"Our hope lies in riding out the storm, ensuring that Trump’s strategy is as costly to him as possible, calling upon and relying on our friendships, and disentangling ourselves from the U.S. octopus (I make a few suggestions here: Disentangling from America). We also need to hope that rational Americans will assert control over their own democracy before it is truly too late."
Good advice.
When Trump appointed Tulsi Gabbard to oversee all intelligence services it should have inspired all U.S. allies to effectively suspend their alliance with the U.S. It doesn't matter if she is confirmed. Simply the attempt to put her in power demonstrates how reckless and malevolent the new American government is destined to be.
But no. We've mainly seen allies in Europe and elsewhere express hopes for the best. They've rushed to curry favor with the new child Emperor.
Well, the crazy tariffs are yet another wake up call. How many will it take?
My dad would take all of us on fishing trips and, while the adults fished, I played on the shoreline in the midst of magical forests that seemed like a Disney concoction.
I don't know what the future holds, but I know that untold millions of Americans admire and respect your country.
Trump’s annexation “plans” are very reminiscent of Hitler’s Lebensraum (living space). And the parallels to that time just keep rolling in. I am furious and disgusted with Trump and the politicians who, when they’re speaking with the media, for example, are actually speaking to Trump and making excuses. And I’m angry with the Americans, especially the ones who held their noses and voted for Trump as the “lesser evil”. The over-the-top MAGAs already drank the (American) Kool-Aid are too far gone. My husband and I served with many Americans, and they’re our friends. Part of me doesn't know what to do with this. Most of me, however, says screw the USA and Trump; Vance can just go straight to hell, too. We need to do for ourselves and forge new alliances with other members of the Commonwealth and beyond, and especially between our provinces and territories.
Totally agree and btw, the KoolAid sold in Canada is made in the US, and the parent company is Kraft-Heinz - an American company. Don't like the stuff but even if I did, I wouldn't buy it.
I know—that’s why I used it! The use of the term made me think of why one hears it so often. In the 1960s, Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters mixed Kool-Aid with LSD (the Kool-Aid Acid Tests)—more likely, and not the 1978 massacre at Jonestown where they used Flavor Aid laced with cyanide. It's interesting how that “drink the Kool-Aid” became a way to describe those who seem to lack critical thinking and blindly follow, in this case, Trump’s lies and MAGA crap. The later reference is less apropos although I’ve heard people refer to it in the same way as the Acid Tests.
Well, my next ketchup will be French’s. Be a lot of label reading in the next while, eh? Wonder what the KD lovers will do?? 😁
Actually, I would suggest buying Primo's ketchup. Primo is a Canadian owned company. I am compiling a list of Canadian and nonCanadian owned companies and products and have done quite a bit of research on this. I am happy to share the list if you wish
A King's Commission, also known as a letters patent, is issued by the monarchy to commissioned officers in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
I agree with what you say, but I would clarify one thing: we are not a “Canada first” type of people. We want the best for everyone - including allied countries and even those Americans who share our values. And unlike Trump, we know that our friendships make us stronger. Thus we need to build new partnerships with Mexico, the EU, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan - among others. It can’t just be Canada against Trump - it has to be the free world against Trump.
Absolutely agree. At least for now, I am buying Canadian owned and made first because we are in crisis mode. Second is Canadian owned (eg grocery stores, which thankfully almost all in Canada are. The exception being Whole Foods which is owned by Jeff Bezos. ....Very happy to buy Mexican and thankfully the stores are doing a great job of posting signage stating where the produce is from. Second is any firm that is in a NATO (not US of course) or Commonweath country. I practice medical aesthetics and purchase a neuromodulator that is made in South Korea. Happy to do that too.
I do see a connection. The Heritage Foundation is linked to Project 2025 and there are ties to Canada in and through Stephen Harper. Harper infamously claimed no one would recognize Canada when he was done. And he did considerable damage while in the PM office, but was constrained by minority governments until his last term then booted completely from office as his vision for Canada was soundly rejected.
