The Trump tax plan reducing both individual and corporate tax rates down to competitive global levels is precisely what the economy needs to grow. Reagan proved that and, as Larry Kudlow points out in his latest book, JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity, Kennedy knew that too.

Unfortunately, protectionism is another story altogether. The Border Adjusted Tax, or BAT, is a disaster waiting to happen. As a huge believer in free markets and global trade, the very notion of incorporating protectionist measures into a responsible pro-growth agenda nauseates me! In May 1930, the Smoot-Hawley tariff was signed into law by then President Herbert Hoover, which was followed by massive retaliation on U.S. made products from our foreign trading partners.

The Smoot-Hawley tariff, or as I call it the 'BAT 1930', helped bring about one of the worst periods for the U.S. economy in history. 'BAT 1930' was supposed to stimulate growth, increase tax revenues and reduce the budget deficit. Flawed logic led lawmakers to believe that the American public would 'buy American' which would lead to growing U.S. production and an increase in jobs. Does that sound familiar?

The best description of 'BAT 1930' is by the Department of State after an analysis of the events: The Smoot-Hawley tariff "provoked a storm of foreign retaliatory measures and came to stand as a symbol of the 'beggar-thy-neighbor' policies (designed to improve one's own lot at the expense of that of others) of the 1930s. Such policies contributed to a drastic decline in international trade."

By circumstances, we find ourselves as the bearers of free market 'American' style capitalism which has helped lift billions of people around the world out of poverty. Globalization, and the free markets which make it a reality, must be nurtured and fostered by those who helped created it, the United States. Whether we like it or not, we are the vanguard of modern day capitalism.

The U.S. has inherited the title of policeman for the worlds' free markets. A protectionist mentality at the forefront of international trade will only prove to be a hindrance, something which every free market economist understands to be a dogmatic fact. In a fragile, global political climate free markets for trade could only prove to be an asset towards peace.

If there is a Black Swan looking to hit the market unexpectedly, let's hope it's not a self-inflicted wound caused by an ill-advised move towards 1930's style protectionism. President Trump should take the ideas of a BAT along with other brilliant pieces of failed liberal legislation such as the windfall profits tax and bury them deep in a governmental Black Hole. Now is the time for the U.S. to step-up and proclaim the power of the free markets, not put up barriers to free trade.

The Trump pro-growth agenda has shown great potential in the first 100 days, promising to rid the economy of over regulation and lower taxes to reasonable levels to enable growth. Now, if he can only get this BAT thing right and get something passed through congress we should be in great shape.

Commentary by Jack Bouroudjian, CEO of Index Futures Group LLC, a registered independent broker, and CIO of Index Capital Partners, a registered commodity-pool operator. He was also a three-term director of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and founder and advisor of UCX (Universal Compute Exchange). Follow him on Twitter @JackBouroudjian.

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