There has always been an isolationist streak in American politics. Among others, our first President, George Washington, in his farewell address, cautioned the new nation about becoming entangled in the affairs of other nations.

But, the history of our country and the world changed. Whether we liked it or not, we were thrust into world affairs in the twentieth century by both World War I and World War II. America became the leader of the free world. In that capacity, we forged international agreements and alliances to keep the peace.

We also encouraged international trade and commerce as a necessary part of keeping nations engaged with each other, instead of making war on each other. There was at least one good outcome to the terrible toll of human life in World War II–we helped rebuild the two enemies we had destroyed, Germany and Japan. They became bulwarks of freedom and democracy and have become strong allies in Europe and the Pacific.

Now, with the Trump tariffs, we are marching backwards. We are trying to go it alone, to dictate to other countries the terms of trade and commerce. We are building a wall around ourselves. Our message to other nations is clear: “You need us, we don’t need you!” Where will it end?

When the President announced his new tariffs, he referenced a list of many countries and their tariff rates on U.S. goods. One was Bangladesh…one of the poorest countries in the world which he said had a tariff rate of about 80%. Now, the United States, I expect, will impose that same rate on them…a “reciprocal” tariff.

What does this mean? It obviously doesn’t mean that we will sell more cars or much of anything else to Bangladesh. However, it does mean that the United States will now put an 80% tax on consumer goods like clothing, T-shirts, etc. that come from Bangladesh. Who gets hurt? Not Bangladesh…but Americans who wear T-shirts and other clothes manufactured there.

Brilliant – talk about shooting yourself in the foot. It is primarily Americans who are going to foot the bill for Trump’s tariffs.

But, what to me is more worrisome, is the attitude of arrogance being displayed by our country. “It is our way or the highway. Get out of the way if you don’t like it!” What a way to win friends and influence people around the world.

Perhaps, the most egregious treatment that has been dished out by this administration is upon Canada and Canadians…next door neighbors and longstanding friends of ours. They too are supposed to get in line and follow us over the cliff we have created. If they continue to object by banning American whiskey from their shelves, good for them. Maybe it will wake up some people in Washington… or at least those who represent Kentucky.

Going it alone is not the American way. We are on a bad path right now.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.