Excellent article, Stanley.

Free trade didn't guarantee peace, but it generally works in that direction. England has not been at war with America or Ireland for some time, and the thought would seem ridiculous. Prosperous first-world countries are not attacking each other.

Unfortunately, separatism and isolationism have become favored worldwide, particularly in America, which is increasingly dangerous and lowers our living standards. China is the big concern that we need to address intelligently. We are moving in the opposite direction of what we should be. Bans on imports (electronic systems and TicToc), continued tariffs, and stoking anti-Chinese anything increase the likelihood of conflict rather than making us safer.

Our foreign policy is awry and often driven by popular sentiment rather than thoughtful management. Witness that we recently blew out of the sky local hobbyist's balloons costing as little as $12 with $400,000 missiles (and one missed). All in a groupthink of "tough on China" in Washington and the country.

Many thanks. Best.