June 26, 2018

The Harley aura.


215 comments:

1 – 200 of 215   Newer›   Newest»
Jersey Fled said...

He's right. HD is the quintessential American bike. A HD built in Thailand or Europe will never be a HD.

Shouting Thomas said...

The aura is long gone.

Go into any HD store now and you'll find rows and rows of bikes costing from $20,000 to $50,000.

The roughneck image of HD is pretty much dead. Unless you are making big money, you can't afford one.

So, the clientele of HD ain't what it used to be.

Martin said...

I wish he wouldn't go "They will be taxed like never before." Even if all he means is that by losing their "aura" they will become fair game, coming from POTUS that is too much like a threat.

Nonapod said...

Where I live there's constantly noisey Harley's roaring around in the Spring and Summer. I aways find it more than a little goofy that the soutlaw image that is being sold by Harley-Davidsom comes at a starting price of something like $30k.

hombre said...

I can remember when tariffs were imposed on foreign motorcycles that exceeded a particular displacement in order to bail out an uncompetitive Harley-Davidson. Harley’s always had its problems.

Comanche Voter said...

On this one The Donald should put a sock in it. This "taxed like never before" threat is empty. After all Lois Lerner has left the IRS. Without weasels like her, this sort of talk is humbug.

Karen of Texas said...

So what exactly is he wanting to distract from while everyone is off chasing the "taxed like never before" squirrel?

Anonymous said...

Aren't some already made overseas and this would just shift a little more production there [all intended for the European market, where new tariffs were imposed on them]?

And yes, it does sound like he is leveling a threat to tax their company extra to make an example out of them. Not a good Presidential look, to say the least.

Etienne said...

I'm a Yamaha dirt bike man myself. 2-stroke baby!

Trump needs taxes to militarize space.

Chuck said...

This from the guy whose shit was made in 12 foreign countries including China.

mccullough said...

Harley went with the upper middle class middle age guy market awhile ago. Was a dumb move. Bikes are too costly and not reliable. They were throwing shit on the wall to try and distract their shareholders with their statement. Now Trump has thrown a bucket of shit st them.

Make a better bike for less or go out of business. It’s thst simple.

Hagar said...

Moving manufacturing facilities is a major, long term decision. The tariff kerfuffle has been up for how long?
If Harley-Davidson indeed is moving manufacturing abroad, it was decided long before Trump sounded his warning siren.

alan markus said...

I saw this in a different article; In recent years, it opened plants in Brazil, India, and Australia. It's beginning operations at a facility in Thailand later this year.

The downside of this tariff "war" is introducing uncertainty into the markets. After Trump was elected, the stock market responded favorably because of the seeming certainty that companies would not be hit with new costly regulations and taxes. Now, the EU upped the tariff on HDs from 6% to 31%? That is the kind of uncertainty that will affect the stock market. Companies do not know what their imported raw materials will cost if subject to future tariffs, and they do not know how their exported products will be treated in other countries.

roesch/voltaire said...

How nice for a sitting president to threaten an American manufacturing firm. HD has been building plants in SE Asian for some time now because that is the way to reach a growing market while here the baby boomers are getting too old and brides like Moto Guzzi or Indian or Triumph etc are strong competition for a younger faster crowd.

AZ Bob said...

" ...they will be taxed like never before!"

What is that supposed to mean?

Fernandinande said...

Harley cost me about $500 in "protect-Harley" import taxes when I bought an 1100cc bike in 1985.

tim maguire said...

A very Trumpian tweet--he's right, but a president shouldn't be talking like this.

Presidents used to have underlings and acolytes do their dirty work for them.

traditionalguy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
traditionalguy said...

Maybe taxed like never before means 1 Cent more than before's taxes. And besides, no one wants to ride a Thai sized Hog.

Curious George said...

"Chuck said...
This from the guy whose shit was made in 12 foreign countries including China."

That's where all the contract manufactuurers are ChucKKK. He was playing the cards he was dealt with dumb fuck. As awesome as he is, he can't change trade laws as a private citizen.

tommyesq said...

I am not sure his "taxed like never before" was meant as a threat that the U.S. would impose retaliatory tax increases against Harley Davidson - he may have meant that the tax rates in the countries to which they would move production are so much higher that the increased business there will result in taxes "like never before." For example, according to TradingEconomics.com, the overall corporate tax rate in Brazil is 34%; Thailand is currently at 20%, which is a 30-year low; India is at 34.6%; and Australia is at 30%. The corporate tax rate in the U.S. is 21%. In other words, shifting to all but Thailand will result in taxes :like never before." Moreover, Harley had begun constructing plants in India and Brazil well before the imposition of tariffs, suggesting that they intended to move at least some production overseas without regard to the tariffs.

Jersey Fled said...

The "taxed like nothing before" comment does not necessarily mean us. Have you looked at how the Europeans tax business lately? That's why so many European companies have plants here. I worked for three of them, two German and one Dutch.

And oh by the way. Remember when Obama threatened to tax the coal industry out of business?

Thirdly, HD avoided bankruptcy during Vietnam Nam by building bomb casings for the military.

Gretchen said...

Really bad PR for Harley Davidson. Their branding is "American". If it made more sense to make some parts oversees, that would be fine, but do so quietly, and don't make political statements that not only are contra-branding, but likely will turn off 50% or more of your customers.

mccullough said...

The plant in Australia closed earlier this year. In 2011, Harley threatened the Australian government that it was going to move the plant to China. After getting some bribes from the Aussie government, in 2013 it said it was going to stay. 5 years later it is closing.

Harley Davidson doesn’t make products that enough people want at the price Harley wants. Trump isn’t the Australian government. He just gave Harley the back of the hand. Good. The people who run that company are scum.

Curious George said...

"Gretchen said...
Really bad PR for Harley Davidson. Their branding is "American". If it made more sense to make some parts oversees, that would be fine, but do so quietly, and don't make political statements that not only are contra-branding, but likely will turn off 50% or more of your customers."

Agreed, but no Harley's claim of moving production because of tariffs is crap. That decision was made long before Trump came out and started to even the playing field. It was a simple cost cutting measure that looks like it will bite them in the ass.

Chris said...

"He's right. HD is the quintessential American bike. A HD built in Thailand or Europe will never be a HD."

Some may have said the same of Triumph, but Triumph builds bikes in the UK and in Thailand, and they are some of the best bikes in the world with a huge following. I own two myself. I don't care a tinkers cuss that my Tiger 800 XRX was built in Thailand. Who cares as long as the quality is good.

Fernandinande said...

The Harley aura.

The distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a motorcycle with no mufflers.

Chuck said...

Curious George said...
"Chuck said...
This from the guy whose shit was made in 12 foreign countries including China."

That's where all the contract manufactuurers are ChucKKK. He was playing the cards he was dealt with dumb fuck. As awesome as he is, he can't change trade laws as a private citizen.


