Commentary, Photography

Thanks But No Thanks

87 Comments

This isn’t at all a political blog and I’ve certainly never wanted it to be controversial, either, but in light of recent developments around the possibility of being “economically forced” into becoming “the 51st state,” I feel that I have to stand up for my country. I know that many Americans do not agree with president-elect Trump’s pronouncements about annexing Canada; nevertheless, here we are. Such a threat requires a response.

First of all, we Canadians are not grateful for the “offer” of statehood as a number of U.S. politicians, pundits, show hosts and various others have said that we should be. We are, in fact, very insulted by the notion, just as Americans would be if another country decided that they should be forced into some sort of unwanted union.

To support this view, Mr. Trump has asserted on his social media platform that “many people in Canada LOVE [Trump’s emphasis] being the 51st state” worded as if we had already joined the U.S. That is simply and factually very inaccurate. The vast majority of Canadians like, value and want our independence, sovereignty, and self-determination.

Supposedly, the U.S. is “subsidising” Canada through an “unfair” trade imbalance and if we want to continue this position, we should become a state. Again, this is factually inaccurate. The trade balances completely once our oil and gas shipments are taken into account, which Mr. Trump is neglecting to include. It’s particularly worth noting that Mr. Trump specifically signed off on this trade agreement during his last tenure.

The U.S. is categorically not “subsidising” Canada. And that extends to our military, as well. There are no U.S. troops stationed on Canadian soil in order to defend us. We are more than capable of defending ourselves, and we do have that history.

There seems to be some astonishment that we don’t want this “union.” The people who feel that way should stop to consider. We are a sovereign, independent nation with a long history of doing things our way and of defending our right to do things our way. We like and want that. Internally, we may disagree; we may argue and face division. But in the end we have a precious commodity: our right to disagree and argue and face division and through that process, to come around to our own path, a path that represents us, our culture and our values.

We are not perfect, and Mr Trump has flagged issues that he feels we need to address such as illegal border crossings. The U.S. is not perfect either, and we have issues such as the flow of illegal guns into our country. There is no reason why these issues can’t be solved cooperatively; why would there be a need for threats of annexation? Or is that the whole point?

Being forced into becoming a part of the U.S. fundamentally flies in the face of the American philosophy of self-determination. The fact that those who are advocating this approach are also failing to see this discrepancy is incredibly disturbing. Self-determination is okay as long as we do what the United States tells us to do? Or otherwise we’ll be forced?

Canada will never voluntarily join the U.S. With all due respect, we don’t want to be American. It’s that simple. And on that note, and since Mr. Trump was elected on a platform of addressing issues such as inflation and a number of other internal matters, I suggest that he turn his attention to those, and leave us to deal with ours.

In the past, we two nations have cooperated extremely well. One sobering example is 9/11. There were all those Americans on all those aircraft who were required to land here and were looked after as sisters and brothers in need who had been horribly attacked.

More recently, we are providing help to the state of California as it battles those terrible fires. The governor asked that we send our military firefighting units and they, as well as many civilian firefighters have either arrived or will be shortly.

These are the things you do for a good neighbour and we do them gladly. We shouldn’t lose sight of all this goodwill and respect, built up over generations, that our two nations have worked hard to achieve. It’s a precious thing that’s far easier to destroy than to build.

87 thoughts on “Thanks But No Thanks”

  1. Bravo. You speak for us, in the way that I recognize as the best of being Canadian: clearly,, intelligently, factually and courteously. But also with strength and conviction.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. I totally agree with you on this post. I live in the UK. But when I read this news this morning of this, I thought, he is Trump causing trouble and it won’t go down well. And naturally so. Although I have never been to Canada, I personally don’t like it that Trump has in mind. He doesn’t need to do this. My first thought when I read this nrws is that he is just after controlling. And power.
    As you have said, he can work with Canada regarding the borders. But he doesn’t have to force Canada to be part of the U.S.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, Liz. I think it’s important for citizens of other nations to be aware of what Trump has in mind. I don’t believe he’s bluffing and also don’t believe he will stop with us. The UK and the EU should be prepared for a broadside; sooner or later it will happen.

