I think that the tariffs and such were one reason we lost the monopolies on tobacco, cotton and now soybeans. It is if the leaders cannot see what they are doing and what they have done in the past, but only repeat their mistakes. I guess that by not having skin in the game, it is easier to piss away any advantages other people you had. I think this is one of the best arguments for having “economy and state” seperation, just like “church and state” seperation.