Below, Tom Palmer reminds hyper-nativist Lou Dobbs that protectionist policies always undermine American liberty, prosperity, and national security. Tom is an excellent debater, so it's always fun to watch him in action. But seeing the irascible Dobbs blow a few gaskets may be the most entertaining part of the clip. (Next time, let's hope Lou combusts!)
I'm surprised that Young Americans for Liberty would post this, seeing as how Tom Palmer is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has dismissed ideas of globalism and the North American Union as "crazy conspiracy theories" made up by "kooks."
He's said "I don’t worry much about “sovereignty,” which I consider to be a statist and illiberal concept to begin with." This is not somebody with whom the YAL should associate. Free trade is good, but our current system is not one of free trade, but managed trade that leaches our SOVEREIGNTY, which is one the most important concepts we should hold dear. It's the exact opposite of "statism." Where does he come up with this?
Sometimes good opinions come from otherwise bad people -- and credit should be given where credit is due. Posting this video is hardly "associating" with the man, just as posting videos of Alan Grayson excellently railing against the Fed or foreign interventionism doesn't mean approving of his dismal views on health care.
In short, it's perfectly possible to recognize agreement with someone on one point without subscribing to their entire system of thought and record of actions. And that's all this post does.
I think Tom Palmer is a good person in general anyways. I don't think associating with him would be a bad thing at all.
I proudly associate with Tom Palmer. He's a wonderful intellectual influence and a good man.
P.S.- Contra Vince, Tom tells me he has no association with the CFR.
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