      I agree completely. His main goals are power, control and trying to make the world over in his own weird image. The problem is that he doesn’t want to work on border issues; he just wants us to do what he thinks we should, without discussion or negotiation. I think he will eventually treat other nations, especially democratic ones, the same way he’s treating us.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much. I agree; borders are borders, so hands off! Your part of the world has been dealing with this sort of threat for a very long time and probably understands people like Trump much better than most of us here do.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Well said Lynette. Why is DJT willing to pursue dialogue with TikTok, Israel, Hamas, Russia, North Korea and China, but threatening force to get what he wants with Denmark, Panama and Canada. It is because he seems to have no filter, he simply says whatever comes into his head. He is trying to out Putin, Putin so that he enters onto the world stage looking like a strong man. Trudeau’s and now Danielle Smith’s visit to Mara Lago to reason with him were ill conceived and give him exactly the attention he wants, before he is even president. As to the flow of illegals and drugs across the border, which way will the flow of illegals go when he starts his massive deportations and the illegal guns is a huge problem. I totally agree that cooperation rather than bullying will solve any real or perceived problems. As to why we are not in favour of becoming American, would Alaskans want to be taken over by Russia or Californians by Mexico? Thanks for saying what MOST Canadians are thinking. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Allan. I agree that he wants to be a Putin-like strongman or an authoritarian. M and I have discussed the possibility that he likely won’t leave when his term is up; that he will run as VP (which he legally can) and pull the strings from there. Agreed – absolutely no filter.

      We are going to have a terrible mass of people trying to come into Canada as a result of his deportations. I find much of what he’s intending to do to be scary reminders of historical events of this ilk.

      Trudeau’s behaviour was terrible enough, but Smith looks like a quisling. Her silly grinning as she poses in photos with Trump and Kevin O’Leary? Ugh. And then to threaten a unity crisis if the oil flow is stopped or slowed! I don’t think most Albertans would support her on that. If, as a country, we need to control Trump through oil exports, then that is what we will do.

      Of greater concern is Poilievre. What a mess we have at the federal level, and that includes that vile, loudmouthed CP leader who has no platform and no ideas except criticise, criticise, criticise. And I think Doug Ford needs to stop talking, too. My sense is that this is going to get worse before it gets better. Good luck to us as we try to get through this.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Why any Canadian leader (oh wait, are Trudeau and Smith really leaders?) would travel to Mara Lago to meet with him before he is even sworn in is a mystery. I understand they think they can change his mind or get ahead of this, but you can never really do that with a narcissist. And don’t even get me started on President Elon Musk and Secretary of Health Brain Worm. My God, this is like a really bad reality show. Putin, Kim and Xi are all smiling. As to nicknames, I heard the perfect one for DJT when he kept referring to Biden as Sleepy Joe. It was DonOld. We can only hope that the sitting reps will have a bit of buyer’s remorse and slow this flaming train wreck down and that the Dems get their S together by the midterms. As to Canadian politics, there was an interesting interview with Singh on MeidasTouch. Maybe the best of a bad lot. Pollievre has apparently talked about doing similar things to Canadian social programs that Trump will be doing down South. That never gets mentioned up here. Sighhhhhhhh.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Leadership? There’s not much of that around, is there? Ugh. Agreed about Smith and Trudeau, but I would also add that they went there to try to appease him, too, which to me is clear evidence that they’re dealing with an individual rather than a government- in-waiting, and that tells me that he’s not just a narcissist but also a dictator (but then again, all dictators are anyway, aren’t they?).

          Your point that this is like a bad reality show couldn’t be more accurate, and how ironic considering that’s how Trump got his start. For sure I think the U.S. is headed for a terrible mess before they start to realise that they’re likely going to do almost irreversible damage to their own country with these so-called foreign policies.

          I also think that Smith should be called on her national unity threat. Let her go ahead. I think most Albertans will correct her pretty sharply and Moe in Saskatchewan can watch and learn.

