Well, you know the definition of insane, right!?
“Doing the same thing over again and again, and hoping for a different outcome!”
Happy to share this asylum with you, Jerry 
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Yeah, that’s the new variable in this equation.
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De Minimis is also gone, so there’s normal duties too
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What? Do you mean now we pay local tax too?
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No I mean the $800 de minimis exemption from normal customs duties, which has existed for decades, was also removed when the tariffs were enacted; now you have to pay US import duties on the full value for anything with a value over $100, in addition to the tariffs.
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Well, that’s all very interesting. 
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When I priced it out a few months ago, it almost doubled the cost of an $800 bass.
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This seems to be spotty in enforcement. I just got some merch from Japan which didn’t have any tarrifs. Was expected to. So its hit or miss
Welcome to my world.
I’ve been in Brazil for 10 years and it’s basically impossible to buy anything that wasn’t made here without almost doubling the price due to import taxes. Luckily you have an allowance for what you’re allowed to bring in at the airport so I buy things when I’m abroad, but it means I always have to wait.
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Depends on what it is. Sometimes printed media and other things are exempt. Music and DVDs are, etc.
Yeah for your it will all depend on the customs folks at Newark.
When I came back with two basses, they asked me what I had, I told them, they said ‘go ahead’, even thought I had about $3000 in basses. No clue how they are enforcing now, or if, or if any airports will be open when you come back, or even go.
FAA just announced 10% reduction in all flights due to shortages.
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That’s because of the government shutdown (obviously). Being one of the furloughed unwashed masses, I keep my ear to the rail about the goings on. The pressure is ratcheting up this week, I expect that we’ll be back in the office by mid week next week at the latest. Then of course, I’ve already missed a few use or lose vacation days… so I probably still won’t be in the office much until after New Year’s, but very importantly, I’ll be getting paid to not be there.
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In the three times I’ve returned, I didn’t even get a second look going past the customs officer. This time it might be different. If I do buy a bass this year, it’s going to have to be a really, really good deal.
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Ah, cool!
I was discussing the US situation with friends, and someone said that (many) people in the US don’t get enough food now? They have something like “food stamps”, apparently, for millions of Americans???! I did not know that.
So we were planning to somehow send CARE packages to the US, much like the US did after WW2.
If you (and others) are getting paid, does that mean, this is not necessary?
That’s the SNAP:
And we’re getting damn close to politics again 
SNAP? WTF? You’re right … won’t comment on this….
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Sadly, hunger is now politics in the US.
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The 750,000 furloughed federal civil servants aren’t working or getting paid yet. I just expect that we’ll be back at work within a week. Then, I can start using my extra vacation time that won’t carry over into the New Year.
Really, I would not believe it if I hadn’t seen it all over the news. Even worse is the SNAP situation (not only the fact that people might not get food stamps, but that people get “stamps” at all. That must be humiliating!? Why don’t they just get money from social security. It’s the same, but without the stigma, right?).
Also a conflict over health insurance is mind boggling to me. Here, everybody has it.
Access to affordable health care is a basic human right, in my opinion.
That is so post apocalyptic in a way, very sci-fi, but without zombies (yet?).
I hope you, your family and friends are allright!!!