But Harper has been continuing to pull strings to elevate his preferred choice for Con leader only to see each fail in turn. The least qualified, Poilievre, has been the most promoted. He has benefited from the decline in Trudeau’s popularity (in the face of a sustained disinformation campaign). Had this been a “carbon tax” election coming up, he surely would have won.
Make no mistake that what is happening now in the US is EXACTLY what Harper dreams of for Canada. The IDU that he chairs, that has supported autocrats including Orban signals this.
“The plan” is for Canada to descend into economic chaos from which Poilievre will sweep to victory with a majority government. From there the “inevitable “ close cooperation with the Trump administration would effectively surrender Canadian sovereignty.
BUT… Trump’s actions have resulted in a reaction that was probably not anticipated in its strength and depth. Canadians are pissed. It is more than possible Carney will emerge as the Liberal leader and make a winning argument to voters that he is the guy who will stand up for Canada vs Trump. We’ll see….
Harper in no way supports Trump, as his recent pronouncements clearly demonstrate. He has echoed Jean Chretien and others in his condemnation of the economic threats. Please let us not engage in new conspiracy theories.
The Tyhee is not a source of reliable information. I’m aware of all the theories. Ever since Marcie MacDonald wrote in the Walrus in early 2006 about the evil cabal of “Straussians” who had installed Harper in power.
I have spent too much time on X dealing WEF/Bill Gates/George Soros garbage. I am not the least bit interested in following the progressive version of the same silly indulgence down some rabbit hole. Sorry. We have very real problems staring us right in the face.
I think both Trudeau and Pollievre responded exactly right yesterday. Whatever the failings of Libs and Cons in the past that brought us here.
What did Harper do in power? He didn’t turn us into some right wing kleptocracy, that much I know. What has he done since? Well, this week he joined with the 4 other living former PMs to condemn Trump’s aggressive posturing and his betrayal of America’s allies. Are you saying you know what Harper is up to better than Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chretien, and Paul Martin? Maybe you are saying that. But I’ll take their judgement over yours.
I was referring to his heading the IDU and while "it's nice" that he's joining Joe Clark in condemning Trump's antics that doesn't change its activities
I will vote for Mark Carney. The more I read about him and especially see him in interviews, the more I respect him. He is what we need right now. I will also agree with one of the posts above - Canadians are pissed. We are a humble, loyal, hardworking people. We do not thump our chests or wear our flag. We step up when needed. We have died for the cause when needed. We deserve to be treated with respect ....
Everything feared with a new President has come to fruition within two weeks; Canadians must unite and stand up for ourselves to counter these tactics to economically break us.
At this point I am ending up questioning if the 1930s Germany comparison is still apt. With the hostile actions by Elon Musk and his goons there has been quite a bit of instability created over the past 72 hours. Having the world's richest man capturing control of the federal government's Accounts Payable infrastructure as well as its sovereign bonds infrastructure is infinitely horrifying.
I'm questioning from my perspective as a Cleveland native whether the Musk gang is bumbling instead toward something like a Yugoslavia breakup and Balkanization. Wrecking the payment system as it appears the Musk gang is ready to do would be a quick way to spark regional and factional tensions. Having their Social Security pensions terminated by way of the Musk gang's actions would be one way to get the populace riled up.
As much as Mr. Trump may want to annex Canada I just don't see us lasting that long. Musk and goons as well as the other "burn it all down" factions in government are instead making the USA ripe for annexation itself. We're in such a ridiculous state right now.
@Black Cloud Six — thanks for having the right words, at the right time, and speaking them for yourself and for.d us. Now action to “ride out the storm”.
Well said. The new reality is a real wake up call for Canada to become less reliant on the USA. Trust is completely broken now. I believe we will weather this storm. ❤️🇨🇦🙏🏻
I think we will too. It would be sweet revenge if the rest of the free world united, traded, protected, etc and let the US be the protectionist pariah....After all, considering what they have done, and it is only 13 days since the inauguration, who will ever trust them again?
