It is amazing the shortsightedness and selfishness many people have when it comes to the long-term outcomes for the whole (“Tariffs are taxes that we must pay,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 23). One must understand that new tariffs will have a short-term negative impact for the long-term good.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs are to level the playing field for Americans. For years we have been taken advantage of, not just by the Chinese government, but also by our allies. They all look at us as the world’s pocketbook and that has to stop.

Why is it that American corporations have been moving outside of our borders? It isn’t due only to the cheaper labor abroad, but also the taxes, workplace restrictions and the advantages of importing items back into the United States. What’s wrong with having those jobs here and assigning tariffs to those who do not have America’s best interests in mind?

So we will all have to pay up front, but in the long run it will benefit all of us.

Don Clark

Aiea

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