Bullshit. While Trump ties were being made in China, this was the list of American-made neckties:

https://www.usalovelist.com/american-made-neckties-bow-ties/

And by the way; with dumbshit Trump talking about how Harleys should always be made in the USA, they still will be made in the USA. In Wisconsin and in Pennsylvania. It's just that those workers won't get the work of making Harleys for sale in England and Germany and Spain and Italy, etc. That work will be denied to them, by Trump's tariff trade war. Euro Harleys will have to be made in Europe, tax-wise.

So Trump's wrong, on top of being wrong.

Anonymous said...

mccullough: Harley went with the upper middle class middle age guy market awhile ago. Was a dumb move. Bikes are too costly and not reliable. They were throwing shit on the wall to try and distract their shareholders with their statement.

That was my understanding - that HD had long-since passed into over-priced "Boomer dickhead" territory.

I think the upper-middle-class middle-age+ guys I know have vintage Harleys, in addition to modern bikes of various (non-Harley) makes, but I had the distinct impression that recent-make Harleys are definitely not on the list of "machines that will impress and excite the envy of my peers".

Drago said...

r/v: "How nice for a sitting president to threaten an American manufacturing firm."

LOL

A lefty wrote that.

Just now.

History began 15 minutes ago.

Not even LLR Chuck can save r/v from him/her/xis/xer-self.

Anonymous said...

Harley is a company just like any other. They have to do what they think is best for their owners. Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, all have plants here because it makes the most economic sense for them. If Made in the USA is critical to Harley they will find out in a hurry. If not they'll find that out too. In this case it's Trump's opinion and he may be right and he may be wrong. It will be interesting to see what the consumers have to say about it. I tend to think that he is wrong.

Hagar said...

The process of shaking up the unequal "free trade" treaties have just begun. As of yet there is nothing permanent about either Trump's executive orders - which in themselves come with an inherent sunset clause - or the EU and China's responses. So far it is all media PR, while the various commerce departments try to absorb the developments and figure out what to do long term.

Limited blogger said...

My strategy has been to put faith in Trump's decisions. It's worked well so far.

Drago said...

LLR and #StrongEuropeanUnionUnfairTariffsDefender Chuck: " That work will be denied to them, by Trump's tariff trade war"

LOL

"Germany’s Largest Auto Makers Back Abolition of EU-U.S. Car Import Tariffs
The U.S. ambassador to Germany relayed the industry offer in meetings with Trump administration"

https://www.wsj.com/articles/germanys-largest-auto-makers-back-abolition-of-eu-u-s-car-import-tariffs-1529492027

And Trump is not done yet.

I do believe that we are now in the 18th month of the Trump Presidency and LLR Chuck has yet to be right about anything.

In fact, I'm introducing the "The LLR Chuck Axiom": Any position advocated by Chuck for republicans is self-defeating AND any prediction/analysis made by Chuck is guaranteed to be wrong in the long term.

Anonymous said...

The WSJ editorial board got on its high horse about this today. Here's my comment:
"There is no question that companies and people are going to be hurt in the struggle for 'fair" trade terms. The WSJ like so much of the MSM ignores the benefits: JSW Steel of India has committed to spend $1 Billion on two US steel plants- one in Texas and one in Ohio. Link to Economic Times article. In the end we will see how things balance out."

rhhardin said...

Harley doesn't get there's a negotiation in progress. Don't weaken Trump's position.

Curious George said...

"Chuck said...

Bullshit. While Trump ties were being made in China, this was the list of American-made neckties:"

I don't think you know what a contract manufacturer is. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Drago: In fact, I'm introducing the "The LLR Chuck Axiom": Any position advocated by Chuck for republicans is self-defeating...

I think you'll get close to 100% predictive accuracy with that one...

...AND any prediction/analysis made by Chuck is guaranteed to be wrong in the long term.

...but I think he may get a higher hit rate on predictions. But random chance, not the soundness of the analysis supporting the prediction, will probably be the reason.

rehajm said...

As of yet there is nothing permanent about either Trump's executive orders - which in themselves come with an inherent sunset clause - or the EU and China's responses. So far it is all media PR, while the various commerce departments try to absorb the developments and figure out what to do long term.

This. It's the optics and politics that matter here. Right now the US is running at an over 4 percent clip. Trade uncertainty could curb that a bit in the second half and when/if it does it will only temper a Fed that was turning hawkish.

...and I might be the only one speculating but there is a non zero chance Trump actually wins trade concessions.

pacwest said...

While I agree that the international trade playing field needs to be leveled I think Trump is making a mess of it. Firstly he is trying to do too many things at once. Threatening China at the same time that we need them to help with NK seems counterproductive. Pushing on allies to stand fast with us on international sanctions against Iran and imposing tarriffs unrelated to that is not going to get their support. And his belligerent rhetoric isn't helping. Look what the consequences in Mexico relationships are. Creating a international environment that is causing a golden age of strongmen isn't helping.

One thing at a time dude. And dial it back a notch. Rome wasn't built in a day.

rehajm said...

All the people I see riding Harleys are geezers.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Didn’t Drago say just yesterday that Harley moving some of it’s production overseas was no big deal?

So much outrage. Why does Trump care, do u?

Drago said...

Inga suddenly remembered what her "go to" narrative stance was supposed to be.

It's not her fault. That darn history keeps resetting!

Levi Starks said...

So... if I’m an hourly union worker (Democrat) and the Republican President threatens my employer in an attempt to save my job, how do I respond?

Drago said...

Inga: "Didn’t Drago say just yesterday that Harley moving some of it’s production overseas was no big deal?"

No. I said that in a tariff negotiation/positioning battle (where the US has almost all of the leverage and upside potential by the way), I will continue to look at the macro results and not micro results and will wait until all the trade negotiations are complete to render an overall verdict on the outcome.

I'm sorry if that continues to confuse you and your pal LLR Chuck.

Etienne said...

If law enforcement would enforce muffler laws, the Harley would disappear overnight.

MacMacConnell said...

Harley has been manufacturing bike parts overseas for some time, although bikes are assembled in the USA.

Long before Trump became President Harley was cutting domestic production. Three years ago they began "buy outs" to thin their work force at the Kansas City assembly plant, last winter they announced the plant would shut down and production would be consolidated in PA.

Harley's market is hard core road pirates and upper middle class buyers in the USA. A very large problem Harley has is that the younger generations aren't even entering the motorcycle culture of expensive large bikes or even other moderately price other brands.

Which brings us to why Harley has been planing breaking into the Indian and Asian markets for decades with their brand. Part of that is to manufacture there, but not the bike we think of as a Harley. The bikes Harley will manufacture overseas will be relatively small displacement bikes to sell in those countries where bikes are actual the primary form of personal transport, much like Europe after WWII.

Besides, who purchasing a $25 - 50,000 bike gives a shit if $2,200 is tacked on to the MSRP.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

No, Drago said it was no big deal and no one should care.

I guess Trump didn’t get Drago’s message.

Jeff said...

