Excellent article, Barry Gander.

The above is wrong-headed of Freeland, Yellen, and others.

It feels comforting to only deal with our friends, but it will lead to a less secure and prosperous America and world. The connections to those "not like us" (even enemies) prevent the isolation that authoritarian figures thrive on. Putin, Khamenei, Maduro, Diaz-Canal (Cuba), Haniyeh (Hamas), etc., are more powerful because of the isolation of the sanctions, tariffs, bans, and travel restrictions we impose. Businesses within these countries lose their autonomy and are driven into dependency on autocrats. Again bolstering authoritarian power.

Doing business with only those we like will fail. America can find itself on the wrong side of technological advancements, and invariably, there is always a vital material that we need, but the other side has. And then we need cooperation on climate and other international concerns.

We are dangerously building the wall higher and higher between America (and allies) and China. Across both parties, members of Congress are bidding on who can be tougher on China, and NO ONE is stopping this folly.

I invite you to read "America Is Hurt by Its Poor Relationship with China."

Many thanks. Best.