I believe Trump is just a front man for the new American Oligarchy. He acts as a buffer to allow the American public to come to grips with their expansionist plans .
Let’s not wait for the aggression to acknowledge what is coming. It is coming.
Do we really need X, Facebook,Amazon? Hitting American multi nationals is a way for Canadians to strike a note that can’t be ignored. Rich people like money and don’t like to think it might be restricted.
Canada was carved out of rock and ice by our indigenous communities and immigrant for fathers. We can and will stand together .
I'm thinking that our leaders need to stop "sane washing" the Felon's bad faith gibberish. All evidence (not just these tariffs and his "51st State" fever dreams) indicate that he's trying to crash the United States' Administrative State and the USA as the lynchpin of the West. He's doing it for personal gain and the gain of Heritage Fund types and Broligarchy pulling his strings. However, as the American front of "WW-III by various means" seems to be collapsing in the interests of Putin and XI, I'm reminded of something Obama's America and most of her most important erstwhile allies agreed upon. They all passed their version of the Magnitsky Act. We all need to collectively wake up and smell the coffee regarding this lawless racketeering posing as an Executive Branch in the USA and start acting accordingly.
"Our hope lies in riding out the storm, ensuring that Trump’s strategy is as costly to him as possible, calling upon and relying on our friendships, and disentangling ourselves from the U.S. octopus (I make a few suggestions here: Disentangling from America). We also need to hope that rational Americans will assert control over their own democracy before it is truly too late."
Good advice.
When Trump appointed Tulsi Gabbard to oversee all intelligence services it should have inspired all U.S. allies to effectively suspend their alliance with the U.S. It doesn't matter if she is confirmed. Simply the attempt to put her in power demonstrates how reckless and malevolent the new American government is destined to be.
But no. We've mainly seen allies in Europe and elsewhere express hopes for the best. They've rushed to curry favor with the new child Emperor.
Well, the crazy tariffs are yet another wake up call. How many will it take?
I am so sorry, and deeply ashamed.
I visited Canada often as a little kid.
My dad would take all of us on fishing trips and, while the adults fished, I played on the shoreline in the midst of magical forests that seemed like a Disney concoction.
I don't know what the future holds, but I know that untold millions of Americans admire and respect your country.
Try not to give up on us.
Trump’s annexation “plans” are very reminiscent of Hitler’s Lebensraum (living space). And the parallels to that time just keep rolling in. I am furious and disgusted with Trump and the politicians who, when they’re speaking with the media, for example, are actually speaking to Trump and making excuses. And I’m angry with the Americans, especially the ones who held their noses and voted for Trump as the “lesser evil”. The over-the-top MAGAs already drank the (American) Kool-Aid are too far gone. My husband and I served with many Americans, and they’re our friends. Part of me doesn't know what to do with this. Most of me, however, says screw the USA and Trump; Vance can just go straight to hell, too. We need to do for ourselves and forge new alliances with other members of the Commonwealth and beyond, and especially between our provinces and territories.
Totally agree and btw, the KoolAid sold in Canada is made in the US, and the parent company is Kraft-Heinz - an American company. Don't like the stuff but even if I did, I wouldn't buy it.
I know—that’s why I used it! The use of the term made me think of why one hears it so often. In the 1960s, Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters mixed Kool-Aid with LSD (the Kool-Aid Acid Tests)—more likely, and not the 1978 massacre at Jonestown where they used Flavor Aid laced with cyanide. It's interesting how that “drink the Kool-Aid” became a way to describe those who seem to lack critical thinking and blindly follow, in this case, Trump’s lies and MAGA crap. The later reference is less apropos although I’ve heard people refer to it in the same way as the Acid Tests.
Well, my next ketchup will be French’s. Be a lot of label reading in the next while, eh? Wonder what the KD lovers will do?? 😁
Actually, I would suggest buying Primo's ketchup. Primo is a Canadian owned company. I am compiling a list of Canadian and nonCanadian owned companies and products and have done quite a bit of research on this. I am happy to share the list if you wish
I also hold a King’s commission, and although out of uniform for 30 years, I too stand ready to defend my Canada
Could you explain a Kings Commission?