          Thanks for the information about the Singh interview. I’m going to look that up. My, unless the Liberals produce some kind of wonder candidate, we really don’t have much at the federal level do we? Poilievre is nothing more than a Trump wannabe. Agreed – sighhhh.

          Liked by 2 people

          6. Thank you very much, Allan. I think Carney did well in that interview. He came across as a good combination of relaxed and serious, I thought. Ben Mulroney is such a typical right-wing doorknob. His own father’s behaviour lead to Kim Campbell as an unelected PM too, so it’s pretty rich that he’s complaining about that now.

            I am happy to see our former PMs step forward in a strong way. Here’s an article you might like (from, in my opinion, a bit of an unexpected source): https://www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/1a1cc5f085e94510f170565045af9c74cf07dd767d0887d7a4c90bd11cac6482/22TN7ROOG5HHTNDPSG32HZRR6U

            Liked by 1 person

          7. Wow, a potential leader who can laugh at himself, what is that like? I agree, Ben was likely just jealous that Pierre did not think of this. Oh, and Pierre has been on Fox News and right wing podcasts telling American how he is going to reduce Canada’s social supports. Sound familiar? I would like to have a diplomat who has some honesty left in charge. Sounded to me like Carney was talking about maybe Axing the Tax and letting the emitters pay. Now wouldn’t that steal the Conservatives one plank platform.

            Liked by 1 person

          8. I so agree with you, Allan. I love that idea and look forward to having someone in leadership who actually knows what he’s talking about and can laugh at himself a bit, too. If we can find a balance this time between Harper and Trudeau I would be delighted.

            If the liberals and NDP have any sense they are going to make sure that segments from Poilievre’s anti-public health care and other supports are advertised to the hilt in the next election. With any luck, Petty Pierre will be firmly dethroned.

            Liked by 1 person

  5. Well stated, Lynette. As a US citizen, I am utterly appalled and embarrassed by trump’s idiotic rhetoric. He has no filters and blabbers on and on with his insane diatribes. I’m still in shock that he actually won, and am dreading the next four years.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you very much, Tricia. I know that many Americans disagree with Trump and are embarrassed by his behaviour. I really didn’t think that he would be voted back in, either. Good luck to us all; I think we’re going to need it.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Seeing as how Trump is so interested in Canada, we can make him the Premier of our “Southern” Province!

    Or we can welcome California, Oregon and Washington into Canada. They get great healthcare and “Little Donny Two Hands” can get rid of those nasty lefties that always vote against him!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Well said, Lynette. The only way to deal with a bully like Trump is to stand up to him. The man has a ludicrously inflated idea of his own importance and most people outside USA (and many inside it) consider his elevation to the Presidency to be the most extraordinary anomaly, inexplicable in any sensible terms.

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    1. Thank you very much, Stuart. I find the man to be an appalling bully and authoritarian wannabe aka Putin and his ilk. I’m concerned that this is only the tip of the iceberg and that there will be broadsides against the UK and EU, as well. Democratic nations are a particular target for him and will need to be ready to deal with him.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Fortunately, we now have a Government that has a better understanding of Trump and his ambitions, and the EU is less gullible than some would like to suggest, so I doubt there’s much danger of a surprise from the bankrupt, misogynist, lying clown who will soon be installed in the White House.
        His period of tenure last time caused many problems. I have no doubt this next period will be a disaster in so many ways, too. We can but hope the American voters see the reality behind this man’s bluster and narcissism and, should he live long enough, ensure he’s never again placed in any political place of power.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. After this upcoming term he can legally run again as VP, so theoretically he could direct a puppet president for another eight years after the next four. I also wouldn’t find it remarkable that he might try to stay on as president even after his term is up.

          I haven’t been completely surprised by his re-election either since there has been a real shift in American thinking around immigration, inflation and a number of other issues. Since we’re next door, we been more aware of the erosion of “traditional” American values than UK or EU. What he (and supporters) are ignoring is how his aggressive behaviour is going to negatively impact them, too. Seemingly no insight and this time around no checks on him, either.

