http://www.tradediversion.net/archives/2007/07/misleading-metaphors.html Commentary on development, globalization, and trade by Jonathan Dingel Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:16:24 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 http://www.tradediversion.net/archives/2007/07/misleading-metaphors.html/comment-page-1#comment-188 Jim Wed, 04 Jul 2007 03:38:32 +0000 http://www.tradediversion.net/?p=546#comment-188 I agree it's not a great metaphor. I'd be more inclined to compare the issue to education: we don't expect children to compete on the job market as soon as they're physically able, because we know it's better to protect them from competition while they acquire skills. Similarly enough, it takes time to learn how to produce higher-value products at the industrial level, so why shouldn't governments be able to protect certain industries/firms while that happens? I agree it’s not a great metaphor. I’d be more inclined to compare the issue to education: we don’t expect children to compete on the job market as soon as they’re physically able, because we know it’s better to protect them from competition while they acquire skills. Similarly enough, it takes time to learn how to produce higher-value products at the industrial level, so why shouldn’t governments be able to protect certain industries/firms while that happens?

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