It isn't that the steel tariffs are that significant as a Bush policy, compared to many others (thought his education bill was worse.)

I don't think any of us are naive enough to think that just because a Republican is president, or that Republicans control the legislature, that we will suddenly discover the government turning away from massive interference in the economy, or suddenly rediscover the Constitutional role of government.

Steel tariffs are, of course, just one of many, many such attempts to "tweak" capitalism (you mentioned farm subsidies as another example).

I have mentioned before that the intertwining relationship between business and government is probably so firmly entrenched in the system now that it can never be separated short of some kind of revolution.

I was just a little disappointed in one more small ratchet away from free markets.