https://democraticunderground.com/100220520850Pototan (2,755 posts)
Tue Jul 29, 2025, 04:18 AM
5
Recommend
Trump Tariff deal is unfair to Philippines
Trump does not negotiate, he bullies. His dealings more resemble an Al Capone protection racket. A 19% Tariff on Philippine goods and a 0% on American goods is a humiliation to a steadfast US Asian ally.
The Philippines has a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 12%. Everyone has to pay that, including importers. A fair deal would have been a 15% Tariff on Philippine exports to America and a 3% Tariff on American goods coming to the Philippines. That would amount to recognizing the VAT as a Tariff and reciprocating the 3% in order to get to that 15%
An unfair deal in the Philippines, or involving any ally, makes the existing Democratic government vulnerable and substitutable to an anti-American opposition party coming to power.
This is a guy who has boasted many times about selling everything he has in the US and moving to the Philippines where life is so much less expensive than it is in the US. How he is able to be really comfortable in (I think) an early retirement.
First, why the hell should the US have to recognize the Philippines VAT?? That is none of our concern. That is a tax you are willing to pay to live there and is not imposed by the US.
Second, suck it DUmmie! You moved there of your own volition. If the Philippines want to play ball, this is how it is played.
Irish_Dem (72,734 posts)
1. The goal is to break up US alliances with Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico.
Reply to Pototan (Original post)
Tue Jul 29, 2025, 05:19 AM
Make all US allies no longer respect or trust the US.
In fact hate the US.
And also yes it is an extortion scheme on Trump's part.
As he takes a wrecking ball to the US economy, the federal govt, our allies, he is make a great deal of money.
Harvard is going to agree to pay him $500 million.
We know he is getting bribes from many sources.
All going directly into his pocket.
Ok "reality based community member" tell me what the end game of your stated goal?
Point #2, if you know he's getting bribes, where is he getting them from, and why isn't he being prosecuted for those bribes?
KC
