Since Trump has been throwing tariffs and the threat of tariffs toward Canada, I, like many Canadians, have been both worried and puzzled. Why is he picking on Canada, one of America's best long term allies? Why does Canada rank with Mexico, which has genuine drug and immigration problems at the southern U.S. border, and China, which more than any other country in the world, has taken over the U.S. consumer market?
And why the continuing spew of insults (or are they threats?) about Canada becoming the 51st state?
It seems to me that Trump has something personal against Canada. Maybe as Maebeme in her comments two posts ago suggested, he wants our resources, water, lumber and oil. I still can't say what is going on in Trump's brain about the long run for Canada.
But in a more general sense, we do now have some ideas.
Based on negotiations in Washington last week, Canadian officials came away with the understanding that DT plans three approaches to reducing the U.S. global international trade deficit of $1.8 trillion. First is a budget with billions in program and tax cuts, the second is the ruthless reduction in agency staffing that Musk is over-seeing, and the third is tariffs.
In Trump's mind, in spite of the turmoil that they are creating for the American stock market, tariffs will bring in enormous amounts of money to the U.S., while encouraging manufacturing to return to the U.S. I'm not sure either of these are true, but on Apr. 2nd, Trump will announce tariffs of various levels on countries around the world. At least Canada will no longer feel picked on!
But what does he have in mind for Canada? Like many Canadians, I suspect he really is after our natural resources. Though he's constantly saying the U.S. doesn't need our oil, gas, or lumber, he hasn't said much about our water or those critical minerals. Others have suggested that what he really wants is an integrated North American economy, which would be a big step toward annexation.
But I think it may be even more than that, and simpler at the same time. I suspect that Trump has a big map of North America pinned to his bedroom wall and he looks at that map and thinks wouldn't it be a great legacy to create one huge country, including both Greenland and Canada?
I think we're going to see a lot of nonsense in the next four years!
We will shortly return to regular programming.
I think "normal" as we once knew our world was, has flown out the window, DT has grand, stupid, dangerous plans for sure, and I think you are so right in your words today. I look forward to regular programming!!!Meantime, all our winter firewood is stacked, and in the shed. And I hope our grandson in Vancouver does not venture over the dividing line, he could so easily get detained for no reason at all.In all my life, never before have I been so interested, more worried and greatly concerned when I read about US tactics.
ReplyDeleteDonald Trump is just plain scary.
ReplyDeleteoooooh fg, it is not a shame that we have to take, what should be fun time, and talk about all of this. to wonder what is going to happen, what are the next best steps to move forward. i wish we had a better candidate at election time. we need a leader to run our beloved Country, someone who presented themself well and had a clear picture for our future!! i don't usually talk politics so i will end with this, i owe you one million comments, i had the flu and we did not get any snow. i remembered you inquired!!
ReplyDeleteAt least Canada is a strong country able to stand up for itself. Imagine living in Greenland with this threat hanging over them. I don’t think Trump understands tariffs. He has no idea what they do. But that is no excuse for his horrible bullying behaviour.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, with Rumpy in charge, we are less likely than ever to be enticed. Elbows Up.
ReplyDeleteI can’t listen to him any more, disgusting little man that he is!
ReplyDeleteAgreed about the nonsense . We've seen enough nonsense already.
ReplyDeleteHe has an agenda, no doubt, but no one knows what it is.
ReplyDeleteI think the one thing that will end the DT adventure will be the American people themselves--they will revolt as their cost of living increases dramatically.DT promised to lower the COL on day one & that is what swung the election- small disturbance & little pain,Ha?
ReplyDeleteI agree with A James, the people of the States will be the ones to resist and make the necessary changes. In the meantime, it will require the judiciary to hold up the rule of law. There are some encouraging signs in various court cases.
ReplyDeleteIt's not going to be pleasant for all North Americans, as well as Denmark and Greenland. But we will prevail! Elbows up!!