A King's Commission, also known as a letters patent, is issued by the monarchy to commissioned officers in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
I agree with what you say, but I would clarify one thing: we are not a “Canada first” type of people. We want the best for everyone - including allied countries and even those Americans who share our values. And unlike Trump, we know that our friendships make us stronger. Thus we need to build new partnerships with Mexico, the EU, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan - among others. It can’t just be Canada against Trump - it has to be the free world against Trump.
Absolutely agree. At least for now, I am buying Canadian owned and made first because we are in crisis mode. Second is Canadian owned (eg grocery stores, which thankfully almost all in Canada are. The exception being Whole Foods which is owned by Jeff Bezos. ....Very happy to buy Mexican and thankfully the stores are doing a great job of posting signage stating where the produce is from. Second is any firm that is in a NATO (not US of course) or Commonweath country. I practice medical aesthetics and purchase a neuromodulator that is made in South Korea. Happy to do that too.
I do see a connection. The Heritage Foundation is linked to Project 2025 and there are ties to Canada in and through Stephen Harper. Harper infamously claimed no one would recognize Canada when he was done. And he did considerable damage while in the PM office, but was constrained by minority governments until his last term then booted completely from office as his vision for Canada was soundly rejected.
But Harper has been continuing to pull strings to elevate his preferred choice for Con leader only to see each fail in turn. The least qualified, Poilievre, has been the most promoted. He has benefited from the decline in Trudeau’s popularity (in the face of a sustained disinformation campaign). Had this been a “carbon tax” election coming up, he surely would have won.
Make no mistake that what is happening now in the US is EXACTLY what Harper dreams of for Canada. The IDU that he chairs, that has supported autocrats including Orban signals this.
“The plan” is for Canada to descend into economic chaos from which Poilievre will sweep to victory with a majority government. From there the “inevitable “ close cooperation with the Trump administration would effectively surrender Canadian sovereignty.
BUT… Trump’s actions have resulted in a reaction that was probably not anticipated in its strength and depth. Canadians are pissed. It is more than possible Carney will emerge as the Liberal leader and make a winning argument to voters that he is the guy who will stand up for Canada vs Trump. We’ll see….
Harper in no way supports Trump, as his recent pronouncements clearly demonstrate. He has echoed Jean Chretien and others in his condemnation of the economic threats. Please let us not engage in new conspiracy theories.
Just follow the breadcrumbs. I don't think it is a stretch at all--and of course what else would Harper say right now?
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2024/04/05/Democracy-Under-Siege-Globally/
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2014/10/06/Reign-of-Stephen-Harper/
https://albertapolitics.ca/2023/07/stephen-harper-he-haunts-us-still/
The Tyhee is not a source of reliable information. I’m aware of all the theories. Ever since Marcie MacDonald wrote in the Walrus in early 2006 about the evil cabal of “Straussians” who had installed Harper in power.
I have spent too much time on X dealing WEF/Bill Gates/George Soros garbage. I am not the least bit interested in following the progressive version of the same silly indulgence down some rabbit hole. Sorry. We have very real problems staring us right in the face.
I think both Trudeau and Pollievre responded exactly right yesterday. Whatever the failings of Libs and Cons in the past that brought us here.
No. Harper and Poilievre have made it clear that they are dead set against Trump.
But saying is one thing, and actually "doing stuff" when given the chance is something else. What's Harper done since 2015?
What did Harper do in power? He didn’t turn us into some right wing kleptocracy, that much I know. What has he done since? Well, this week he joined with the 4 other living former PMs to condemn Trump’s aggressive posturing and his betrayal of America’s allies. Are you saying you know what Harper is up to better than Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chretien, and Paul Martin? Maybe you are saying that. But I’ll take their judgement over yours.