A couple of years ago I was riding my Honda ST1300 in Fairfax, VA, when I came across the Harley-Davidson dealership there. I parked and went in and was really amazed. They have all these bikes up on pedestals with soft lighting, as if they were holy artifacts to be worshipped. All that was missing was soft organ music. And the price tags were unbelievable as well. 30, 40, and even 50 thousand bucks! For a motorcycle! They have strayed very far from their roots.

Many of us ride Hondas because we can't afford the pickup truck accessory you need to get the Harley from place to place.

Trumpit said...

While Trump ties were being made in China, his lies are made in America. Unfortunately, no foreign tariff can stop his lying, but they can ruin the U.S. economy. Back and forth tariffs helped precipitate the Great Depression. If anyone can cause a Second Great Depression, or a Third World War, it will be ignoramus Trump. Make America Grovel Again (MAGA).

From Wikipedia:

Protectionism
Protectionism, such as the American Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act, is often indicated as a cause of the Great Depression, with countries enacting protectionist policies yielding a beggar thy neighbor result. The Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act was especially harmful to agriculture because it caused farmers to default on their loans. This event may have worsened or even caused the ensuing bank runs in the Midwest and West that caused the collapse of the banking system. A petition signed by over 1,000 economists was presented to the U.S. government warning that the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act would bring disastrous economic repercussions; however, this did not stop the act from being signed into law.

Governments around the world took various steps into spending less money on foreign goods such as: “imposing tariffs, import quotas, and exchange controls”. These restrictions formed a lot of tension between trade nations, causing a major deduction during the depression. Not all countries enforced the same measures of protectionism. Some countries raised tariffs drastically and enforced severe restrictions on foreign exchange transactions, while other countries condensed “trade and exchange restrictions only marginally."

Roughcoat said...

Well, Sonny Barger hated them, he's on record stating that he would have preferred the Hells Angels rode Japanese bikes, so right about now he's probably saying "good riddance."

Trumpit said...

In economics, a beggar-thy-neighbour policy is an economic policy through which one country attempts to remedy its economic problems by means that tend to worsen the economic problems of other countries.

Big Mike said...

He should have ended at the word “gone.”

bagoh20 said...

"r/v: "How nice for a sitting president to threaten an American manufacturing firm."

Obama and Hillary among others threatened entire American industries, and Obama actually tried and almost succeed in putting some out of business. Every outrage at Trump has a Democrat version that was just fine, and often applauded. I wonder why that is.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Dow Jones Futures: 5 Reasons Why The Market Sell-Off Was Worse Than It Seemed

Of course, no one is required to care.

pacwest said...

Another point. While the economic leverage we have on each individual country is immense, if nations band together in direct response to Trump's actions our negotiations are going to be from a far lesser position of strength. I think Trump is going to force them into banding together against us by the way he is handling it. One of my worries has always been how well his business experience would translate to governance. I hope he is listening to opposing viewpoints on this.

bagoh20 said...

I've had big cruiser bikes since I was 15, and I always avoided Harley. First, because they had terrible quality, and later because like tattoos, they became a poseur prop. I've had big Suzukis for decades, and never had one break down, not even once.

clint said...

Re: "...taxed like never before..."

He's said this several times over the last few years -- that he wants a tax on American companies that move their manufacturing abroad.

If this was the first time we'd heard of this, then yes, it would sound like he was threatening one company. But it's not. It's a general policy he's talked about many, many times.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

The negative impact of tariffs might have already started to show, notes Torsten Sløk, chief international economist at Deutsche Bank. It is striking that the significant tailwind from corporate tax cuts is now being offset by other forces, most likely the uncertainties associated with the ongoing trade war," wrote Sløk yesterday.

Of course, you don’t have to care.

bagoh20 said...

I hate tariffs, but there is no other way the get our trading partners to treat us fairly. We have been like bad parents, spoiling them, and now they need told "No". It will cause a lot of crying and temper tantrums, but it is necessary. Another problem Trump was handed that he refuses to kick down the road.

bagoh20 said...

As painful as a trade war might be, it needs fought, and we would never be in a better position to fight it than now.

Etienne said...

Any country that prints money based on the size of their debt, is going to win any tariff war.

Every time the national debt goes up 1 trillion, it allows us to print 2 trillion in new money.

The Jews started it, so it is Biblical.

bagoh20 said...

It's kind of like having a leaking pipe that is slowly ruining your house. You call the plumber and then bitch because he needs to turn off the water to fix it.

Jupiter said...

Blogger pacwest said...
"Threatening China at the same time that we need them to help with NK seems counterproductive. Pushing on allies to stand fast with us on international sanctions against Iran and imposing tarriffs unrelated to that is not going to get their support. And his belligerent rhetoric isn't helping. Look what the consequences in Mexico relationships are."

So I'm guessing you preferred Obama's approach.

MacMacConnell said...

Less we forget President Trump's stated end game is no tariffs.

Etienne said...

4-strokes belong under a hood.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Steel tariffs could force the nation's largest nail manufacturer to close or move to Mexico.

Mexico thanks Trump.

The Cracker Emcee Refulgent said...

"Blogger roesch/voltaire said...
How nice for a sitting president to threaten an American manufacturing firm"

Thank God you came out of that 8-year coma! Congratulations.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

People in Wisconsin love Harley Davidson, “taxing them like never before” might not go over so well here, but who knows?

Drago said...

Inga: "People in Wisconsin love Harley Davidson, “taxing them like never before” might not go over so well here, but who knows?"

Thus far your political instincts, such as they are, have proven to be......deficient.

pacwest said...

@Jupiter
Not sure how you determine that. I'm not even sure that Obama had an approach to any of this other than ignoring it. What I am saying is I think President Trump is trying to do too many things at once, and it is hindering the desired results by cumulative effect. Why would a criticism of Trump be equated with support for Obama? Don't be reflexive.

Drago said...

Inga: "No, Drago said it was no big deal and no one should care."

I don't blame you for trying this rather sad tactic.

You have nothing else.

Literally.

Any port in a storm.

Earnest Prole said...

Apparently Trump is now the CEO not only of America but of Harley-Davidson too.

Leland said...

Harley is already becoming the equivalent of GM/Ford for motorbikes. I don't blame them for expanding their market. But their are plenty of other US builders of cruising motorbikes. If people are looking for a nothing burger, here is one. What Harley is doing is comparable to loyal fans of the local pub band. The fans get pissed when the band goes commercial. This is just the next higher scale, going international.

MacMacConnell said...

"So I'm guessing you preferred Obama's approach."

1. Grovel or bow to foreign leader.
2. Apologize for America's sins.
3. Blow foreign leader.
4. Apologize for the quality of the blow job.
5. Send pallets of cash to foreign leader.
6. Sign a steaming pile of shit agreement.
7. Promise more blow jobs after the election.

Fabi said...

Did Stormy Daniels ride a Harley to the border?

Ken B said...

Well he is right about the aura. They produce an inferior product that relies on past glories and unquestioning fans. Like Star Wars or Star Trek or Tony Bennett. HD have thrown away their best asset: the foolishness of Harley buyers.

Joe Bar said...

