Protectionist Trade Measures

I reject the arguments that foreign trade protectionism will result in (1) the consumer being deprived of quality foreign products and (2) that it will invite retaliatory measures by our trading partners.

As to the former, the protection that would be given to U.S. industries and businesses that have been severely affected by the trade imbalance, will give them breathing room during which to improve their organizations and advance their technology so that they could regain their competitive edge against foreign products.

As to the latter, the best way to refute it is to state the fact that Japan--the practitioner par excellence of protectionism (I need not detail the many areas in its economy that it is shielding from foreign competition)--has never ever up to this point in time been retaliated against by any country. On the contrary it is thriving from the practice. It will not be to the advantage of Japan to launch a trade war.

I salute those nationalistic and patriotic Americans who buy American goods instead of foreign products.

LEON L. CONCEPCION

Cerritos