By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
There is one thing about living a long time. It is the simple fact that you will have seen a lot. You would have experienced some highlights and some low lights, too. We are in a prime position to offer our opinion about the triumphs and the travails of life.
During the past several months there has been much to have an opinion about in this world. The news headlines change almost by the hour. Cable news networks have breaking news which has become the new normal because it happens so frequently.
Tariffs have become an everyday topic of discussion in the public square. The new administration started telling us about the benefits of tariffs during their first few weeks in office.
History tells us differently. Economists have said tariffs hurt the economy and cause prices to rise. Despite what they say, the new administration continues to mouth the same story.
Well, the results of the tariff debate are in, and tariffs do hurt the American economy. That’s just the tale of the tape.
CBS News reports, “A federal appeals court said that many of the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump on dozens of countries earlier this year are not legally permissible.”
Despite what the courts are saying, prices are continuing to rise. Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon said, “We’ve continued to see our costs increase each week which we expect will continue into the third and fourth quarters.” Home Depot CEO, Ted Decker believes economic uncertainty is the number one reason consumers are postponing big scale projects.
The Democrats are weighing in on the tariffs and the pain they are causing. Rep. Hillary Scholten from Michigan said, “The problem is not the tariffs generally. It’s the way Trump is doing them. Trump tariffs are bad, and the American people are suffering. It’s a pretty easy message.”
Rep. Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvania said, “Democrats are pretty uniform, if not entirely uniform in making the case that what’s happening right now is really dangerous.”
Both states are important as the mid-term elections are getting closer. It is my opinion that the Democrats must win these states as they try to regain the advantage in the House of Representatives.
Democrats according to those in the know say that they are splintered with no clear direction. We will have to see what happens with them. Right now, they are on a train bound for nowhere.
In the meantime, polls show most Americans are faced with challenging economic issues. Those wanting to purchase a car or a house are finding it arduous because of high interest rates. Going to the grocery store has become an unpleasant experience as goods have increased over the past few months.
Americans are in an economic vice. Policies, laws and executive orders have us tense and apprehensive. Will we be able to get out of this spin cycle which is negative and nasty?
Recently, the leaders of two countries met to discuss the possibility of a friendship because of this economic roller coaster.
Chinese leader, Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi met in Tianjin China. Xi told Modi, “The world is swept by once-in-a- century transformations. The international situation is both fluid and chaotic.” Modi said, “India was committed to taking their countries’ relations forward on the basis of mutual trust and respect. The interests of 2.8 billion people in both our countries are tied to cooperation.”
This will be an interesting development if it plays out because these countries haven’t always been on friendly terms. It can’t be overstated that tariffs are causing an unwanted sinkhole in today’s world. Remember Marvin Gaye when he sang the lyrics, “panic is spreading, God knows where we’re heading”.
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a longtime educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
