How did Bastiat debunk protectionism?
I employed satire and logic, most famously in the 'Candlemakers' Petition.' This absurd request for protection against the 'ruinous competition' of the sun highlighted the irrationality of shielding domestic industries from any and all foreign competition. By demonstrating how such measures require the destruction of consumer well-being and hinder the natural progress that benefits everyone, I aimed to show that protectionism robs Peter to pay Paul, ultimately impoverishing the nation. The key is to always consider the unseen, the cost to consumers and other industries.
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