China changed itself massively overnight. Canada can as well. We are motivated. This could in fact, be what Canada needed all along....to wake us up to what we have!! And to become more confident and more self reliant
Thank you for your thoughtful and informative article. I liked in particular your phrase that “…government must have the strength to harness the markets, and democracy must have the strength to harness governments.”
Someone commented that I should have added that while much remains to be done to protect women’s rights we are far ahead of our neighbours and are not about to roll back reproductive rights - yes! should have included this
I haven’t read anywhere else the absolutely critical points that wealth disparity needs to be reduced, environmental degradation must be addressed AND that lowering taxes yet again isn’t the solution. Putting this together with the need for democracies to protect themselves from the authoritarian onslaught and, Mr Himelfarb has just expressed the most important priorities not just for Canada but for the world. Thank you so much for this! And, no, this article was not too long.
Thoughtful essay. Thank you Alex. It is a critical moment. Public institutions including the public service are in need of thoughtful and urgent renewal to tackle the issues stridently. Perhaps today’s moment is the catalyst to see that happen. Time to get busy.
Rather than repeat what many have said about Canada I keep referring to this letter from a Florida circuit court judge. BTW. We recently sold our Florida condo and feel completely liberated.
Open letter
An open letter written by a Florida judge about the CANADA/USA relationships & history.
By Robert Meadows (Circuit Court Judge, Florida).
Here is one American’s
take on the growing trade war with the US and Canada.
"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.
"But the King of Chaos couldn’t leave well enough alone. Based on his delusions of perpetual victimhood, out of the clear blue, he’s declared economic war on Canada. On CANADA! And he did it based on Canada being a national security risk to the US! For no good reason, other than the voices in his head that told him it was a war he could win. So why not do it, then?
"Again, we’re talking about Canada. Our closest ally, friend and neighbor.
"On behalf of an embarrassed nation, people of Canada, I apologize for this idiotic and wholly unnecessary attack. Please leave the back channels open. We the People of progressive persuasion stand with you."
Thank you. It is an article well worth reading again to remind ourselves of what we have and how very much we have to lose if we Canadians, collectively, don't step up to guard this land we call home.
We the People of America stand with our Canadian neighbors, and our friends and allies worldwide. Our fight to purge our country of the nazis and fascists is well under way. We remember all the history these criminals in current positions of power are attempting to eliminate. Our power to eliminate is far greater. We have the numbers required, and as the orange nazi falsely claimed, We the People actually have the cards. Americans know how to fight and win the good fight. 'Milton' musk and his orange nazi are about to receive their 'revolution', in spades.
Over 70, million Americans despise this despot who convinced a gullible electorate that he would make their lives better. He is a carnival Barker and unfortunately, Americans have dumbed down to the point that they believe this charlatan! Be assured , Canada , the rest of us will support you ! Perhaps you should consider a golden Visa for some of the best Americans to migrate and contribute to your country and watch the brain drain from your elephant Neighbour!
Some may think this post is too long. Whereas, in fact, there is much to do to really get to the type of society which will protect our one and only home, be fair, equitable, rules-based, and compassionate. Our grandparents and great grandparents can teach us much in regard to self-sacrifice and community solidarity in times of great upheaval. I am encouraged that most Canadians can be introspective in looking at our past, in recognizing the present world circumstances, and in working together to build a better world for us all.
Thank you, Alex, for your articulate and clear-headed examination of the state of our federation at this pivotal moment. Elbows up makes a great rallying cry but people also need to fully understand its intent, what it is we are fighting for and what are our best weapons and our most vulnerable weaknesses. I believe we can take this glorious opportunity that trump has unwittingly and unwillingly gifted to us, and together commit to building a better, more caring Canada. We are strongest when we are united.
Well written but way too long!!!
China changed itself massively overnight. Canada can as well. We are motivated. This could in fact, be what Canada needed all along....to wake us up to what we have!! And to become more confident and more self reliant
Thank you for your thoughtful and informative article. I liked in particular your phrase that “…government must have the strength to harness the markets, and democracy must have the strength to harness governments.”
