As opposed to what?
We've already got chronic trade imbalances. And what would be the effect on the economy of a successful terrorist attack? Better to swallow the bitter pill now than to die of the disease later.
And shouldn't we be building up local industry anyway? Or at least industry in the free world? If this ill-considered economic adventure in Red China were to come to a screeching halt, that would be by far a lesser evil. Our corporations have been blinded by greed on this issue for far too long. They want everyone to forget Tienanmen Square, just like they're trying to forget it.
And even if our economy is being held hostage by Beijing, how does playing along help us in the long run? They're only going to shoot the hostages later, anyway. It's like doing business with Microsoft. Or Hitler. You're hoping to be eaten last.
If what you say is true, then we're addicted to products that come from nondemocratic regimes. Arab oil, Red Chinese fashion accessories. And all you can think of is where's the next fix coming from? You should be thinking of how to get off the junk.
And don't go bitching about the pain of withdrawal. We're at war, dammit. You have to expect economic discomfort. And you can't avoid it by surrendering. That never works, unless it's the US you're surrendering to.
Everything's impossible until you're willing to do what it takes.
