NSG Senate Chamber: I came, I saw, I cleaned up after myself

[Prussia-Steinbach]

"Oh shi... oh darn." Winston chugs his beer and quickly fills another.

They edge closer, their batons out and mustaches well-maintained.

Winston drinks beer after beer in frighteningly quick succession.

[Atlanticatia]

"While I will support the majority of measures in this bill, at least begrudgingly, I must draw the line at a 4% tariff; any such barriers to trade are worrying and implementing a tariff where there was not one before seems objectionable, and to some extent a failure to embrace the global economy and our own participation in it."

"This is not a protectionist measure - just a small duty, as is common around the world in nearly every country, equally on imports and exports. This will not be biased against any country."

[Mollary]

"While I will support the majority of measures in this bill, at least begrudgingly, I must draw the line at a 4% tariff; any such barriers to trade are worrying and implementing a tariff where there was not one before seems objectionable, and to some extent a failure to embrace the global economy and our own participation in it."

"This is not a protectionist measure - just a small duty, as is common around the world in nearly every country, equally on imports and exports. This will not be biased against any country."

"I agree that it is small in comparison to some nations, but in a globalized world, as a small nation, we must do whatever it takes to remain competitive and open, and introducing a tariff where there was not one before is unwise. Moreover, I believe there was talk of a surplus? Surely a tariff should be avoided if we can afford to avoid it."

[Atlanticatia]

"This is not a protectionist measure - just a small duty, as is common around the world in nearly every country, equally on imports and exports. This will not be biased against any country."

"I agree that it is small in comparison to some nations, but in a globalized world, as a small nation, we must do whatever it takes to remain competitive and open, and introducing a tariff where there was not one before is unwise. Moreover, I believe there was talk of a surplus? Surely a tariff should be avoided if we can afford to avoid it."

"It is just a simple duty on imports and exports that most people will not even notice nor will it significantly affect our economic growth or trade. Removal of this duty from the bill would reduce revenues by around $6.4 billion so we cannot afford it. It is important to ensure our taxation is broad based so we can do things like invest in public services - or provide a tax cut to middle income earners."

[Mollary]

"I agree that it is small in comparison to some nations, but in a globalized world, as a small nation, we must do whatever it takes to remain competitive and open, and introducing a tariff where there was not one before is unwise. Moreover, I believe there was talk of a surplus? Surely a tariff should be avoided if we can afford to avoid it."

"It is just a simple duty on imports and exports that most people will not even notice nor will it significantly affect our economic growth or trade. Removal of this duty from the bill would reduce revenues by around $6.4 billion so we cannot afford it. It is important to ensure our taxation is broad based so we can do things like invest in public services - or provide a tax cut to middle income earners."

"A 4% rise in imported goods and on our exports will, firstly, stack up over a year for most consumers, increasing the cost of living. Secondly, this tariff rise could make the marginal difference to price in our exports to cause people to substitute from our goods to other goods. If 0% cannot be afforded, would the government consider a lower rate to further minimize the negative impacts of such taxation?"

[Atlanticatia]

"It is just a simple duty on imports and exports that most people will not even notice nor will it significantly affect our economic growth or trade. Removal of this duty from the bill would reduce revenues by around $6.4 billion so we cannot afford it. It is important to ensure our taxation is broad based so we can do things like invest in public services - or provide a tax cut to middle income earners."

"A 4% rise in imported goods and on our exports will, firstly, stack up over a year for most consumers, increasing the cost of living. Secondly, this tariff rise could make the marginal difference to price in our exports to cause people to substitute from our goods to other goods. If 0% cannot be afforded, would the government consider a lower rate to further minimize the negative impacts of such taxation?"

"I think a $6.4 billion cut to public services or increases in income taxes would be more harmful to families than a small duty on imports and exports. This is a part of a wider progressive, fiscally responsible plan to make hard working families better off.

The 4% tax rate is competitive, and exports will still grow and we will remain very competitive. This is a proposal to grow the economy and provide public services in an equitable manner. The effect of this duty will be barely felt on net trade and it is not a protectionist measure."

[The Liberated Territories]

"It is not about being competitive; it is about remaining on top. We could be Central America's golden jewel, and outperform the rest of the region and secure ourselves for years - decades even. The benefits gained from free trade - if anyone wants to open a history book - are too immense to ignore, and this tariff would only hamper us on the long run. Why tax productive activity anyway?"

