To the editor: Twain vs. Trump

Mark Twain said that free traders win the arguments but protectionists win the votes. The arguments in favor of trade are compelling because mutually beneficial exchange is fundamental to all of economics. We specialize in and sell the things we do best, and trade for (buy) what others do best. The gains to both parties in the trade occur whether we are buying and selling within our communities or trading with people in other states or in other countries. We specialize in the things in which we have...