Tariffs of the Gods or Folly of Man?! A Viking's Take on Trump's Trade Wars!

A Shield Wall Against Reason?

Hark news from across the great sea reaches even my longhouse! This… Trump they call him a chieftain of sorts has decreed tariffs a tax on goods from afar. Ken Fisher a wise man with coffers overflowing calls it 'stupid.' 'Tis a strong word even for a Viking like myself but I've seen stupider. Remember when Bjorn tried to train a seagull to fetch ale? Now that was truly worthy of Odin's laughter. Fisher believes these tariffs will fail like a longship built of reeds. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps this 'Trump' is merely rattling his sword to appear strong. But even a weak blow can fell a mighty oak or at least give it a splinter.

Courts and Congress: A Game of Hnefatafl

Fisher speaks of courts and congress halls of law and long debates. Like arguing with Floki over the best way to sail west – endless! He says these tariffs will be challenged bogged down in bureaucracy like a cart stuck in mud. 'Customs,' whatever that is lacks the strength to enforce them. It seems even in this strange new world men love to argue and find ways around the rules. Such is the nature of men whether they wear helmets or suits.

Midterm Bloodbath or Political Thunder?

Ah politics! A game of shifting alliances and backstabbing as treacherous as a frozen fjord. Fisher warns of a 'bloodbath' for this 'GOP' – some tribe I gather – if Trump's tariffs are not contained. A bloodbath you say? I've seen a few in my time. I wonder if they'll involve axes and shields or just harsh words and disappointed faces. Either way it seems this Trump stirs up as much conflict within his own ranks as he does with those beyond his borders. 'Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up,' I once said. Perhaps Trump is simply bending low or perhaps he will break his back in the process.

The Market's Murky Depths

The stock market they call it. A place where fortunes rise and fall like the tide. Fisher believes the fear surrounding these tariffs is greater than the actual problem. The market dropped then rose again like a warrior feigning weakness before striking. He compares it to some event in '98,' leading to a '26% annual return'. Numbers! They swirl in my head like a mead induced dream. The point is Fisher sees a chance for the market to recover to become strong again. Like a longship battered by a storm but still afloat.

Ackman's Nuclear Winter: A Fimbulwinter of Finance?

Another wise man Ackman speaks of an 'economic nuclear winter.' A grim prediction! He believes these tariffs will drain the life from the land. Such pronouncements remind me of the prophecies of the Seer. Bleak indeed! And he also says that this Trump is losing the confidence of the leaders – that is never a good thing!

The Gods and the Green: Which Way Will the Wind Blow?

So what does it all mean? Will these tariffs bring ruin or riches? Will they lead to war or prosperity? I cannot say for certain. 'I don't believe in the gods' existence,' I once declared 'but I fear them.' Perhaps these 'tariffs' are a new kind of god a force to be reckoned with whether we believe in them or not. Only time will tell if they bring us closer to Valhalla or to Helheim. 'How I long to set sail again to cut loose from this world and let the tide take me where it will!' To Valhalla!!!