[Atlanticatia]

"It is not about being competitive; it is about remaining on top. We could be Central America's golden jewel, and outperform the rest of the region and secure ourselves for years - decades even. The benefits gained from free trade - if anyone wants to open a history book - are too immense to ignore, and this tariff would only hamper us on the long run. Why tax productive activity anyway?"

"What makes you think we're moving away from free trade?"

[The Liberated Territories]

"It is not about being competitive; it is about remaining on top. We could be Central America's golden jewel, and outperform the rest of the region and secure ourselves for years - decades even. The benefits gained from free trade - if anyone wants to open a history book - are too immense to ignore, and this tariff would only hamper us on the long run. Why tax productive activity anyway?"

"What makes you think we're moving away from free trade?"

"The sudden itch (and past itches) of the current government to enact high corporate taxes and tariffs."

[Arkolon]

"The tax is small, helps protect national jobs in key industries, creates very little adverse effects on the economy, and generates a lot more government revenue that will be spent on programs that would, at the very least, cancel out any negative effects caused by the tariff in the first place. I'm not opposed."

[The Liberated Territories]

"The tax is small, helps protect national jobs in key industries, creates very little adverse effects on the economy, and generates a lot more government revenue that will be spent on programs that would, at the very least, cancel out any negative effects caused by the tariff in the first place. I'm not opposed."

((I really hope you are roleplaying))

[The Nihilistic view]

They edge closer, their batons out and mustaches well-maintained.

Winston drinks beer after beer in frighteningly quick succession.

Boris sits there expecting the police to reveal themselves as Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVV7hfbYOsg

[The Nihilistic view]

"It is not about being competitive; it is about remaining on top. We could be Central America's golden jewel, and outperform the rest of the region and secure ourselves for years - decades even. The benefits gained from free trade - if anyone wants to open a history book - are too immense to ignore, and this tariff would only hamper us on the long run. Why tax productive activity anyway?"

"What makes you think we're moving away from free trade?"

"Do you seriously need to ask somebody to point out that a 4% tariff is less free than the current 0% which is in fact one thing that is meant by the term free trade in this area? Goods or services traded without the charging of tariffs of any kind and any level on the import or export of goods. Are you in denial over the policy or do you just not care how you try and sell your policies however egregious the reasons you find yourself falling back on?"

[Atlanticatia]

"The tax is small, helps protect national jobs in key industries, creates very little adverse effects on the economy, and generates a lot more government revenue that will be spent on programs that would, at the very least, cancel out any negative effects caused by the tariff in the first place. I'm not opposed."

((I really hope you are roleplaying))

OOC: Arkolon actually gave me the idea for this tax and is a full supporter.

[The Liberated Territories]

((I really hope you are roleplaying))

OOC: Arkolon actually gave me the idea for this tax and is a full supporter.

OOC: What sort of nonsense is Ark feeding you? Tariffs are arguably as bad as corporate taxes.

"In the early 2000s Curious George attempted to raise steel tariffs in the US from 8% all the way to 30% in some cases. The results were devastating; 200,000 Americans lost their jobs to the steel tariffs during 2002, or $4 billion in wages. One out of four of these job losses occurred in the metal
manufacturing, machinery and equipment and transportation equipment and parts sectors. Sauce. The tariffs were primarily designed for, like all protectionism, for the few at the expense of the many. They were so bad for everyone, the World Trade Organization called the tariffs, illegal. Thankfully, he lifted "some" to prevent a trade war with the EU, which would of damaged the US economy.

Tariffs suck."

[New Bierstaat]

I am no longer a protectionist. I oppose this tarriff and will only support tarriffs as a retaliatory measure against other countries that impose tarriffs on our goods or unfairly compete in some other way.

[Zurkerx]

OOC: I just realized, you aren't allowed to have alcoholic beverages in Parliament so...

ORDER. ORDER.

"Stop drinking in Parliament. While members may not make accusations about being drunk it seems, alcoholic beverages are not allowed because of Standing Order Number Five, which clearly says you can't have alcohol in Parliament. Take it to the bar within this Parliament."