I have bad news. Many H-Ds are already built overseas, in India!

Howard said...

EP: No, Trump has moved beyond CEO. He is the Pope and everything he says or does is considered infallible by his acolytes. These are religious proclamations and the cuckservatives work earnestly to spread the good news, brother and stone the heretics.

Joe Bar said...

H-D has been talking about doing this for over a decade. Their sales were declining, an it would be a way to increase sales in Europe, expanding the brand to global status.

They already build motorcycles in India to avoid the Indian tariff (I believe it is 100 or 200%), and to manufacture their newest line of "entry level" bikes.

MacMacConnell said...

Jeff said...
"A couple of years ago I was riding my Honda ST1300 in Fairfax, VA, when I came across the Harley-Davidson dealership there. I parked and went in and was really amazed. They have all these bikes up on pedestals with soft lighting, as if they were holy artifacts to be worshipped."

I know the guy whose family owns both massive HD dealers in KC. They've expanded twice in the last twenty years. The dealership closest to me is a massive remodeled auto plaza, the show room is over two basket ball courts in size. Every detail was controlled and approved by HD corporate, especially light fixtures.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Between motorcycles and cheese tariffs, Wisconsin will be feeling pain over Trump’s policies. No one outside of Wisconsin is required to care.

Wisconsin dairy farmers brace for cheese tariff impact

clint said...

@ pacwest
"Threatening China at the same time that we need them to help with NK seems counterproductive."

You've got that exactly backwards.

The tariff threats against China are the only reason they're "helping" with NK.

MayBee said...

These are the kinds of Trump tweets I can do without.

rehajm said...

Blogger roesch/voltaire said...
How nice for a sitting president to threaten an American manufacturing firm


Ha. I just assumed this was earnest.

tcrosse said...

Blogger Inga said...
Between motorcycles and cheese tariffs, Wisconsin will be feeling pain over Trump’s policies


I really don't care. Do U ?

Inga...Allie Oop said...

While fresh cranberries are spared, for now, the European Union is imposing a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. cranberry juice concentrate imports beginning June 22. The tariffs come after President Trump imposed tariffs, effective June 1, of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum from Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.

Wisconsin is the largest cranberry producer in the US.

Of course, no one needs to care.

pacwest said...

"I'm not even sure that Obama had an approach to any of this other than ignoring it."

"1. Grovel or bow to foreign leader."

I'll amend my previous statement to read 'I'm not even sure that Obama had an approach to any of this other than placing America in a secondary position.'

Anonymous said...

bagoh20: As painful as a trade war might be, it needs fought, and we would never be in a better position to fight it than now.

I think most reasonable observers sense that the status quo isn't sustainable. (No matter how often and how loudly one invokes Smoot-Hawley in its defense.) I would also think that they'd recognize that there will be winners and losers under *any* trade regime, even the most fair and free. So I don't know why anybody thinks that pointing out that this particular winner or that particular loser in itself represent any kind of meaningful argument for or against a trade policy. (I like your plumbing analogy.) As you suggest, in this and other comments, a larger, longer term view is in order. Hope your business isn't caught in the cross-fire!

Yeah, I know, I know what I just said is pompous babble, too, no more illuminating than what I criticized above. But these trade threads are usually little more than an exchange of anecdotes and potted econo-lectures on a technically and politically complex issue. (And that's just discussion among the intelligent and well-meaning posters, not idiots like the parrot and snark-bots like r/V.)

Inga...Allie Oop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inga...Allie Oop said...

I do care, but you don’t have to.

Anonymous said...

Leland: Harley is already becoming the equivalent of GM/Ford for motorbikes. I don't blame them for expanding their market.

Me neither. If their "aura" is dimmed in the U.S. and they can't grow or maintain sales in the this market, why wouldn't they move where they do have a lot more willing customers?

Ken B said...

Inga is right for once. The tariffs from the EU look targeted, to cost Trump swing states.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“...why wouldn't they move where they do have a lot more willing customers?”

Why indeed. Now ask Trump why he is so outraged over Harley.

Alex said...

Screw HD, they aren't American anymore.

Alex said...

Of course Inga doesn't care how the EU & China screws the American consumer with their tariffs, it all has to be one way punishment. Because.. REASONS!

Quaestor said...

Curious George Wrote: I don't think [Chuck knows] what a contract manufacturer is. Sad.

A consequence of attending the Close Cover Before Striking School of Law and Locksmithery.

Alex said...

I don't understand. For decades the Democrats bleated about trade deficits and now a Republican President actually stands up to the foreigners and they complain? Democrats are hypocrites. They would gladly be launching a trade war if it were Hitlery in office.

pacwest said...

@clint
"The tariff threats against China are the only reason they're "helping" with NK."

Point taken. Poorly worded on my part. My point remains that taken individually I agree with what he is doing to level the playing field tradewise. But taking on the world all at once is not going to get what he wants.

Since the economy is going gangbusters right now it is a prime opportunity to use tarriffs against China to force them to enforce sanctions on NK, as well as gaining ground on their unfair trading practices, and especially IP issues. We can absorb some of the backwash to our economy. I'm not going to go into the weeds on this, such as putting tarriffs on our other trading partners on the value of the raw steel and aluminum imported from China and not taxing value added in those countries, but I'm going to be hard to convince that we aren't making a mistake by trying to tackle all of our trading issues in one fell swoop and ignoring the problems that creates in other regards. I'm all for America first. I am worried that could wind up being America alone.

John Scott said...

I'm sixty. I just got my motorcycle license about a year and a half ago. I wasn't having some midlife crises. I got it because I just couldn't take LA traffic anymore (split laning is legal here). I purchased what I thought was a good starter bike that would do well in traffic. It was a used Kawasaki Ninja 650 that had only 1,000 miles. I picked it up for 5k. It was a perfectly fine bike, and fast enough, but after a awhile I was ready for an upgrade. Besides traffic, LA also has a lot of canyons to fly through. Like I said, I'm sixty, so you're never going to see me with my elbows and knees skimming ground as I go around the curves, but I like to go as fast as I am capable of going. Looking at an upgrade, buying a Harley never crossed mind. Sixty year-olds get them to cruise the highways. Having to have to sometimes take those highways to get to some of the canyons around here, I simply don't see the appeal. It's just not fun. And to pay $20k +? to do it? Sorry. I picked up another Kawasaki.

Wince said...

Funny, I've never heard of a "retaliatory" US tariff, despite the pre-Trump status quo of innumerable foreign subsidies and tariffs imposed on US exports.

Mac McConnell said...
Less we forget President Trump's stated end game is no tariffs.

Yes, Trump is executing a negotiation strategy using tariffs, not implementing a trade policy.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Trade War Could Trigger Global Recession, China and Europe Warn

“Vice Premier Liu He -- President Xi Jinping’s top economic adviser -- said China and the EU had agreed to defend the multilateral trading system, following talks Monday in Beijing. The comments, made at a press briefing with European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen, come as both sides prepare to face off against President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

“Unilateralism is on the rise and trade tensions have appeared in major economies,” Liu said. “China and the EU firmly oppose trade unilateralism and protectionism and think these actions may bring recession and turbulence to the global economy.”

