I don't know if you have heard but Donald Trump is threatening to annex Canada and turn us into "his" 51st State. You've got to be kidding me! Who in their right mind would want to be part of Trump/Musk's country? Canada has a higher standard of living, much better (and cheaper) medical care, better working conditions, we retire earlier and live longer. And even better, we are happier! We have higher literacy and education rates I know I have missed a bunch of things but you get the idea, We have no intention of becoming "Americans". In order to force us into doing as we are told, Trump is threatening our economy by introducing what he thinks are crippling tariffs on Canada (as well as Mexico). Will he take the final step and send his military against his neighbour? You tell me. He is certifiably crazy so who knows? Would that be the final step that would make the American people stop him? I don't know.
So what can we do? Stop travelling to the US. I decided for myself back in December that I would not spend a dime in the US as long as Trump is in power and the GOP is in charge. That means no travel there. Period. Several European countries have put travel bans and advisories into effect since Trump's "Alien Enemies Act" has started allowing customs to search phones for any evidence of activities they don't like, even talking critically of the child king. My granddaughter has been planning a destination wedding in Florida for later in 2025 but I will not be there. I know I will not be popular but I will live with that rather than live with the disappointment in myself if I were to go and spend thousands to encourage that reddest of red States to continue what they are doing. If I did that I could not live with myself. I hope she will see the light and cancel or move the wedding. I am sure she would lose deposits but so be it. I would help her out if that were the case.
The other thing I can do is stop buying anything made in the USA. Canadians have really taken this to heart and are using various websites and apps the avoid anything that is a product of the USA. Grocery shopping has become an adventure involving Internet on cell phones and magnifying glasses. Liquor store shelves have been stripped of US liquor, beer and wine. Everything Canadians buy is getting a hard look for country of origin and stores are slowly beginning to cooperate by labelling shelves of Canadian made items. Items from other, more friendly countries are just fine but the US has proven to be anything but friendly to Canada.
Canada is working to develop markets for our goods that previously went to the US. The EU is proving to be willing customers and I would far rather see our raw materials and manufactured goods go there. Canada has just cancelled our huge deal with the US for 88 F-35 fighters. We may have to take the few that we have paid for in advance but no more. Maybe the US's new best friend Russia will take the rest of them complete with the rumoured software "kill switch" that Trump or Musk can activate at will. The newest Saab fighter is cheaper, more reliable and much easier to fly and maintain and Saab has promised to build a factory in Canada to produce them. It is past time to cut our military and financial ties to our hostile neighbour to the south. Canada is "Strong and Free" and will remain so.