          Good to hear that UK and EU will be better able to handle him this time. I hope he’s not allowed to bully.

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Well said, Lynette! God bless Canada! I find Mr. Trumps words about Canada to be so ludicrous! Shame on him! I feel embarrassed by his words.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. You have eloquently written what all of us feel Lynette. Trump is a bully, and he thinks he can push us around. I do think he is somewhat serious and is not to be ignored, but approaching this with a calm head is needed, not reactionary as seems to be happening now. You are correct, we do not want to be American. We love our country and all that it entails. Jean Chrétien wrote a great open letter to Trump. Have you read it? Maggie

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, Maggie. I don’t think I’ve ever been called eloquent before; much appreciated. 😊 I wanted to hit the right tone here. I have read Chrétien’s letter and I also saw him interviewed on Question Period, as well. I thought his letter was perfect! The Nfld/Lab premier is also hitting the right notes too, I think. I agree that Trump is a bully and we have to stand up to him in a calm and measured way, doing what we need to do to protect ourselves.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. There’s nothing to disagree with here, Lynette. My only worry is that we are so concerned with social media and what appears there. It’s not gospel and just serves to inflame rational folk.

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  11. I thought Chretien’s letter was well written. I am with him in the ramparts and will fight to my dying breath for our sovereignty. We have to take the playground bully seriously as his country put him in charge, but we won’t back down. We might fight internally about issues, but our sovereignty being threatened pulls us all together. It’s going to be a horrid 4 years, but maybe we can just shut the power off for the eatedterm seaboard and stop shipping oil and gas south? The tariffs can certainly go both ways as can the border issues (as others have pointed out).

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    1. I did, too, Bernie, and I thought he hit exactly the right tone. Thankfully we have someone who can speak for us on a national level.

      I agree that Trump is a bully who has kicked a hornet’s nest when it comes to our sovereignty. We may be easygoing and stoical most of the time, but we can get extremely angry if pushed too far.

      Agreed; we need to pull together which means that the premiers need to stop talking and especially someone needs to corral Danielle Smith and shut her down. With the mess at the federal level I can see why the premiers feel they need to step into the breach, but they aren’t helping. Smith’s threats of unity issues if we retaliate against Trump by shutting down the oil and gas makes me think she isn’t much of a Canadian. And then we have that Trump wannabe Poilievre. It’s going to be up to us ordinary people to set the tone in the country, not to these so-called federal or provincial leaders. Ugh.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. She’s a wing nut that one. And PP may definitely send us in a direction we don’t really want to go. So we will need to keep our speaking voices loud so that they can be heard.

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  14. I completely agree. I’m so horrified to be living in a country that elected him again, and every time he opens his mouth I just find myself more and more aghast. I fear it’s going to be a bad 4 years.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I think you might be right, Diana. I believe he’s going to deliberately try to cause as much upheaval as possible because he enjoys spinning people.Nevertheless I noticed during his last tenure that he tries to carry out what he’s says, even if it’s completely off the wall. Good luck to all of us as we try to get through this.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Hey Lynette. I was surprised to see this, and I hope you don’t mind me offering my thoughts with an alternative idea and thoughts. 

    First let me say, I absolutely understand why you’d feel insulted by this. Most people are proud to be from their country of origin and are patriots to their country. I wouldn’t want anyone trying to make me into a citizen of their country, either. And God bless you for serving your country.

    For the last eight years, I’ve been following and studying American politics extremely closely. I didn’t like Trump in the beginning. Once he won that first term, I was worried. So, I decided to dive into the political scene, do lots of research, and follow everything closely. I learned a lot. One of the things I learned was that I completely misunderstood Donald Trump. 

    I read about how he negotiated putting up a tower in New York. He goes about negotiations completely differently than I’d ever heard of anyone doing before.