As the conflict over trade has intensified, China has sought to align itself with Europe as a way of pushing back against the U.S. Both sides agreed in Monday’s talks to promote globalization and forged a consensus on climate change, Liu said.“
———————-
When China and the EU join forces ...

Same disclaimer, you don’t need to care.

tcrosse said...

People still are in the habit of thinking that Trump's word on any subject is final.

Earnest Prole said...

The tariffs from the EU look targeted, to cost Trump swing states.

Who knew?

Rusty said...

OH JESUS.
here were subjected to the accumulated wisdom of the usual suspects broad knowledge of foreign trade.
Just when I thought none of them could be any more pathetic.
Keep going guys.
If nothing else you're entertaining.

Darkisland said...

I had a 1971 Sportster back in the day. I loved it but what a poor quality pos. I had to use 90 weight oil and still used a quart every 200 miles or so.

I bought it by the case from the hd dealer. It was hd branded.

He also sold hd branded drip pans to catch the oik from Dripping on the floor.

John Henry

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Signs are growing for a global trade war that could trigger a recession, Deutsche Bank says.

The worst-case scenario for a looming trade war would be a severe recession, according to Deutsche Bank.

Four events have heightened fears: the steel and aluminum tariffs, Gary Cohn's resignation, President Donald Trump's "trade wars are good" tweet and threats of tariffs on China.

The most likely scenario is still something considerably more benign, with a more measured response from both the U.S. and its key trading partners, China, Canada and Mexico.

The biggest fears come from the possible inflationary impacts of a trade war.


Trump is playing Russian roulette with the world economy. Of course, there is no need to worry or care.

Darkisland said...

Etienne,

Agree about fourstrokes.

I also miss my Bultaco Pursang. 250cc, rated 38hp at 10,000rpm

@7hp at 9,000

Ringdingdingding....

John Henry

Fabi said...

I know Trump is correct on any given issue when he causes Igna to launch into her manic cut-and-paste phase.

Jim at said...

How nice for a sitting president to threaten an American manufacturing firm. - R/V

Yeah. He should know better. Like the last guy.

“If somebody wants to build a coal-fired power plant, they can. It’s just that it will bankrupt them,” Obama said, responding to a question about his cap-and-trade plan. He later added, “Under my plan … electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.”

Darkisland said...

Hd had a complete lineup of all sizez in the early 60. @100 to 500cc branded hd but made in Italy by Benelli. They even had a scooter made (in the US?) by Cushman

John Henry

Jim at said...

The "taxed like nothing before" comment does not necessarily mean us.

That's how I read it, too. He's talking about Europe.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Meyer warned that a "major global trade confrontation would likely push the US and the rest of the world to the brink of a recession."
Here's how the dominoes could fall: First, businesses would be hit with higher costs triggered by tariffs. Then, companies won't be able to figure out how to get the materials they need. Eventually, confidence among executives and households would drop. Businesses would respond by drastically scaling back spending.”

Bank of America Merrill Lynch US economist Michelle Meyer wrote to clients on Friday.“

You surely do not need to care about what she says, what does she know?

Hagar said...

I think I remember long ago reading an article about how a modern Harley does not naturally sound like a "Harley," so H-D has quite a research program for tuning the exhaust pipes and even adding electronic controls to imitate that old-time sound.
So they are kind of like "genuine fakes."

Curious George said...

"Darkisland said...
I had a 1971 Sportster back in the day. I loved it but what a poor quality pos. I had to use 90 weight oil and still used a quart every 200 miles or so.

I bought it by the case from the hd dealer. It was hd branded.

He also sold hd branded drip pans to catch the oik from Dripping on the floor.

John Henry"

Everything in the AMF owned HD years was shit.

Fernandinande said...

Here are some old two-strokes

1973 Bultaco Pursang 125: $4,500.00

1973 Bultaco Pursang Mk6 250: $4,500.00

1966 Bultaco Mercurio 200: $7,000.00

1970 Yamaha TD2: $13,000.00

1969 Kawasaki H1 Mach III: $21,000.00

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Many decades ago, my father used to run a part of his business in Manchester, UK. Taxed like never before.

Trump is talking about European taxes.

pacwest said...

"People still are in the habit of thinking that Trump's word on any subject is final."

Yep. So far all we are really looking at are negotiating positions. I'm guessing there's a likely possibility accommodations will be reached.

*My opinions here aren't intended to assume a position of superior knowledge or expertise. Apologies if they seem to do so. They are simply my opinions.

Earnest Prole said...

For the greater American good Harley-Davidson needs to shut up and take the economic hit, and if those thick motorheads can't understand that they deserve to perish.

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

China has us beat and they will topple us economically unless we even the playing field. China has much lower debt ratio than we do and we are probably going to face rising possibly crippling inflation. Millennials and such are not saving.

What do the economic morons on the left want? More free stuff and greater unsustainable debt. If we don't acquiesce to the left's demands, we are all meanies.

Jack Klompus said...

The Mad Googling Copy-Paste Queen is at it again! I'm sure Inga can give us an informative, succinct, and original explanation of international trade policy solely from her own knowledge, in her own words. No links. No paste jobs. Just her own explanation. Sure, summarize if you must your copious and careful reading you've done of your authoritative sources. But just once, write a clear and coherent argument for the position you allegedly have on this issue in your own words.

Hagar said...

I recently read that the EU is hastily raising its tariffs on steel and aluminum to match Trump's to forestall China getting any ideas of moving their dumping practices for these materials to Europe.

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

I don't have a problem with Harley in Europe. Go for it.

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Inga is outraged!

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“The Mad Googling Copy-Paste Queen is at it again! I'm sure Inga can give us an informative, succinct, and original explanation of international trade policy solely from her own knowledge, in her own words. No links. No paste jobs. Just her own explanation. Sure, summarize if you must your copious and careful reading you've done of your authoritative sources. But just once, write a clear and coherent argument for the position you allegedly have on this issue in your own words.”

No, I prefer to quote people who are the experts in their field. You however are free to express your own uninformed opinions. I’m sure they are very interesting and folks here will really care about what you have to say!

Have at it. I care.

JAORE said...

"Go into any HD store now and you'll find rows and rows of bikes costing from $20,000 to $50,000."

There are multiple comments similar to the above. Yes, there are a lot of Harleys over $20k. Damn few, and special (CVO's) that cost well over $30k. But there are also a LOT of bikes from under $10k to $20k.

More noise from the semi-informed that have, likely, not ever been in a Harley dealership.

But, yeah, that "taxed" comment by Trump is stupid.

Anthony said...

Blogger rehajm said...
All the people I see riding Harleys are geezers.


I've been looking into getting my first bike and doing some research on them, and my impression is exactly this; HD has missed the boat on the smaller street-friendly bikes in favor of the big cruisers.

