The case for free trade and open immigration

[The Real timschochet]

https://fee.org/articles/the-case-for-free-trade-and-open-immigration/

This was written 30 years ago. It was written, not by liberals or leftists, but by libertarians who, like Ayn Rand, support as free a society as possible. I believe it was published originally in Reason magazine. 
 

Times have certainly changed, but economic principles have not. For those who regard my views on these issues as leftist, a reminder that capitalism is at the core of my belief system. 

[The Real timschochet]

Sorry my bad- the link only goes to a review of the article, not the article itself which has since been made into a book. Here is the book on Amazon; it is free to download on Kindle: 

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Free-Trade-Open-Immigration/dp/0964044749

[TBayXXXVII]

No argues against free trade.  Some of us point out that we (the US), shouldn't be the only country that this applies to.  If someone is putting tariffs on our imports, I have no problem with reciprocation.

Open borders is an absurd idea.  I'll never agree with it. 

[The Real timschochet]

Just now, TBayXXXVII said:

No argues against free trade.  Some of us point out that we (the US), shouldn't be the only country that this applies to.  If someone is putting tariffs on our imports, I have no problem with reciprocation.

Open borders is an absurd idea.  I'll never agree with it. 

1. Free trade refers to unilateral free trade as well. The idea being that a half a loaf is better than no loaf. Historically, tariffs designed to force free trade have not worked; they only lead to higher tariffs. 
 

2. Open immigration is not open borders. It means, in general terms, controlled immigration open to all, with restrictions only for criminals and the unhealthy. Much as we’ve had for most of this countries’ history with amazing positive results. It has nothing whatsoever to with border control. 

[5-Points]

2 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

1. Free trade refers to unilateral free trade as well. The idea being that a half a loaf is better than no loaf. Historically, tariffs designed to force free trade have not worked; they only lead to higher tariffs. 
 

2. Open immigration is not open borders. It means, in general terms, controlled immigration open to all, with restrictions only for criminals and the unhealthy. Much as we’ve had for most of this countries’ history with amazing positive results. It has nothing whatsoever to with border control. 

Everyone around the world is free to apply for U.S. citizenship. 

[TBayXXXVII]

5 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

1. Free trade refers to unilateral free trade as well. The idea being that a half a loaf is better than no loaf. Historically, tariffs designed to force free trade have not worked; they only lead to higher tariffs. 
 

2. Open immigration is not open borders. It means, in general terms, controlled immigration open to all, with restrictions only for criminals and the unhealthy. Much as we’ve had for most of this countries’ history with amazing positive results. It has nothing whatsoever to with border control. 

Call it what you want, my point remains on tariffs.  If someone is imposing it on us, I'm fine with the same.

We do have open immigration.  Almost no one has a problem with this, not sure why this is an issue unless you want to use it as a stepping stone for open borders.

[The Real timschochet]

3 minutes ago, 5-Points said:

Everyone around the world is free to apply for U.S. citizenship. 

Yes but it’s not offered evenly and it’s completely racist as currently structured:  

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/us-immigration-policy-a-classic-unappreciated-example-of-structural-racism/

[Meglamaniac]

1 minute ago, The Real timschochet said:

Yes but it’s not offered evenly and it’s completely racist as currently structured:  

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/us-immigration-policy-a-classic-unappreciated-example-of-structural-racism/

JHC, everything is racist

[The Real timschochet]

2 minutes ago, TBayXXXVII said:

 

We do have open immigration.  

Apparently you guys live in an alternate universe. It’s not the real one. 

[The Real timschochet]

1 minute ago, Meglamaniac said:

JHC, everything is racist

Well a whole lot is. We’ve been trying to tell you that for years. Our current immigration system certainly is. 

[Meglamaniac]

1 minute ago, The Real timschochet said:

Apparently you guys live in an alternate universe. It’s not the real one. 

Yea, everyone else is wrong Tim

[Meglamaniac]

Just now, The Real timschochet said:

Well a whole lot is. We’ve been trying to tell you that for years. Our current immigration system certainly is. 

OK

[The Real timschochet]

Just now, Meglamaniac said:

Yea, everyone else is wrong Tim

Just the dudes who claim that our current immigration system is fair and open to all. 

[Meglamaniac]

Just now, The Real timschochet said:

Just the dudes who claim that our current immigration system is fair and open to all. 

OK

[The Real timschochet]

Just now, Meglamaniac said:

OK

I invite you to read the link. Then if you have doubts please express them. 

[Meglamaniac]

1 minute ago, The Real timschochet said:

I invite you to read the link. Then if you have doubts please express them. 

OK

[TheNewGirl]

45 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

 

2. Open immigration is not open borders. It means, in general terms, controlled immigration open to all, with restrictions only for criminals and the unhealthy. 

If you read the INA, you'd see we already have this. 

Stop using commentary and opinion pieces as research. The link you posted above is a commentary piece on if we treat white immigrants differently than brown. 

 

[Horseman]

 

34 minutes ago, Meglamaniac said:

Yea, everyone else is wrong Tim

It's a huge part of his mental disability. His ego demands people pay him attention so he develops a warped world view to accomplish that.  It's why he takes ridiculous positions like open borders and it's OK to rape a minor if she looks older.  

[The Real timschochet]

39 minutes ago, TheNewGirl said:

If you read the INA, you'd see we already have this. 