    In light of that, Trump will not annex Canada. The man at this video I’m linking to (below) explains Trump’s true motives for both Canada & Greenland. The guy who is talking has a bit of an attitude, so I hope you’ll put up with it. Perhaps you won’t like the way Trump negotiates, but the Premier of Ontario is willing to negotiate as it shows in this clip.

    https://x.com/lakemonstercl1/status/1877058451076980910

    I don’t come by this lightly. As I said, I’ve done lots of research and have followed extremely closely. In my research, I learned the most horrific thing Trump is fighting that has been kept hidden by propaganda media. I long ago drafted a blog post about this most powerful reason I’ve supported him but have hesitated posting it. The subject matter is devastating. But anyone who is willing to listen I’d tell it to.

    I sure hope you don’t mind my sharing this. I respect your views and value our friendship. I understand why you want to stand up for your country.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Very comforting to know that Mr Trump will not annex Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal. And a relief that his words are just a way of negotiating that only can be understood after many years of studying American politics very closely. So; many thanks for explaining. But I think the issue is not that this is a way of negotiating that one ‘may not like’; but I think it’s a way of negotiating that is totally unacceptable for a president; certainly the president of a great nation like America. Why? Because there are people involved. Millions of people that work hard; love their family and friends; try to do the things they like and try to lead a decent, pleasant and peaceful life. And Mr Trump’s ‘way of negotiating’ is completely ignoring that his words have a great impact on people. Not only the people of America; but also the people of Canada; Greenland; Panama and even the rest of the world. Being a president is not only running a business and playing a board-game of Risk with living pawns; but he also has a responsibility not to make people fearful; not to cause stress; not to make them feel unsafe. If there are ‘true motives’ behind his provoking words he should invite the leaders of the countries involved, and discuss those motives on a decent, equal level; and, if necessary, find solutions together.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi harrienijland. I understand why you might see Trump this way, but with respect, who is to say what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior for a president? Who makes that distinction for us? From my experience, doing things the same old way wasn’t getting things done for our country. In following Trump closely, and also those who work with him, Trump tried negotiations with other countries leaders in private. It’s obvious to me other leaders want things to remain as status quo. The world can’t keep doing the same old things and expect different results. Things must change. My family and I are struggling under the current administration which removed the policies President Trump had that helped us to thrive. I am hopeful that Trump’s presidency will not only bring the U.S. back from the brink of collapse but will also benefit countries around the world. My prayer every morning is that the citizens of the world unite in peace to overcome corrupt and controlling leaderships. I also pray that people are patient while keeping an open mind to greater possibilities.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Hi Lori. The first words in your reply are:’who is to say what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior for a president?’ Well, I am; and many others who replied to this post with me, because we have freedom of speech. And I have given some very good reasons for saying what I said; but you don’t reply to them at all… A president is not a God, that should be followed blindly; and therefore he can be criticized. I am very much with you when you say that you would want to live in a peaceful, united world; but I don’t think provoking other countries is the way to get there. On the contrary. This new way of ‘negotiation’ that you stand for, only brings polarization, which is the opposite of unity. Look at all the reactions that his words have caused, all over the world and in this blog. I very much would like to hear from you how shouting: ‘America first, America first’, with a fist in the air is going to lead us humans to a peaceful, united world.. If you want that the ‘citizens of the world unite in peace to overcome corrupt and controlling leaderships’ then I’m afraid you have chosen the wrong president.

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          1. I never said you didn’t have the right to say what you want about Donald Trump or even about me. I will attempt to explain what I meant by “who is to say what is acceptable.” I understood your comment to say that Donald Trump should behave the way you or world leaders tell him to behave. Just as you have freedom to say what you want about him, he has the freedom to behave how ever he wants. And just because you don’t agree with his behavior or think it’s unacceptable doesn’t mean that it is. That’s your perception. Unity is NOT about our leaders. It’s about how WE behave. I’m not the one being divisive by verbally attacking Canada or its government. It’s mine that’s being attacked. I’ve tried to share hope and pray for unity. With that being said, Americans have been treated like peasants by our government for far too long. Perhaps if the Canadian government chose to put their citizens first instead of treating them like peasants, then you’d understand. I struggle with communicating with people who are coming from a place of emotion, especially anger. Emotion is blinding and tarnishes logic. So, I won’t be discussing this any longer.