I really like the Street 750 though, which this was supposed to address. Doesn't seem to be working though. I like the 750 because it's relatively small, basic, and has a classic old-school look. And it's not a loud-mouth. Plus, you know, Captain America.

I'd still like the HD, but there are other ones that might suit me better.

Vance said...

I wonder if Inga had any problems with Obama destroying Gibson Guitars because, well, Obama did not like the owner.

Oh, of course not--she worships Obama as her Lord and Master. No matter what, she goes home at night to her little Obama shrine and offers her devotions to him.

Just like millions of other leftists and media people (but I repeat myself).

Matt said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inga...Allie Oop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

I wonder if Inga had any problems with Obama destroying Gibson Guitars because, well, Obama did not like the owner.


Personal destruction is A-OK by leftist assholes.

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Inga - we don't care how you feel.

Curious George said...

"Resident Dullard #IngaKNew said...
Signs are growing for a global trade war that could trigger a recession, Deutsche Bank says.

The worst-case scenario for a looming trade war would be a severe recession, according to Deutsche Bank.

Four events have heightened fears: the steel and aluminum tariffs, Gary Cohn's resignation, President Donald Trump's "trade wars are good" tweet and threats of tariffs on China.

The most likely scenario is still something considerably more benign, with a more measured response from both the U.S. and its key trading partners, China, Canada and Mexico.

The biggest fears come from the possible inflationary impacts of a trade war.

Trump is playing Russian roulette with the world economy. Of course, there is no need to worry or care."


Proving our resident dullard #IngaKnew doesn't even read the shit she posts, making another sky is falling claim above, failed to notice the key element:

"While the most likely scenario is something considerably more benign, as in more measured responses from U.S. trading partners to the tariffs...."

"While our base case remains that US protectionist actions will be limited enough in scope not to invite economically significant retaliation or disruption of markets and macroeconomic activity..."

It's also funny how all these lefty morons now worry about and believe everything that large corporate America and Too Big To Fail Banks tell them.

It always amazes me that anyone as dumb as Inga can wander off to Cut and Paste land and still find her way back.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Inga is outraged!”

No, I’m actually worried, not outraged. But I encourage you to be blissful in your love for Trump. Be secure in his vast trade expertise.

Don’t worry, be happy, don’t let my experts put a ripple in the Force.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Inga - we don't care how you feel.”

Good! Then I don’t feel guilty for not caring about your daily outrages.

Curious George said...

Wasn't it our resident dullard that Trump was playing "Russian Roulette" with the Norks?

Why yes, yes she was.

Ralph L said...

He also sold hd branded drip pans to catch the oil from Dripping on the floor.

At one time, GE made more money selling parts for their appliances than they did from the original sale.

Darkisland said...

Curious George,

There are thousands, perhaps tens or scores of thousands of contract manufacturers in the US making all kinds of products.

Don't know about neckties.

I have no problem with his ties being imported from China.

I'm pretty absolute on free trade. I would be fine with the German auto proposal on EVERYTHING.

John Henry

Fabi said...

The experts said Trump had no path to 270, so there's that.

JAORE said...

Many of us ride Hondas because we can't afford the pickup truck accessory you need to get the Harley from place to place.

Feh.

I've owned bikes from Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Harley and BMW. Of these I had the worst mechanical issues were the Kawi and the BMW. The bike on my when-I-stumble-over-a-sack-of-money radar right now is a Triumph.

No bias there. I, and several of my friends who ride Harleys (and yes, I have several more who ride other bikes), are members of the Iron Butt Association. Minimum ride to join is 1000 miles, documented in 24 hours. We also have ridden on trips over a few weeks time of 2-5,000 miles. Trouble free.

Your comment is tribal BS.

Curious George said...

"Our Resident Dullard Inga said...
Don’t worry, be happy, don’t let my experts put a ripple in the Force."

"(Your) experts" are just some names you found in an article that you cut and pasted. You run to some lefty blog, find links that others have posted, copy the link, and post them here. No more reasoned than a dog that gets his master's slippers. Actually less. At least the dog has only good intentions and delivers the slippers. More often than not you deliver a steaming pile.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Let them eat pain: Trump voters need to feel the effects of the trade war they begged for.

“As Tom Nichols, a professor of national security affairs at the Naval War College, writes in USA Today: “It’s a painful way to learn a lesson, but if we’re going to have a trade war, we might as well get it over with rather than drag it out in protracted haggling between the White House and a group of senators trying to save the President from himself. If the farmers of the Midwest want to bait China into buying Russian soybeans instead of American soybeans, so be it.”

If we want to shake Trump voters loose of their fixation on economic policies that will likely only hurt them, we should say: Let them eat pain.”
————————-
Hey isn’t SE Cupp that conservative gal? I don’t care what she had to say and neither should you!

Darkisland said...

John Scott,

Where was your bike made?

Kawasaki Honda and others have been built in the US for years now.

Ride American, even if it has a Japanese name

John Henry

Jack Klompus said...

Inga's experts! Lol. In other words, find the sources that fit your preconceived notions of how one is supposed to think on the "left" side of an issue, copy, paste, and act like you have an informed point of view. The very definition of an intellectually lazy dullard.

Curious George said...

"Darkisland said...
Curious George,

There are thousands, perhaps tens or scores of thousands of contract manufacturers in the US making all kinds of products.

Don't know about neckties.

I have no problem with his ties being imported from China.

I'm pretty absolute on free trade. I would be fine with the German auto proposal on EVERYTHING.

John Henry "

Of course there is, but Chuck listed companies that make their own. There is almost zero US garment or textile contract manufacturing. It would be impossible to compete with any of these high end low volume competitors that produce domestically, without making the ties himself, or overseas.

n.n said...

Import tax a.k.a. tariff. HD hopes to exploit environmental, labor, perhaps monetary, and regulatory arbitrage in nations with unequal practices, but their advantage will be equalized at the border, and market function will be restored.

Inga...Allie Oop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mezzrow said...

To see the aura, one must have an aura of one's own.

Darkisland said...

Curious George,

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of us contract manufacturers making all sorts of textile products in the us.

I would be surprised if there weren't at least a couple making neckties but I don't know specifically.

John Henry

Inga...Allie Oop said...

I’m still waiting for Jim Daniels to impress everyone here with his expertise on trade. Why so shy? Come on you can do it! Show everyone how much more you know than anyone in the entire world on the subject!

I really care about what you know regarding trade, don’t keep it a secret. I’m pretty sure everyone else here cares too...or maybe not, but that’s OK.

Drago said...

"Inga's Experts" told us Trump had no path to 270. They also told us Trump's election would cause the Markets to collapse and never recover. They also told us there was no way a meeting with NK could happen by June 12th. They also told us that there was no way Europe would cave on their outrageous auto tariffs.

You know, I'm starting to doubt "Inga's Experts"....

And I don't think another round of "cut'n'pastin' without understandin' nuttin'" is going to buttress her assertions...

LOL

Jack Klompus said...

