[Erem]

Ah I read it as “the US was corrupt before, and that was OK because GDP was growing! So we are just returning to our roots now”

Now understanding the good faith argument better, doesn’t it even further support the ascendancy of China? The argument is: despite rampant spoils system corruption, the US eclipsed Great Britain on the strength of a large population with low trade barriers alone (both internal and external)

But China is now the country with the largest population and low trade barriers. So aren’t they playing the role of 1800s USA and we the role of Great Britain here in 2026?

Aside, I appreciate the content of your post, but it really does distract your point to sling insults like hysterical towards other commenters

[hollerith]

>it really does distract your point to sling insults like hysterical towards other commenters

Thanks for this.