I was referring to his heading the IDU and while "it's nice" that he's joining Joe Clark in condemning Trump's antics that doesn't change its activities
I will vote for Mark Carney. The more I read about him and especially see him in interviews, the more I respect him. He is what we need right now. I will also agree with one of the posts above - Canadians are pissed. We are a humble, loyal, hardworking people. We do not thump our chests or wear our flag. We step up when needed. We have died for the cause when needed. We deserve to be treated with respect ....
While Harper is conservative it’s a long way from his values to the ijut south of us. That’s a false equivalence
Everything feared with a new President has come to fruition within two weeks; Canadians must unite and stand up for ourselves to counter these tactics to economically break us.
At this point I am ending up questioning if the 1930s Germany comparison is still apt. With the hostile actions by Elon Musk and his goons there has been quite a bit of instability created over the past 72 hours. Having the world's richest man capturing control of the federal government's Accounts Payable infrastructure as well as its sovereign bonds infrastructure is infinitely horrifying.
I'm questioning from my perspective as a Cleveland native whether the Musk gang is bumbling instead toward something like a Yugoslavia breakup and Balkanization. Wrecking the payment system as it appears the Musk gang is ready to do would be a quick way to spark regional and factional tensions. Having their Social Security pensions terminated by way of the Musk gang's actions would be one way to get the populace riled up.
As much as Mr. Trump may want to annex Canada I just don't see us lasting that long. Musk and goons as well as the other "burn it all down" factions in government are instead making the USA ripe for annexation itself. We're in such a ridiculous state right now.
Yes, the comparison isn’t very valid. The language is very similar, as is the fact that many Nazis were “intellectuals”, especially in the SS.
There’s no counterpart to Musk in any historical comparison I can think of. The fact that he’s allowed to run amok is incredibly disturbing.
Musk is Rasputin.
I only hope such a breakup - if it happens - occurs before he sics his goons on Canada. At least it will keep the militias fighting down there.
Another well written thought-provoking article. Thank you BC6!
We are facing evil
We cannot blink
We stand again & always
THE TRUE NORTH
STRONG & FREE
@Black Cloud Six — thanks for having the right words, at the right time, and speaking them for yourself and for.d us. Now action to “ride out the storm”.
Well said. The new reality is a real wake up call for Canada to become less reliant on the USA. Trust is completely broken now. I believe we will weather this storm. ❤️🇨🇦🙏🏻
I think we will too. It would be sweet revenge if the rest of the free world united, traded, protected, etc and let the US be the protectionist pariah....After all, considering what they have done, and it is only 13 days since the inauguration, who will ever trust them again?
Well said! You have my greatest admiration and complete support!
Well said !!
I believe Trump is just a front man for the new American Oligarchy. He acts as a buffer to allow the American public to come to grips with their expansionist plans .
Let’s not wait for the aggression to acknowledge what is coming. It is coming.
Do we really need X, Facebook,Amazon? Hitting American multi nationals is a way for Canadians to strike a note that can’t be ignored. Rich people like money and don’t like to think it might be restricted.
Canada was carved out of rock and ice by our indigenous communities and immigrant for fathers. We can and will stand together .
Why haven’t we slapped huge tariffs on Teslas?
I'm thinking that our leaders need to stop "sane washing" the Felon's bad faith gibberish. All evidence (not just these tariffs and his "51st State" fever dreams) indicate that he's trying to crash the United States' Administrative State and the USA as the lynchpin of the West. He's doing it for personal gain and the gain of Heritage Fund types and Broligarchy pulling his strings. However, as the American front of "WW-III by various means" seems to be collapsing in the interests of Putin and XI, I'm reminded of something Obama's America and most of her most important erstwhile allies agreed upon. They all passed their version of the Magnitsky Act. We all need to collectively wake up and smell the coffee regarding this lawless racketeering posing as an Executive Branch in the USA and start acting accordingly.
Canada and Mexico should enact an embargo on all American goods!
We’re far too intertwined to do that. Everything would grind to a halt - in all three countries.