We woke up today to find out that Free Range, Free Trading, Fair Trading President Trump had imposed a 5% tariff on Mexican goods imported into the United States that will grow to 25%. We imported almost $400,000,000,000 of Mexican goods into the US in 2018.

Do the math — 5% equals $20,000,000,000 while 25% equals $100,000,000,000 in tariff revenue.

I have one thing to say — “What took you so damn long?”

I will spare you the factual basis for why the US should punish Mexico other than to say that Mexico is the launching pad for illegal immigration into the United States.

For that reason alone, we should take a stern approach to our relationship with Mexico. When Hamas fires missiles from Gaza into Israel, Israel responds with air attacks. Granted, a bit more serious.

Nonetheless, we would not have the crisis at the border if Mexico didn’t allow illegal immigrants — illegal immigrants into Mexico also except they are passing through from Central America — to camp out in their country until they decide to assault our border.

Mexico is a staging area for this illegal activity.

Two quick thoughts:

 1. These tariffs will be paid by those who elect to buy Mexican goods.

If the goods you buy are not from Mexico, then there is no tariff.

I say that to reinforce the idea that tariffs — while clearly passed onto the ultimate consumer — are a voluntary tax.

If you don’t buy Mexican goods, you don’t pay any premium. 

 2. Remember when Mexico was going to pay for The Wall? Well, here’s a way they can.

I applaud and support the imposition of tariffs on Mexican imports as a fair and sound use of the powers of the US to reduce illegal immigration from Mexico.

Word to Mexico, “Donald Trump says the tariffs are off as soon as you stop launching illegals into the USA. You control your fate. Control it.”

But, hey, what the Hell do I really know anyway? I’m just a Big Red Car. Be good to yourselves. Have a great weekend. Call your parents and god parents.