What’s Wrong With a Limited Trade War?

From the standpoint of economic impact, the James Risen article “German Car Makers Will Honk for Joy” (May 28) makes no sense.

In commenting most specifically how BMW will benefit by the tariffs charged on luxury Japanese cars, he comes out against the action but never explains what is wrong with a limited trade war. He also assumes this action will increase business for the German car makers but not the U.S. car makers. How can he make that assumption?

Japan cannot afford a trade war with the United States. They have more to lose than we do. We, therefore, should at least demand a level playing field for our companies marketing their goods in Japan.

The worst thing this action could cause is a few people at some Japanese car dealerships to lose their jobs, while jobs at other dealerships will grow--and jobs at U.S. auto manufacturers may grow as a bonus of this action.

Indeed, an all-out trade war with Japan could only hurt that country by giving U.S. companies the incentive to resume making products no longer manufactured here. It might be a blessing in disguise.

Furthermore, much research indicates we are better off involving ourselves in trade with the Western European countries whose standards of living and economic structure are such that the products they are marketing here by and large will not contribute to the continuing slide in the standard of living in the United States.

When it comes to a trade war with Japan, the President should stand firm and do whatever is necessary to open Japan’s markets to trade with no fear of the consequences.

MICHAEL L. STEMPEL

West Hollywood