America was once the leader in steel production and exports globally. What happened? Our nation’s economy struggled in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and thus our nation’s steel industry collapsed. The Iran crisis and the OPEC oil embargo were major factors. Demand for steel shrunk, causing deep cuts in production, and plants could not survive the 10 years of stagnation and selling at below costs of production. Not only did America lose hundreds of thousands of jobs, we weakened our national security by not having a reliable and needed resource at home.

Our leaders at the time were not thinking ahead and refused to help out a struggling industry that was a victim of global economics, restrictions and foreign dumping of steel. It is not as though American steel became obsolete to a new or better product that was not available at home. We retreated, abandoned and turned our back on a vital national security resource, and became dependent of foreign steel like we were dependent on foreign oil.

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There is no excuse for America to cede any industry to others. We should be protecting vital national resources and exploiting them for our national benefit. Today, we are exporting oil instead of being held hostage to foreign sources of a vital resource. Two decades ago, it was unthinkable to think that it could even be possible, but with better technology and the relaxation of unnecessary and burdensome regulation, we have taken control of our energy resources.

Today, we have a president who cedes nothing. He puts America first. He calls out foreign powers that seek to exploit resources, cheat, manipulate and withhold products to the detriment of the U.S. foreign trade must be reciprocal, fair and equitable for all concerned. After all, a deal is only as good as it is for all parties.

President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE’s announcement on tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum is a shot over the bow of those who for too long have been manipulating and exploiting markets for their own selfish benefit. We have a choice to sit back and take it or we can stand up and call them out.

To think that the greatest most powerful nation and economy would allow itself to be exploited is unacceptable. To cower to threats of retaliation is ridiculous, since we are already being harmed by unilateral unfair trade practices. Inaction breeds contempt and further exploitation and loss of jobs, along with higher prices of goods.

America must deal more bilaterally on trade and not be suckered into global agreements because we are not bargaining from strength or equal footing. Lesser powers get better deals and we are not leveraging the power and strength of the U.S. economy and standing.

Tariffs are sticks. I agree with Teddy Roosevelt when he said, “Speak softly but carry a big stick.” That is the only way to gain the respect of those you deal with. If you take being hit and hit again without any retaliation than you become the perfect mark.

President Trump is heeding that advice and taking it one step further with regard to trade. Those affected by the tariffs imposed are not without a remedy. They can change their policies. Do they have the “steel” to do it? I think they do now, and I believe they will.

Bradley A. Blakeman is a political consultant who served as a member of President George W. Bush’s senior White House staff from 2001 to 2004. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and Fox Business.