Over a century ago you could trade fur for food. Back in the 70’s I could trade my Gordie Howe and Steve Shutt hockey cards for a Bobby Orr card. Neighbours would labour for each other no charge; I’ll repair your engine if you help build my deck.
Trade used to be beneficial for all involved. Now a days it seems you can point to a country and say, “I want your resources, give it to me or I will punish you.”
When building our home lumber costs were going through the roof – pun intended. During that time our southern neighbours wanted to create, or perhaps improve, their own Lumber Industry. “Send us your lumber. We will mill it and sell it back to you.” This was part of a Free Trade agreement, and was the reason why our home cost more than it should have. Wouldn’t it be better if countries chose to develop industries to which they already have the resources?
Every person has talents to which they can put to good use. Yes, there are people out there who would take advantage of these talents, this is why it is important for us to learn our own value and find the right market for our talents, resources and products.
In turn, every country has their own unique resources. And yes, there are people out there ready and willing to take advantage. But threats! Give me or else! Really?
If I wanted to buy a German car, or an Italian wine, or a French pastry, isn’t that my choice? It takes talent to create these products. Some may consider them masterpieces. Maybe I want the real deal and not some cheap knock-off that was made at a much lower standard.
When personal pride and natural talent is put into products we see it, feel it, taste it, smell it – that’s why we want it. When greed is the only ingredient put into products they break down and fall apart – that’s why we don’t care for them.
Let the masters of their domain create well-made products – and let the global society choose what products they wish to buy. Of course there will be transportation and or delivery costs – but that should be it. The tax is merely a penalty for buying elsewhere.
~ I hope this inspires you
Barb's Blog 