The prospect of restricting cheap tire imports from China has resulted in the classic free trade arguments that we have seen in this country for decades. Consumers will pay more for a product, corporate profits will be reduced, etc., etc.

These arguments have worked with great success as virtually no import restrictions have been imposed in any area of our manufacturing economy for years. Piece by piece, the manufacturing heart of our country continues to be hollowed out. And with this, we see the loss of the great middle class in this country.

Our middle class was the linchpin in the incredible growth of manufacturing in this great country and set our economy apart from other countries around the world.

This is all changing and has been since we started worshipping at the altar of free trade. The argument and issues forwarded by Les Schwab in defense of cheap tires from China is a microcosm of what has been going on in this country for so long.

The imposition of limits or tariffs on cheap Chinese tires may hurt Les Schwab in the short term, but it will adjust. While I admit I don’t know the tire business, I do know that I buy from Les Schwab, not for cheap pricing but for the exceptional service it provides. Having to acquire some of its tire needs from other sources may not be easy for Les Schwab, but it will surely survive as it has since long before China ever manufactured a single tire.

Our country must take a stand at some point in this terribly destructive trend, the loss of manufacturing to China and other low-cost sources.

Edgar Gardner

Redmond