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    2. Hi Lori, many thanks for taking the time to put together your comment including the link. I did watch the video. I wasn’t surprised as I have heard before the argument that this sort of rhetoric is one of Trump’s negotiating tactics.

      A couple of things, though. Ontario’s premier is not in any way authorised to speak for the country and especially not where a cross-border trade deal is concerned. So no, no one has “come to the table.” Any kind of “CanAm Deal” is a complete non-starter, particularly coming as it does from a provincial premier. If this continues, there is little doubt that we are headed for a trade war as although Canadians are slow to anger, we are now becoming so in a very cohesive way. People are beginning to advocate for avoiding travel to or buying products from the U.S. This unfortunately could become very bad.

      As to Greenland, Mr. Trump had repeatedly tried to buy it during his first tenure. However, Greenlanders are also EU citizens and are subject to the Mutual Defense Agreement (Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union) which secures its protection including its seas. There is now some noise that the EU may require the U.S. to remove its base there.

      If I understand you correctly, Trump uses overblown rhetoric in order to secure a negotiation position. In that case, I believe it’s unsuccessful as a tactic. He’s only succeeding in scaring your country’s long-term allies, us included. The other alternative is that he means what he says, and from what I recall from his first term he always tries to do what he says. In either case, it means that we have to take action to protect ourselves, and I find myself really affected by that. I have always liked and respected Americans and the U.S.

      I don’t at all mind you sharing what you think, Lori, and also value our friendship. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open, even if we disagree.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi Lynette. Thank you for your thoughtful response. I understand your concerns. Who knows how this will all play out? I’m unclear how your government works, so I won’t respond to that. All I know is that the PM resigned. I heard that he shut down parliament until March, which if true, also isn’t helpful. All I’m sure of is that most of the world’s governments are corrupt and many are tyrannical. I pray each morning that the citizens of the world will unite in peace and overcome the corruption for a more stable and harmonious world. I’m still hopeful for this possibility. And no one has ever accused cynical old me as being a Polly-anna.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. You’re welcome, Lori. Yes, our PM has resigned but it’s not effective until the next national election (set for October but could be earlier), so he’s still in office until then. You’re right, the parliament isn’t sitting right now (so there’s no debate on new legislation or other new issues) but the government is still fully functioning. Parliament doesn’t need to be sitting in order for normal operations to occur.

          I agree that corruption to a greater or lesser degree always occurs. We humans can’t seem to help ourselves whenever we think there’s some power or control to be had. Remember what Lord Acton said about that? “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I think that applies to all humans, no matter who they are, where they’re from or whether they’re trying to be politicians or not. It seems that as these things go, we’re still very immature as a species, otherwise we would already be working together to produce a more harmonious world. Unfortunately I think we’re pretty far from that, but agreed, we have to keep trying.

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  16. Beautiful pictures to accompany a not so beautiful reminder of the current state of affairs. It’s sad to see what politics and democracy has become these days, across the border and inside our own home, federally and provincially. I worry about the next few years, as well as the future for the next generation. Dark days.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much. I was trying for pictures that show either cold or unsettled weather as a symbol of our present situation with the U.S. I couldn’t agree with you more, Linda. I’m sad about it and worried as well. What’s coming down the road could be very dark.

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  17. Impressive post, Lynette. I’m totally with you. I have just responded to an other reply; hope that’s okay; if not, just remove it. Your shots are a nice contrast with the words. Enjoy the day!

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    1. Thank you very much, Harrie. There’s no need to remove your comment as I agree that Trump has certainly succeeded in scaring people. All the photos show either cold or unsettled weather, a symbol of where our relationship with the U.S. is. Cheers.

