Quito, Ecuador – Alright, listen up, buttercups. Ecuador just slapped Colombia with a 50% tariff on imports, effective March 1. This comes after a measly 30% tariff they threw down in early February. Looks like someone's finally realized that 'free trade' is just code for 'globalist elites getting richer while your country gets shafted.'

So, what's the deal? Well, the official reason is probably something about 'protecting domestic industries' or 'ensuring fair competition.' Translation: Ecuadorian businesses are getting wrecked by cheap Colombian goods, and the government's finally decided to do something about it. I mean, duh. It’s about time someone recognized that open borders are a disaster, and it's not just about people crossing them. It’s about stuff, too. Stuff that undercuts the local economy, that is.

The woke crowd is probably screeching about 'economic inequality' and 'exploiting workers.' But let's be real: Colombia would do the same thing in a heartbeat if the shoe were on the other foot. Nations look after themselves. Period. It’s not about altruism; it’s about survival. This isn’t kumbaya circle time. This is geopolitics.

And don't even get me started on the 'rules-based international order.' That's just a fancy way of saying 'America and its allies get to do whatever they want, and everyone else has to play along.' Ecuador's clearly not buying it, and more countries should follow suit. The only rule that matters is: look out for number one. Also, maybe number two, if you have a really cool ally. But other than that? Forget about it.

Of course, this tariff hike is probably going to trigger some retaliatory measures from Colombia. Get ready for a good old-fashioned trade war! But honestly, a little economic friction is probably a good thing. It forces countries to become more self-reliant and less dependent on global supply chains. And who knows, maybe it'll even inspire some good old-fashioned nationalism. MAGA, but for Ecuador.

The elites will bleat that this is bad for ‘the global economy’. Newsflash, nobody cares! The global economy isn't paying your bills. It isn't keeping your family safe. It isn’t even making your avocado toast. It only enriches parasites.

So, raise a glass to Ecuador for finally growing a pair and putting its own interests first. Maybe this is the beginning of the end for the globalist agenda. Or maybe it's just a blip on the radar. Either way, it's a win for common sense and a reminder that national sovereignty still matters. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go buy some Ecuadorian bananas. For freedom.

Sources:

* [Ecuadorian Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries](https://www.produccion.gob.ec/) * [World Bank Data](https://data.worldbank.org/) * [ZeroHedge](https://www.zerohedge.com/) <--- Just kidding. (But seriously, check 'em out.)