High(er) tariffs and low taxes

[ChristopherJ]

Can anyone explain to me why RP prefers low tariffs on imported goods?

I have heard him say that he prefers low taxes and low tariffs. Am I wrong about this? It seems to me a better way would be lower taxes and higher tariffs (not outrageously high). I will admit that this is somewhat of a protectionist point of view but on the surface it makes sense to me.

With lower taxes people would have more money to spend on foreign goods if they wanted them and the higher tariff would make American made products more competitive on the US market. This in turn would theoretically help rebuild our manufacturing base and provide more jobs for the middle class.

I must admit I'm certainly no expert when it comes to this stuff so if you disagree with me please explain why and I am certainly willing to change my mind.

[fsk]

All forms of taxation are theft.

Lower taxes is less stealing.

[noxagol]

High tariffs here encourage high tariffs else where. Several times when the US adopted high tariffs, countries the US traded with returned the favor. If you build a manufacturing base in order to produce goods to be sent overseas, a high tariff in the target country kind of makes that hard to do.