Don't claim to have any expertise on the subject, nor do I spend time furiously Googling and copying other people's thoughts on every subject under the sun as long as they conform to DNC talking points. I can talk about movies, music, teaching, education, serving in Afghanistan, travel to certain places, and a handful of other subjects about which I admit to having a modicum of direct experience with. I just find it hard to believe that you actually read these authoritative sources of yours that you cherry pick and expect people to take you seriously. Most of the time when you step outside your safety zone of other people's thoughts you sound like a complete airhead.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

How about you Drago? Regale us with your vast knowledge on the subject of trade. I’m all ears and I will take everything you say on the subject as coming from your very own unique opinion on the matter!

I care about Drago’s propaga... oh sorry, opinions.

daskol said...

Chuck said...
This from the guy whose shit was made in 12 foreign countries including China.


Chuck, that's when he was a businessman playing the business game. Now's he a president playing the presidency game. That's not hypocrisy. It's a different set of priorities, the two roles.

Fabi said...

Dem advantage in generic poll down four points after the manufactured immigration "crisis" -- per CBS. Lulz

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Don't claim to have any expertise on the subject....”

That’s nice, neither do I, that’s why I quote people who do.

“I can talk about movies, music, teaching, education, serving in Afghanistan, travel to certain places, and a handful of other subjects about which I admit to having a modicum of direct experience with.”

Well then, why do you only ever come on these threads to be an asshole? I have never heard you discuss any of the subjects you listed.

Also FYI, this thread is about trade, not movies (lol) etc.

I don’t care enough about you to laugh at your pathetic attempts to troll me. You are insignificant, but maybe if you talk about movies I’ll sit up and take you seriously.

Jack Klompus said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
I'm Full of Soup said...

Tom Nichols is a deranged Never Trumper.

I wish one of these experts would simply list the different country's tariffs on cars, etc when imported from the USA vs. how we treat their same products. Is that too much to ask of our experts?

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Americans must be spared pain at all times for we are helpless ... babies.

Darkisland said...

Curious George,

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of us contract manufacturers making all sorts of textile products in the us.

I would be surprised if there weren't at least a couple making neckties but I don't know specifically.

John Henry

Drago said...

Inga: "How about you Drago? Regale us with your vast knowledge on the subject of trade."

Meade and Althouse know precisely my background and if either care to attest to it would be sufficient for me.

It ain't rocket science....but even if it were I would still be the right guy...

LOL

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Meade and Althouse know precisely my background and if either care to attest to it would be sufficient for me.”

Drago running to mommy and daddy to vouch for him, lol! Oh this is truly golden, hahahahaha.

Vance said...

SE Cupp a conservative? It is to laugh! She's mostly admired on the right for two things.... that, true, she is well known for and prominently displays.

But what's inside her head is fairly well ignored. In short: a nice piece of eye candy but as a thinker or stateswoman, she.. .well, people admire two things about her.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

And Drago, don’t ever again complain when Chuck appeals to Althouse for help, hahahahaha.

Curious George said...

"Inga said...
“Don't claim to have any expertise on the subject....”

That’s nice, neither do I, that’s why I quote people who do."

Speaking of a steaming pile, you clearly don't read the articles, or understand them, or both (likely) as your the conclusion didn't match the article.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Sarah Elizabeth Cupp is an American television host, conservative political commentator and writer. In August 2017, she began hosting S.E. Cupp: Unfiltered, a political panel show, co-hosted by Andrew Levy, on the HLN network. Wikipedia”

Drago said...

Running to Althouse?

You are once again reaching laughably.

Too funny.

This will be another of those situations where you fail basic reading comprehension.

Unexpectedly.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Speaking of a steaming pile, you clearly don't read the articles, or understand them, or both (likely) as your the conclusion didn't match the article.”

Oh I forgot about the little monkey, so sorry, not really. How about you too enlightening us on the subject of trade. I know your little monkey brain has immersed itself in the subject very deeply! Let’s hear it monkey, do a little dance while you recite what you know, that would be amusing.

I really care about your opinion that comes straight from the Primate Exhibit at the Milwaukee Zoo. I really do.

Jon Ericson said...

I seem to recall there was some sort of rule about dealing with trolls.
I forget what it was.
Could someone remind me?

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Drago: Oh mommy and daddy Althouse, please prove to these people that I’m not merely a propagandist and that I am really truly an expert in the field of international trade!

I’m going to be laughing about this one for a long time to come.

Chest Rockwell said...

@John Scott

I did something similar. But I started out with a CBR 250. Rode that thing on the interstates even though the top speed was 90 with the wind at my back.

I upgraded to a Ninja 650 about 1.5 years later and man that bike was squirrely as fuck. I could pop wheelies on it though with very little effort.

Sold it a year later and got the bike I still ride, BMW F800R. Sweet ride!

Drago said...

Inga: "Drago: Oh mommy and daddy Althouse, please prove to these people that I’m not merely a propagandist and that I am really truly an expert in the field of international trade!"

LOL

Don't worry. In a few hours it will hit you why you missed the mark so badly.

Or not.

After all, it is you.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

So Drago, since you are the expert here, explain why Trump is so outraged over Harley? Please explain his tweet.

I care enough about your learned opinion on Trump and all things Trump that I promise to take you seriously.

The Vault Dweller said...

I think our society overall has been putting FAR too much trust in 'experts'. And I think we have been doing that for a couple decades. After all, the appeal to authority is a logical fallacy, and correctly labeled as one. And what is gaining the title 'expert', other than trying to gain a position of authority on a subject.

Now I'm not saying that Academia, or even careful study isn't worthwhile, but we as a society need to redevelop a good sense of skepticism when it comes to 'experts' weighing in on THE course of action to take. I think there are literally 15%-25% of people who read the NYTimes, who would literally believe any headline published in there at face value as long as it starts with "Scientists say..." or "Studies show...".

Also what is Donald Trump lacking when it comes to being able to handle trade deals. He literally spent decades negotiating deals. And it all comes down to different parties using what ever leverage they have to maximize their return, while making sure the deal still goes through. And Donald Trump seems to have identified the various sources of leverage each group has, and correctly assessed their weight. The US economy currently is not as heavily weighted to exports as most other economies we are negotiating with. This makes us more inured to the damage of tariffs than other countries. Also, our economy is currently doing much better than most of the other economies of countries we are negotiating with. Again this makes us more inured to the damage of tariffs. Also, our economy is the single largest, single country economy on the globe. Being able to sell products in the US at low or no tariff is much more desirable than any other country. It seems like Donald Trump has correctly assessed that the US is really in the driver's seat when it comes to trade negotiations.

Jon Ericson said...

Urban Dictionary sez...

The faker troll:

A clever troll, the main aim of the game is to, ironically, act really REALLY stupid, this trolls aim is to argue with members incoherantly, usually using text speak.

This is a ploy, the troll only needs to spend 10 seconds writing the babble when the member wastes 10 minutes writing a much more wordy reply.

The troll will reply with a stupid rebuff making the member post as many long replies as possible.

