The Swiss Way

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UPDATE 5.23.25: With a tentative deal with the Chinese done, and a UK deal behind the administration, the European Union has resisted American attempts to get a deal done, and President Trump has announced forthcoming 50% tariffs on the EU, writing “The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with. Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable. Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”

While spending time in Switzerland negotiating the deal with the Chinese, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was also in contact with his counterparts there. He said recently that Switzerland had jumped to the front of the queue for a trade deal. It’s only logical that the United States and Switzerland have the strongest possible trade partnership.

Originally posted May 26th, 2016

I have written in the past of the Swiss Confederation and its weak central government form (the presidency is a ceremonial office and rotates). The office has no powers above the other six members of the Swiss Federal Council. The entire Federal Council is considered a collective head of state. Switzerland is a neutral country with a low crime rate and a powerful national defense system. Instead of fielding a large standing army, Switzerland requires every man to undergo military training for a few days or weeks a year throughout most of his life. Each man is required to keep his assigned automatic rifle at home at the ready. The Swiss are powerful believers in individual liberty and freedom. They believe that there is no need for a higher legal authority to check people’s initiatives. In fact, federal court in Switzerland is not allowed to rule on any constitutional matter at the national level. The Swiss are all about keeping things at the cantonal level. Keep it local is the key in Switzerland.

There is a lot to learn for Americans from “the Swiss way.” Switzerland’s model is precisely the weak form of central government intended by our Founders. The best outline of what a constitutionally strong form of federal republic looks like is Ron Paul’s Liberty Defined. The chapter on “Empire” alone will amaze you.

For supportive reading, click below:

• Foundation Principles
• How We Are Different
• Richardcyoung.com – Supporting The American Conservative’s “Main Street” Conservatism
• Strong Families, Resilient Faith, Thriving Middle Class