An articulate and conscientious critique of free trade that should be read by anyone with serious interest in the subject.
An economist and adjunct fellow at the U.S. Business and Industry Council argues that continuing a program of unregulated free trade is bad for America and proposes a solution that will benefit the U.S. economy in the long term.
Employing a typical economist’s rationality in this methodical and nonpartisan book, Fletcher takes to task the commonly held assumption that free trade is an inherently and inarguably good system for America, as well as the notion that challenges to this assumption are reactionary and mercantilist. Citing massive trade deficits—the fact that America imports much more than it exports—he argues that American primacy is waning as the dollar becomes less valuable. Fletcher undertakes a systematic approach to debunking free trade, beginning with clear-eyed explanations of free trade as it currently stands and the negative consequences it increasingly has on America. He devotes much of the book to his opposition’s arguments, deconstructing them so as to give free-trade detractors cogent rebuttals on the subject (a particularly favored whipping boy is the idea of comparative advantage). However, he saves the real intellectual wrath for the economists who either actively or tacitly support free trade. While politicians and powerful corporations do hold some sway, it will always be theories that dictate trade policy. Fletcher is of the opinion that any theory that supports free trade is the result of unrealistic assumptions about how trade works in today’s world as well as antiquated ideas about perfectly sound economies. His reasoned answer as to how trade should operate in America comprises the book’s third section. In short, he favors what is called a natural strategic tariff, one that is simple in implementation (he offers a 30 percent rate) but complex in effect, as different industries would be inherently more sensitive to a tariff. Such a system would promote some manufacturing to move back to America (indeed, the industries that would be affected are the very ones Americans want back on their shores) while leaving untouched other goods that the country would still happily import.
An articulate and conscientious critique of free trade that should be read by anyone with serious interest in the subject.Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
ISBN: 978-0578053325
Page Count: 346
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: July 30, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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