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  18. I would rather be part of Canada, when we were in France we were often embarrassed to say we were from America. Thankfully, as much as the Orangeman would like to become a new colonial power I don’t think it will happen. This type of talk just creates chaos and frustration, which we have too much of in life as it is. Thanks Lynette, we are two Americans that probably think a lot more like Canadians, so keep up the good messages.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Terry, thank you very much. Wouldn’t be interesting if our premier and your governor started having a few lunches together? Maybe started talking about some moves toward a blended economy? 😉 Agreed; I don’t think he will be successful as a new colonial power, either, but I’m more concerned about the damage he will wreak on the way to trying to or pretending that he’s going to do this or that. Yes, we have way too much stress going on to start with; we don’t need him bringing that pot of his to a boil.

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  19. Dear Lynette
    You start your blog by writing that this isn’t a political blog. This ‘unpolitical’ attitude is the problem. One has to turn political before it is too late. Who isn’t political is political, she or he is helping to keep up the status quo.
    We are northern Europeans. We don’t want Americans in our country. We are surely on your side. By the way, we lived in Montreal for six years.
    All the best
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello Klaus, my intention was to acknowledge that I never write about politics here – this was the first time on WP – and that usual visitors might be surprised by the topic since I otherwise post pictures. I actually am a political person and quite involved and interested.
      Yes, as northern Europeans you are likely (and unfortunately) much more experienced with these sorts of concerns. I hope you enjoyed Montréal. It’s a wonderful city. Cheers.

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  20. Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine in one day, and…look where he is now. We are already talking about months or more. So he won’t “swallow” Canada either, don’t worry 🙂

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    1. Thank you for commenting. I respectfully disagree. He has said that he will “force” us to collapse economically, and plans to enact 25% tariffs on Monday. That will be crippling, and although Americans will be hurt badly by our retaliatory tariffs (your gas prices could climb by two dollars or more), we are going to have to dig deeply to get through this. He dropped tariffs on us during his last tenure, so I don’t believe there’s any question that he will do it again.

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  22. Trust me you do not want to be a state. Also, If another country would take us, I’d go! 🤦🏾‍♀️ 😂😂 The US is very ghetto! No healthcare, high taxes, zero plan to reduce homelessness, oh, and Trump. 😩😂😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nope, we definitely don’t want to be a state, and yes, you have Trump. I wish you good luck trying to get through the next four years. You’re going to need lots and lots of patience, I think. Ugh.

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  23. Pingback: Canada is not for sale – Taking Each Day Free

  24. Everything about Trump flies in the face of American philosophy.

    As a human being, I respect, and even value, Canada’s rights to freedom, sovereignty and self-determination.

    However, as a left-leaning American, I would welcome the opportunity to take in 55 million residents – many of whom are considerably more progressive than any American “liberals”.

    I would welcome the opportunity for the Canadian provinces to become the 51-60th states. Such a move would permanently shift the balance of power decidedly to the liberal left.

    But this is the same reason why Guam and Puerto Rico will never achieve statehood either.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Rob, and taking the time to comment. I understand what you are saying. We are aware of how a “Canadian state” would profoundly alter American politics, perhaps permanently. We also realise that because of that we would also likely not be granted statehood and would wind up in that weird no-man’s-land just like Puerto Rico or Guam.

      Those musings are moot, however. With respect, we don’t want to be American because much of your country’s way of doing things, particularly nationally, is unpalatable to us. We have surface commonalities, but that’s where they end. Perhaps Americans (or parts of the U.S.) who are dissatisfied with Trump should consider moving here (or joining us). 😉 Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. An American with many Canadian friends, I am appalled by even the mere thought that the U.S. would try to annex Canada. And don’t get me started on the tariffs. Keep the True North strong and FREE.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Dan. I appreciate your support. Unfortunately, your president keeps talking about annexation and raised it again today. We are taking this very seriously and will strike back as necessary. It’s what we have to do.

      Like

  26. It looks it is Americans who need help to improve their understanding who they are and make the right choice when they vote. People deserve the government they choose. It was wrong choice which affects the whole World.
    Let them first fix their problems and then take care about others.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agreed, but unfortunately Americans have elected a president who sees the neighbouring countries as nothing more than resource-rich piggy banks. Trump has no intention of actually working on their internal problems. Unfortunately, he will continue to blame his neighbours and try to extract money from us or try to annex us.

      Liked by 1 person

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