Stop using commentary and opinion pieces as research. The link you posted above is a commentary piece on if we treat white immigrants differently than brown. 

 

We don’t already have this and we DO treat white immigrants different from brown. Always have. What you call opinion pieces and commentary are filled with facts and statistics. HTH

[The Real timschochet]

32 minutes ago, Horseman said:

 

It's a huge part of his mental disability. His ego demands people pay him attention so he develops a warped world view to accomplish that.  It's why he takes ridiculous positions like open borders and it's OK to rape a minor if she looks older.  

Your psychoanalysis of me is both fascinating and ignorant. Perhaps we should examine what would cause a random dude on the idiot to constantly brag about his millions and hot wife. 

[Horseman]

2 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

Your psychoanalysis of me is both fascinating and ignorant. Perhaps we should examine what would cause a random dude on the idiot to constantly brag about his millions and hot wife. 

Why do real men concern themselves with wealth and success instead of trannies, illegals and underage girls.  Must be a real conundrum in Tim's imaginary world.  

[HellToupee]

53 minutes ago, Horseman said:

It's a huge part of his mental disability. His ego demands people pay him attention

The past few days he’s been craving attention . This was his behavior in the PSF from time to time. It’s like he has manic episodes 

[Horseman]

1 minute ago, HellToupee said:

The past few days he’s been craving attention . This was his behavior in the PSF from time to time. It’s like he has manic episodes 

He did say in another thread he was depressed, then an hour later he wasn't suffering at all.  His shrink must be making a fortune.  

[The Real timschochet]

15 minutes ago, Horseman said:

Why do real men 

Perhaps when a real man (besides myself) actually enters this thread we can ask that question. 

[Strike]

7 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

Perhaps when a real man (besides myself) actually enters this thread we can ask that question. 

I've seen your picture.  You're not a real man.  

[Meglamaniac]

9 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

Perhaps when a real man (besides myself) actually enters this thread we can ask that question. 

LOL

TRT got the jokes

[Meglamaniac]

10 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

Perhaps when a real man (besides myself) actually enters this thread we can ask that question. 

What color is your fanny pack?

1 comb or two inside?

[Cdub100]

Shut down all immigration. We don't need more people with coming AI take over. We need less 

Free trade works when the two parties are on equal footing. You can't have one country (the US) impose a bunch of restrictions on industry and wages and expect balanced free trade with another (china) that doesn't impose those same restrictions. It's a a joke to suggest otherwise 

[Horseman]

5 minutes ago, Meglamaniac said:

What color is your fanny pack?

1 comb or two inside?

he doesn't have any use for a comb 

[The Real timschochet]

31 minutes ago, Cdub100 said:

Shut down all immigration. We don't need more people with coming AI take over. We need less 

Free trade works when the two parties are on equal footing. You can't have one country (the US) impose a bunch of restrictions on industry and wages and expect balanced free trade with another (china) that doesn't impose those same restrictions. It's a a joke to suggest otherwise 

You’re the best validation for my viewpoints around. 

[Cdub100]

6 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said:

You’re the best validation for my viewpoints around. 

As are you. This thread in particular you advocate for slave labor in China. To replace people's jobs with lesser skilled folks whether externally to the country or internally through immigration. 

Everything you push for is to the detriment of the American people specifically the white European class.

[Maximum Overkill]

3 hours ago, The Real timschochet said:

controlled immigration open to all, with restrictions

Are you Transtifa?  

[Mike Hunt]

3 hours ago, The Real timschochet said:

1. Free trade refers to unilateral free trade as well. The idea being that a half a loaf is better than no loaf. Historically, tariffs designed to force free trade have not worked; they only lead to higher tariffs. 
 

2. Open immigration is not open borders. It means, in general terms, controlled immigration open to all, with restrictions only for criminals and the unhealthy. Much as we’ve had for most of this countries’ history with amazing positive results. It has nothing whatsoever to with border control. 

Just follow the immigration Federal Laws that are in place now.

[The Real timschochet]

43 minutes ago, Maximum Overkill said:

Are you Transtifa?  

Lol I’ve never heard that term. I like it though. 

[The Real timschochet]

1 hour ago, Cdub100 said:

As are you. This thread in particular you advocate for slave labor in China. To replace people's jobs with lesser skilled folks whether externally to the country or internally through immigration. 

Everything you push for is to the detriment of the American people specifically the white European class.

I have an antipathy towards slave labor. A few years back, in an event you claim never happened, one of my grandparents was a slave laborer. So you’re wrong again. But nice try. 

[5-Points]

4 hours ago, The Real timschochet said:

Yes but it’s not offered evenly and it’s completely racist as currently structured:  

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/us-immigration-policy-a-classic-unappreciated-example-of-structural-racism/

It shouldn't be offered "evenly." It should be strictly merit based. 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

 

[RaiderHaters Revenge]

this is the dumbest title thread ever

we have WORK VISAS use them

 

[cyclone24]

On 8/15/2025 at 11:44 AM, The Real timschochet said:

Well a whole lot is. We’ve been trying to tell you that for years. Our current immigration system certainly is. 

Lol what? So because we don’t let in every single person that happens to fall under a demographic that’s a different race than White that makes us racist?

 

Yeah, I’m out on this one. You guys can have at this nonsense.

[Caine Mutiny]

Hey thanks for bringing this back. So good.