I've been delighted to see the proliferation of Canadian flags down our street. Neighbours have stuck them into snowbanks and are letting them blow in the breeze. It certainly says something about Canadian patriotism. In an abrupt change from 200 years of friendly history, we have the American president, DT, to thanks for this, and it's unprecedented.
Our family is not the type to go south for a holiday, winter was always just too much fun. But we've travelled east and west more than most I suspect. We've been through most of the northern states and always found everyone kind and friendly. We've driven east through New York and New England on our way to the Maritimes, and home again the same way. We've driven west through Chicago, all the way to Idaho and north on our trips to the west coast - stopping in Yellowstone along the way. We've been to the tulip farms of the Skagit Valley in Washington and driven to Alaska.
Having driven to both coasts a total of five times, we've developed a deep sense of pride in Canada, and we've always been welcomed in the U.S.
The sudden change in American politics that has left us as enemies instead of friends is seriously puzzling and deeply upsetting. It's hard to separate the official views from what individuals may feel, even though we know it's mainly DT and his cronies who feel this way. However, I do fear most Canadians will be adopting something of an anti-American view because of this. Don't take it personally, but we will no longer be friends in quite the way we were and that's a shame.
The tariffs DT says will start on Tuesday just seem nonsensical. Our economies are already so integrated that America depends on our oil exports. They've built refineries specifically to handle the type of crude we ship. The auto industry is so inter-linked that it would be hard to separate it out, with parts shipped back and forth, and new auto plants built to specialize in building those parts.
I have to wonder who is advising DT.
But the comments about the 51st state are far more troubling. And given how Trump has behaved the past week, they are much more troubling now. They are an attack on a country that has been one of America's best allies, deeply insulting and aggressive. Many Canadians are furious. Then I could touch upon how he has treated Ukraine, but I won't. I'm afraid most of us just can't believe it!
But the positive side of this is the sudden burst of Canadian patriotism I'm seeing. The Facebook feed I'm getting is full of Canadian flags, often in front of the spectacular scenery we are so proud of. 'Buy Canadian' is sweeping the country, and that includes cancelling trips to the U.S. as well as trying not to buy anything from billionaires like Bezos!
I can only hope the turmoil the world is now in passes peacefully, though Canada may be only a small corner of the story.
Not all of us are like him...Here is one American’s take on the growing trade war with the US and Canada.
ReplyDelete"Have you ever stopped to consider how lucky we Americans are to have the neighbors we have? Look around the globe at who some folks have been stuck sharing a border with over the past half century:
North Korea / South Korea
Greece / Turkey
Iran / Iraq
Israel / Palestine
India / Pakistan
China / Russia
"We’ve got Canada! Canada. About as inoffensive a neighbor as you could ever hope for. In spite of all our boasts of “American exceptionalism” and chants of “America first,” they just smile, do their thing and go about their business. They are on average more educated, have a higher standard of living, free health care, and almost no gun problems. They treat immigrants respectfully and already took in over 35,000 Syrians in the last two years.
"They’re with us in NATO, they fought alongside us in World War I, World War II, Korea, the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, Afghanistan, the Kosovo War and came to our defense after 9/11. There was that one time when Canada took a pass on one of our wars: Vietnam. Turned out to be a good call.
"They’ve been steady consumers of American imports, reliable exporters of metals and petroleum products (they are the biggest importer of U.S. products from 37 states), and partnered with NASA in our space missions.
"During 9/11 many aircraft were diverted to Newfoundland, an island province off Canada's east coast where Americans were housed in people's homes for two weeks and treated like royalty. In return for their hospitality, this administration slapped a 20% tariff on the products of Newfoundland's only paper mill, thereby threatening it's survival.
"And what do Canadians expect of us in return? To be respected for who and what they are: Canadians. That’s what I call a good neighbor....
I think I've read this someplace before.
DeleteI posted it on FB and MSN
DeleteIt is great to see Canadian patriotism showing as it is since these threats from Trump. Our relationship with the U.S. is damaged for certain. It may take a long time to recover, if ever.
ReplyDeleteI think DT likes to mess with people more than he means any action. I think you have a wonderful country. It is great that the flags are flying as they are beautiful. I fly my flag daily in memory of my dad who miraculously survived the Battle of the Bulge. That World War mess him up for the rest of his life and he would be proud to know that I fly the American flag for the good cause he sacrificed for.
ReplyDeleteThis is really well written. Well done. It truly is discouraging. There is hope w can lower trade barriers between provinces.
ReplyDeleteThe world is not in the best of places at the moment ... it is concerning.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It will all come out in the wash sooner or later. Getting upset or discouraged does no good. Canada is a good friend and has been for a long time...:)
ReplyDeleteI have so many blog friends in both Canada and the US, and yes, not all Americans feel the same way, but so many must have sided with DT to get him re-elected, and I wonder how do they feel now? The closest neighbour, to be treated this way is not a welcome move, and as for the interview , read Lori Skoog's titles !!! Yankee flyer , you mention so many things I did not know, down here in New Zealand, we will surely be affected in some way, maybe in many ways, but not so much as all of you up North. Keep the fires burning and keep that definitely and ONLY Canadian Maple Syrup handy. Stew, Unprecedented, friendship gone, you are so right in all your words today.
ReplyDeleteI believe he wants to do to us what Putin has done to the Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed of my beloved country for treating the world so shabbily. Canada is a wonderful country!
ReplyDeleteMy step children are Canadian and one of them lived in Whistler for some years. You can see where my allegiance lies.
ReplyDeleteI concur, the silver lining of the actions of the current administration in the US is bringing Canadians together. At least for the most part, however, there are meetings and discussions in small groups in both Saskatchewan and Alberta about joining the US. (Over my dead body). There were about 20 participants here in Regina, with a similar number of counter-protesters last weekend.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time in my life I’m absolutely ashamed to be a citizen of the U. S. Unfortunately about half of our population supported trunp but everyone will suffer. If I was Canadian I wouldn't purchase anything made in the U. S. or from a U. S. supplier, even if I had to do without. Hopefully Canada won't suffer too much from this stupidity, but I fear we all will pay the price.
ReplyDeleteIt's all very sad and scary.
ReplyDeleteThe price will be high for all of us. 😮💨
Good photo. I am very disturbed by what is happening. The Republican leader is being advised by Elon Musk, who is obviously a troublemaker. They are tearing apart our country and our best alliances. It is heartbreaking.
ReplyDelete