softwood lumber cost US
builders more in the US than it does in Canada; due to protectionist
tariffs and import restrictions! (About $2000 per house is one
estimate!)
Anyway; with the bottom dropping out of the US house market Canadian
lumber producers have been market diversifying.
Along with increasing demands from China and India but with increasing
fuel/energy costs for cutting, sawing and transporting etc. the cost
will no doubt be a lot higher if/when US demand returns!
Unfortunately the blame game continues; in this instance the US
government protecting the US lumber industry, (in the USA many
woodlots are privately owned) versus claim that Canadian companies are
also subsidized because they are paying too low stumpage fees for
cutting on publicly owned forest land.
China doesn't seem to care as long as it gets wood!