We used to make fun of the French and all their socialist protectionist laws and lack of ethics in foreign policy. But now it looks like the USA will be the new France, check out the comparison below:
Situation
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French Government Action
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Old US Government Action
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New Trump US Government Action
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A plant is being shut down and the production moved to a lower cost country
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Government pressure on the company to keep the plant open. Regulations and laws make it difficult to close.
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No action, let the market take its course.
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Government pressure on the company to keep the plant open. Regulations and laws make it difficult to close.
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A dictator is suppressing his people but also battling terrorists
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Support the dictator. Send weapons if needed.
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Pressure on dictator to give up power. Offer help to combat terrorists.
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Support the dictator. Send weapons if needed.
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A rebellion is threatening US or French companies in a foreign country.
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Send in the foreign legion to restore order.
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Do nothing
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Send in the special forces and/or arm the government.
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A country invades another country and takes territory.
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If it is good for France or has no impact, it is OK.
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Condemnation, maybe armed intervention like the first gulf war.
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If it is good for the USA or has no impact, then it is OK.
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Foreign country makes higher quality lower cost products than domestic, eg Japanese cars
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Raise tariffs or other barriers to the foreign products.
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No action, let the market take its course.
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Raise tariffs or other barriers to the foreign products.
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Comedian makes fun of President
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File a lawsuit.
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Ignore the insult.
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File a lawsuit.
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