I can’t get over the way these people think. They keep harping on about how easy it would be for Trump to ‘invade’ and ‘take over’ Canada, as if there were any basis in reality for such an idea. Even a madman like Trump could never pull it off, given that the world’s most professional army is governed by laws that oblige the officer corps to refuse to obey an illegal or immoral order. Wake up, you bunch of dopes.
Much of our prosperity in this country comes down to good old-fashioned Canadian hard work. And, yes, part of it also stems from the privileged trade relationship this country has enjoyed with the United States since the signing of the FTA in the 1980s.
But to take that as a basis for claiming that Canadians and Canada have an obligation to accept any trade agreement proposed by the Americans is ridiculous. Genuine trade negotiations are an exchange based on mutual respect, trust and reciprocal benefits. In other words, a win-win agreement.
Anyone capable of setting aside their own political agenda, for even a second, will recognize that this proposed agreement may have been better than what most other countries got, but it wasn't a win-win. It was either that or nothing, and so Canada said no.
So, sorry, because Uncle Donald thinks we should accept it doesn’t mean we have to. Trade is a two-way street, and just as we will suffer from the lack of an agreement, so will the average American. That is precisely the point of saying ‘no’: to make the other side pay until they come up with an offer that seems at least fair to both sides – something Trump hasn’t done and, frankly, won’t do unless the American business lobby takes him to the woodshed.
So… to those who, reflexively, expect Carney to accept whatever is put before him – and I include Smith in that group – I simply say: move to the United States to be as happy as a fish in water under Trump. You claim that we have open borders, massive and uncontrolled immigration, record crime rates, and that foreigners are better off in this country than Canadians; if all that is true, then go on, leave.
Then there’s the constant yammering about the need to go to an immediate election. Of course, go ahead, call one, but don’t be surprised when you find out, once again, that a majority of voters don't share your worldview as an admirer and staunch apologist for the United States. Call an election. Fine. But don’t shoot yourselves in the head when Carney returns with a majority of over 200 seats, because that’s exactly what will happen. And when the Liberals win, don’t hesitate to leave for good. You’ll end up happier eventually, as American citizens. You’ll fit in perfectly there.
And for those of us who’ll be staying in Canada and who are definitely not Liberal supporters, I have just one small ask: when you leave, please, pretty please, take Pierre Poilièvre with you. That way, the CPC might finally win an election sometime during the next five years.
To conclude, so long and best of luck.
