Brew and Chew

Ian Philips

Given the probus members are of a certain age, the following chorus will be remembered:

Quiver with fear

If you are near

It's a time you best be hiding Low,

It means Tariffs are abroad,

Go,

Before you've bitten the sword. (Or an over-large chain saw)

Of course, it is hazardous speculating on the state of President Trump’s disposition at any point in time, although presumably there will be no tariff paid on a flying 747 palace, at least not by the recipient. But, in general, it seems that we here are paying the 10% general rate with some higher over-ride on steel and aluminium – it is just as well we no longer have a car industry.

But this turmoil has some interesting spin-offs – the PM is warm, encouraging even, to the idea that Indonesia should join the CPTPP, which you will understand is the successor to the Trans Pacific Partnership, which US exited in a huff a few presidents ago. Taiwan is interested also, and Sweden is said to be urging the EU to join also. Perhaps they see it as a way for the EU to get some sort of free trade with the UK once more – who knows, but no-one should hold their breath.

So now that the elections are over and the installations done, things can settle down. If only all elections could be as tidy as that in the Vatican – but, of course, women don’t get to vote there! (Just joking ladies). And should not be implied from that that the proceedings of Brew & Chew are always without differing views, but voices are rarely raised, save when Collingwood is mentioned.

The gentlemen of Brew and Chew will gather again on the fourth Wednesday of June (25/6) at the Camberwell Library at 1000 hours.

Contact me on mobile or irp@alphalink.com.au

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