Bush Administration Gets Confused, Raises Tariffs on *Exports*

Any right-minded protectionist puts tariffs on imports to help out domestic industry. It's generally not good economics, but at least the intention is well-meant. But when I see the Bush Administration adding all kinds of additional security and privacy-violating measures for travellers from Europe, it makes me think they've gotten a bit confused in their economic policy. When European residents travel to America, one thing we tend to do is spend money there. On things like hotels, restaurants, and shopping. This is called *tourism*, and it's considered an export of American services. So it makes no sense to *increase barriers* to tourists entering the country to spend money there.

Posted