Tariffs and sky high audio prices.

@ghasely

Agreed. A great corollary to what you just said was when a talk show host asked a German businessman why he paid so much in taxes and didn’t mind it. His response was that he’d rather be a wealthy man in a wealthy country, than a wealthy man in a poor country.

The Nordic countries, where taxation is high, have a B.M.I. (a basic monthly income that guarantees a livable standard) and what used to be a minimum wage of around $20/hr so yes, they were and are more than happy to pay higher taxes since they’re covered from the cradle to the grave. They have the best outcomes in all measured areas, the lowest inequality, and lead the happiest lives on the planet.

Americans who’ve worked in these countries were amazed at the quality of life, only to be back under stress when returning home.

All the best,
Nonoise

Good points all around. Knowingly, I never buy Audio gear from china.
Happy Listening!

Regarding the Gold Standard: “Those who fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” (Sir Winston Churchill)  

@rodman99999 
Now here's something we can agree on! Any S.S. monies borrowed by the politicians have to be paid back. Since when can they claim some form of bankruptcy when they created the mess? Bills were forced on Americans who tried to create jobs and business, and failed or were overwhelmed by medical bills, only to have no second chance but to repay, in full, plus interest, on their debts. I think it was Thomas Jefferson who had something like 7 bankruptcies trying to invent and create something that would benefit people.

All the best,
Nonoise

@rodman99999 

Regarding the gold standard: "Gold does not taste very good, even with seasoning. It generates no returns unless it is at someone else's expense" (ME)

@jafant 

I buy gear made by Americans and sold by Americans, unless it happens to have been made elsewhere by people somewhere else. I believe in free trade and legal purchases.

@nonoise 

I appreciate your words and agree with your post without reservation.