In --say-- 1960, imports were a miniscule percentage of motor vehicle makes available, and there were more brands then than today, I believe. There was no protectionism then, just that the rest of the world's vehicles were for the most part, uncompetitive with the demands of the U.S. market. So whether by force or by choice, the market was in a way 'closed', yet the domestic industry flourished and continued a decades-long pattern of growth.

Today that scenario is impossible without government intervention. I do not think any past attempts at 'protectionism' have ever been properly formatted, but that does not mean a system of checks & balances of a sort could not be instituted to better equalize the playing field. And as outlined above; even without mass international competition, the industry could indeed expand & flourish. I certainly don't support standing around moaning "Wowsie wowsie woo-woo."

Protectionism isn't required, but fair trade practices are. The Government has fallen down on the job.

The governement gets more moeny to fix roads, prepare for disasters, decrease the deficit, etc (the list goes on)

The tax rate can also decrease since more money os coming in.

People within my local economy have jobs, buy products and services, which in turn create more jobs.

Promoting our own national economy is only common sense. As is promoting the economies of nations who recipricate and promote our economy by buying our products in like amount or value. Anything outside that is slowing hanging ourselves.

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