As June 14 comes, begin to make your signs using slogans that stick. Such as, “Consumers Pay Tariffs,” or “Tariffs Raise Prices,” or simply “Tariffs Are Taxes”? How about “We Deserve Better”?
He yells into the cameras; China is footing the bill. Meanwhile, Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy, Nike, Macy’s, every big-name retailer has either jacked up prices or warned they are about to. CEOs say to their investors’ earnings calls, asking why the margins are shrinking? One word: TARIFFS. Best Buy’s CEO said tariffs forced them to hike prices. Costco’s CFO said they are absorbing some costs, but not all, because they’re not in a charity business.
Corporate-speak is it’s “macroeconomic uncertainty.” People realize that they are getting hosed. Just look at your bank account. Why did that stroller cost 20% more? Why are your sneakers twenty-five dollars higher? Why do cars or appliances cost so much more? Because the cost of Trump’s ego trip is coming out of our wallet.
Trump’s economic strategy is all about the optics. He appears tough, as he is not smart. It’s about yelling into a camera that America is winning while Americans quietly get fleeced. It’s the con of all cons, and unless Democrats start branding it like a street fight, they’ll lose again in the court of public opinion.
Repeat; “Tariffs Are Taxes.” “Consumers Pay Tariffs.” Say it until you’re hoarse and the truth drowns out the lies. Put it on bumper stickers. Drop it in emails and social media posts. Because in Trump’s America, the consumer always pays, and the conman always walks away richer.
Gail Talbot
Sun City resident