Using the member's weight against them and wasting their forum time... If they are good then their act will be believable and they probably won't get banned unless the admin is strict on txt tlk.

Drago said...

I see Inga has caught on a little faster than usual to how she was embarrassing herself.

An impressive improvement over past performance.

I wonder if it is sustainable?

Fernandinande said...

The Vault Dweller said...
I think our society overall has been putting FAR too much trust in 'experts'.


"A quick summary: good amateurs (i.e., smart people who think probabilistically and are well read) typically perform as well as or better than area experts (e.g., PhDs in Social Science, History, Government; MBAs) when it comes to predicting real world outcomes. The marginal returns (in predictive power) to special "expertise" in soft subjects are small. (Most of the returns are in the form of credentialing or signaling ;-)"

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Oh Drago, mamma and daddy Althouse’s little boy, I’m waiting for you to explain Trump’s outrage over Harley. Whatsa matta, cat got yer tongue?

I have to go run some errands, I’ll be back tonight to hear what you have to say, because I really do (I’m lying) care about your opinion.

Drago said...

The Vault Dweller: " It seems like Donald Trump has correctly assessed that the US is really in the driver's seat when it comes to trade negotiations."

Indeed.

For the first time in 30 years an American President is using the massive leverage advantage the US has always possessed in direct negotiations (made simpler by discarding large and complex and disadvantageous multi-lateral agreements) with each of our trading partners.

Li'l Trudeau in Canada is already licking his wounds and there really isn't much of a fight going on there any longer.

Canada will no longer be an international gateway for NAFTA abuse imports into the US market which is one reason there was an actual 31,000 full time job losses last month there.

Germany has no choice but to capitulate as there is a $150B deficit we have with them (not counting the products shipped thru Canada and Mexico into the US via the aforementioned NAFTA loopholes which are being shut down).

Plus, we pay almost he entire freight for their defense.....which can be altered.

China has no choice but to play ball given the $350-$500 Billion annual deficit.

We have all the leverage and the market everyone wants.

Ross and Navarro are kicking butt.

And did we even mention the $300B in repatriated US corporate profits yet that the lefty "experts" said would never happen which is already being used for increased US domestic investment and increase in corporate ownership value?

Nonapod said...

I think our society overall has been putting FAR too much trust in 'experts'...

I agree with all you've said. Especially since the most common species of "expert" in Washington seems to be the lieflong academic, the pure theoretician. The issue is not only a lack of so called "real world experience" combined with a dangerous arrogant certitude about their particular specialty, but also the fact that (like most humans) they tend to be overwhelmingly agenda driven in a constant search for validation from their peers, to hold the right views to fit in the cocktail party cicuit lest they be excommunicated.

Jon Ericson said...

I see Inga has caught on...
Unpossible!
"For Inga was an earnest troll."

Drago said...

Per Nonapods posting at 3:19, we have the most incompetent leadership class in our nations history.

Who can forget the Marie Harff's and Jen Psaki idiots telling us islamic terrorism is being driven by global warming and lack of jobs?

It would be impossible to list in a short fashion the astonishing record of failure of these elites in every single walk of life and endeavor.

These morons are where they are because of connections, credentialism over real accomplishement, etc.

David Brooks fell in love with obama's pantleg crease!

These morons think they understand and can control the arc of human events and history. They literally believe that.

Their hubris is commensurate with their demonstrated and sustained incompetence and corrupt venality.

I Callahan said...

Chest Rockwell - are Beemers still lightweight bikes? When I was a kid, a buddy’s Dad had one, and even though I was all of 135 pounds soaking wet, I could lay it on its side and pick it up again.

Smilin' Jack said...

I certainly hope Harley survives. They have long been an important source of organ donors.

langford peel said...

"Inga said....
Oh I forgot about the little monkey, so sorry, not really. How about you too enlightening us on the subject of trade. I know your little monkey brain has immersed itself in the subject very deeply! Let’s hear it monkey, do a little dance while you recite what you know, that would be amusing."

I am outraged that Inga is allowed to refer to other commentors as monkeys!

This must not stand!

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

OT:

"On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that a California law mandating that pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), most of which are pro-life, must advertise abortion on placards likely violated the First Amendment. The case, National Institute for Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra, marks a key victory for free speech against the forced definition of abortion as healthcare."

Progressives and the hack press will spin that as "Trump is going to force you to have your baby"

watch.

Drago said...

So much winning.

LLR Chuck hardest hit.

Jon Ericson said...

Sacrebleu! France Will Retaliate on Auto Tariffs if U.S. Levies Import Car Tariff…

Posted on June 25, 2018 by sundance

This has to be one of the single funniest French retorts in the history of commerce. If President Trump follows through on auto tariffs, France will strike back. Let that sink in.

Oh noes,… your next Peugeot, Citroen or Renault purchase might cost more. D’oh.

n.n said...

Oh noes,… your next Peugeot, Citroen or Renault purchase might cost more. D’oh.

The black night will fumble. Wages will rise... and I don't care.

Paul said...

Harley becoming a rice burner? Or a cabbage burner?

Say it ain't so, Joe!

But hey, I actually feel Japanese motorcycles ARE better. Who wants to pay $20,000 for a bike that is obsolete?

Either Harley modernizes their construction methods and designs or bye bye.

n.n said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
n.n said...

The penumbra offers its guidance.

Rabel said...

"Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag. I fought hard for them and ultimately they will not pay tariffs selling into the E.U., which has hurt us badly on trade, down $151 Billion. Taxes just a Harley excuse - be patient!"

- DJT

The Vault Dweller said...

Harley becoming a rice burner? Or a cabbage burner?

From my understanding it is becoming a completely unseasoned boiled meat burner. Which I mean to say they are thinking of making a plant in the UK.

tim in vermont said...

nga is right for once. The tariffs from the EU look targeted, to cost Trump swing states.

Well, doubtless the EU are consulting Democrats on the best way to defeat US interests, and to punish the voters in the swing states who wandered off the reservation.

tim in vermont said...

I don't think they are going to update the engines, from what I hear, those rough riding engines are the only way a lot of these guys can make their girlfriends come.

CWJ said...

"The Harley aura.

The distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a motorcycle with no mufflers."

And there we have it. Truer words etc. Thread winner.

walter said...

traditionalguy said...And besides, no one wants to ride a Thai sized Hog.
--
Titus concurs...
But the Thais really know about maximizing their hogs..sometimes around 6 riders at a time. A bit obscene, really.

Since HD is in large part a clothing and accessories company, they already make a bunch of their stuff elsewhere.

Henry said...

Aura would be a pretty good name for a model, but not for Harley.

More Honda then Harley.

The Honda Aura electric crossover.

Rusty said...

There has always been counterbalance problems with V twins.
ritmo has never gotten a girl to cum so he dreams on.
Most of what you her in a harly would apply to any V twin. I think Hondas sounded so smooth because they had a counterbalance shaft. I could be wrong.
Vincents always sounded like they needed a tune up at idle.

I think if I were to ride again it would be a Ural with the differential and side car.

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