[New Zepuha]

I am no longer a protectionist. I oppose this tarriff and will only support tarriffs as a retaliatory measure against other countries that impose tarriffs on our goods or unfairly compete in some other way.

Cause that turned out well for the Americans with the Hawley-Smoot tariffs right?

[Atlanticatia]

OOC: Arkolon actually gave me the idea for this tax and is a full supporter.

OOC: What sort of nonsense is Ark feeding you? Tariffs are arguably as bad as corporate taxes.

"In the early 2000s Curious George attempted to raise steel tariffs in the US from 8% all the way to 30% in some cases. The results were devastating; 200,000 Americans lost their jobs to the steel tariffs during 2002, or $4 billion in wages. One out of four of these job losses occurred in the metal
manufacturing, machinery and equipment and transportation equipment and parts sectors. Sauce. The tariffs were primarily designed for, like all protectionism, for the few at the expense of the many. They were so bad for everyone, the World Trade Organization called the tariffs, illegal. Thankfully, he lifted "some" to prevent a trade war with the EU, which would of damaged the US economy.

Tariffs suck."

"Do you understand that this is not a protectionist tariff? It is a neutral import and export duty. Pretty much every country has minimal customs duties like this. It'd be a good idea to actually read the bill."

[The Liberated Territories]

*takes out a potent energy drink*

[New Zepuha]

Gloria drinks from a milk carton totally not filled with scotch.

[The Liberated Territories]

Gloria drinks from a milk carton totally not filled with scotch.

"RAW MILK. WE HAVE A RAW MILK DRINKER HERE!"

"ARREST THIS GUY - HE' S DRINKING RAW MILK!"

[The Nihilistic view]

OOC: What sort of nonsense is Ark feeding you? Tariffs are arguably as bad as corporate taxes.

"In the early 2000s Curious George attempted to raise steel tariffs in the US from 8% all the way to 30% in some cases. The results were devastating; 200,000 Americans lost their jobs to the steel tariffs during 2002, or $4 billion in wages. One out of four of these job losses occurred in the metal
manufacturing, machinery and equipment and transportation equipment and parts sectors. Sauce. The tariffs were primarily designed for, like all protectionism, for the few at the expense of the many. They were so bad for everyone, the World Trade Organization called the tariffs, illegal. Thankfully, he lifted "some" to prevent a trade war with the EU, which would of damaged the US economy.

Tariffs suck."

"Do you understand that this is not a protectionist tariff? It is a neutral import and export duty. Pretty much every country has minimal customs duties like this. It'd be a good idea to actually read the bill."

"Do you understand that free trade is the elimination of all tariffs on all goods and services? The reason the tariff is there is irrelevant, it's presence means we will not have free trade. It would be a good idea if you read a book about economics before making it up as you go along."

[The Liberated Territories]

OOC: What sort of nonsense is Ark feeding you? Tariffs are arguably as bad as corporate taxes.

"In the early 2000s Curious George attempted to raise steel tariffs in the US from 8% all the way to 30% in some cases. The results were devastating; 200,000 Americans lost their jobs to the steel tariffs during 2002, or $4 billion in wages. One out of four of these job losses occurred in the metal
manufacturing, machinery and equipment and transportation equipment and parts sectors. Sauce. The tariffs were primarily designed for, like all protectionism, for the few at the expense of the many. They were so bad for everyone, the World Trade Organization called the tariffs, illegal. Thankfully, he lifted "some" to prevent a trade war with the EU, which would of damaged the US economy.

Tariffs suck."

"Do you understand that this is not a protectionist tariff? It is a neutral import and export duty. Pretty much every country has minimal customs duties like this. It'd be a good idea to actually read the bill."

All tariffs are protectionist. Just imagine the state as it's own corporation, and all corporations under it subsidarities.

If such high numbers on steel alone caused so much complication, than what would a export and import duty do? Drive businesses away, kill jobs, create a black market, etc.

[The Nihilistic view]

Gloria drinks from a milk carton totally not filled with scotch.

"RAW MILK. WE HAVE A RAW MILK DRINKER HERE!"

"ARREST THIS GUY - HE' S DRINKING RAW MILK!"

"I thought only babies drank "cooked" milk. Don't tell me your mum still warms up milk for you every night before bed?"