It's pretty much obvious that the tax avoidance perpetuated by Google, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft is against the spirit of the (tax) law, even if it is not aga

It's pretty much obvious that the tax avoidance perpetuated by Google, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft is against the spirit of the (tax) law, even if it is not against the letter. But you are right; it would never stand a legal challenge. That's why there is this new tax. When you consider that companies like Apple, Amazon and Google - using these tax loopholes and sandwiches - get to pay a much lower tax rates that your local carpenter or grocery store, I don't see this as a new tariff, but as enforcement of an existing one. About the 'trade fights'; I think you really do underestimate the straits the U.S. is currently in. The only reason the U.S. can import as much as it is currently doing is because of the strength of the U.S. Dollar. The median inflation adjusted income in the U.S. has been sinking for three decades. Even more automated production will not produce purchase power, especially if the value of the Dollar suffers because of a trade conflict. Interested to hear your thoughts!