Thanks Bobbi!
Someone commented that I should have added that while much remains to be done to protect women’s rights we are far ahead of our neighbours and are not about to roll back reproductive rights - yes! should have included this
I haven’t read anywhere else the absolutely critical points that wealth disparity needs to be reduced, environmental degradation must be addressed AND that lowering taxes yet again isn’t the solution. Putting this together with the need for democracies to protect themselves from the authoritarian onslaught and, Mr Himelfarb has just expressed the most important priorities not just for Canada but for the world. Thank you so much for this! And, no, this article was not too long.
Thanks Joerg for your comments and for reading it to the end!
We MUST protect and preserve our breathtakingly beautiful Land and Country from any and all enemies and invadors!!! Thank you for this...
Thanks Claire - and yes!
Thoughtful essay. Thank you Alex. It is a critical moment. Public institutions including the public service are in need of thoughtful and urgent renewal to tackle the issues stridently. Perhaps today’s moment is the catalyst to see that happen. Time to get busy.
How refreshing was your article! So appreciative of your take on Canada 🍁
Thank you Denise!
Very well said. Love this
Rather than repeat what many have said about Canada I keep referring to this letter from a Florida circuit court judge. BTW. We recently sold our Florida condo and feel completely liberated.
Open letter
An open letter written by a Florida judge about the CANADA/USA relationships & history.
By Robert Meadows (Circuit Court Judge, Florida).
Here is one American’s
take on the growing trade war with the US and Canada.
"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.
"But the King of Chaos couldn’t leave well enough alone. Based on his delusions of perpetual victimhood, out of the clear blue, he’s declared economic war on Canada. On CANADA! And he did it based on Canada being a national security risk to the US! For no good reason, other than the voices in his head that told him it was a war he could win. So why not do it, then?
"Again, we’re talking about Canada. Our closest ally, friend and neighbor.
"On behalf of an embarrassed nation, people of Canada, I apologize for this idiotic and wholly unnecessary attack. Please leave the back channels open. We the People of progressive persuasion stand with you."
perfect
Thank you. It is an article well worth reading again to remind ourselves of what we have and how very much we have to lose if we Canadians, collectively, don't step up to guard this land we call home.
Thanks Lynda!
Canada has a lot of support from people here in the US. Keep resisting.
Thanks Dave - we all have friendships across the border that continue to be strong.
We the People of America stand with our Canadian neighbors, and our friends and allies worldwide. Our fight to purge our country of the nazis and fascists is well under way. We remember all the history these criminals in current positions of power are attempting to eliminate. Our power to eliminate is far greater. We have the numbers required, and as the orange nazi falsely claimed, We the People actually have the cards. Americans know how to fight and win the good fight. 'Milton' musk and his orange nazi are about to receive their 'revolution', in spades.
resist!
Over 70, million Americans despise this despot who convinced a gullible electorate that he would make their lives better. He is a carnival Barker and unfortunately, Americans have dumbed down to the point that they believe this charlatan! Be assured , Canada , the rest of us will support you ! Perhaps you should consider a golden Visa for some of the best Americans to migrate and contribute to your country and watch the brain drain from your elephant Neighbour!
Thanks for this excellent essay.
Thanks Carol!
Some may think this post is too long. Whereas, in fact, there is much to do to really get to the type of society which will protect our one and only home, be fair, equitable, rules-based, and compassionate. Our grandparents and great grandparents can teach us much in regard to self-sacrifice and community solidarity in times of great upheaval. I am encouraged that most Canadians can be introspective in looking at our past, in recognizing the present world circumstances, and in working together to build a better world for us all.
Thank you, Alex, for your articulate and clear-headed examination of the state of our federation at this pivotal moment. Elbows up makes a great rallying cry but people also need to fully understand its intent, what it is we are fighting for and what are our best weapons and our most vulnerable weaknesses. I believe we can take this glorious opportunity that trump has unwittingly and unwillingly gifted to us, and together commit to building a better, more caring Canada. We are strongest when we are united.
Thanks Rosalind.