Donald Trump is a bully … we all know that, based on his own well-publicised actions/statements over more than a decade; Donald Trump has autocratic leanings … his moves/appointments/decrees since taking office prove that; and, Donald Trump is dishonest … as evidenced by a jury of his own American fellow citizens finding him guilty of 34 criminal counts.
Yet, even his critics would have to concede Donald Trump was also a brilliant political strategist … a la P.T. Barnum … when he convinced 77 million Americans to buy his “shtick” and return him, despite all his faults and failings, to a second term in the White House as their President.
And let’s keep it real: many Americans support the new Trump regime’s crackdown on illegals in their country (especially those with criminal records), the end of DEI initiatives, and plans to curb restrictions and encourage resource developments.
But, when the Mad Hatter signed the Presidential Order levying a 25% tariff on almost all goods imported into the United States from Canada and, worse, 10% on fuel, that the entire world saw how DUMB Trump actually is …. on matters of trade, domestic and international markets and economic negotiations.
Even the conservative Wal Street Journal called this “the dumbest Trade War in history”.
Any leader … elected or despot … can impose tariffs.
But only a fool would impose them on a neighbouring country whose leader apparently despises him personally, is about to leave office … and, thus, needn’t really care too much about how he might react … or even how Canadian voters might feel about strong retaliatory measures.
In politics … as in comedy … timing can be critical!
Trump would have been a lot smarter and more in control had he waited only a few months … until after Canada’s next election, when all the polls predict Canada will have a new, inexperienced Prime Minister, a new inexperienced government, a new, inexperienced International Trade Minister, and a largely new, inexperienced team of bureaucrats and officials.
Poilievre would likely have been more uncertain, easier to squeeze for concessions and likely, as a novice, less trusted by Canadians to be able to stand up to Trump/American aggression ,
Instead, Canadians glued to their televisions and radios Saturday saw and heard an experienced Trudeau NOT back off one inch; instead castigating Trump and the US for their betrayal of more than a hundred years of friendship, camaraderie in war, celebrated partnerships in trade … and then vowing to make Americans pay a heavy price for their war on our workers, our industries and our economy.
Bravo!
And how brilliant: knowing the Mad Hatter had already threatened “retaliation” if Canada dared to fight back … Trudeau announced Canada’s initial $30 Billion tariff moves would also contain a HUGE $125 Billion escalation clause, if needed.
And Trudeau had immediate support from provincial Premiers.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced tolls at the Cobequid Pass will double for US commercial vehicles; and, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation will remove all 400 U.S. alcohol products from store shelves effective Tuesday.
And now, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland will also stop selling US booze … a move that will cost American producers millions of dollars each week.
In BC, Premier David Eby signalled the federal government has the province’s full support, vowing to ban the import of all wine, spirits, beer from “red” states .. ie. hitting Trump supporters where it hurts, but not punishing producers in states that did not vote for the Mad Hatter.
I liked that! 🙂
Eby also announced the government would fast-track permits for local projects to develop jobs, work to expand BC trade beyond the U.S., and directed the B.C. government and Crown corporations to buy Canadian goods and services, not from American sources.
The way Canadians are reacting … with national pride, emotion and even anger rarely seen from Canadians, Trump may have even done what most Canadians probably thought impossible: resurrected Trudeau’s own approval ratings!!!
The Mad Hatter no doubt has his fans and supporters north of the border, but clearly miscalculated how the vast majority of Canadians find him personally disgusting, offensive and such a demagogue, almost no one is backing away from this fight, even if they must pay a cost!
Canadians WILL stand up for our workers, our industries, even our own US customers, partners and friends who will also be hurt by these tariffs.
In fact, I’d like to see Trudeau go even further than he has already announced to speed up the impact on the US … and hopefully expedite a resolution of the dispute.
The federal government should immediately STOP Canadians from making “day” trips to the US to buy groceries, clothes, toys, electronics etc. … if absent from Canada for less than 24 hours.
Officially, only AFTER an absence of 48 hours can Canadians bring back up to $200 (Cad.) each in US goods; and AFTER seven days that the allowance rises to $800 (Cad).
The government should make those still shopping in the US on “day’ trips stop at the border on their return, do the paperwork … and pay duties. (And if they have to wait an hour to be processed, even better.)
It IS the law … time to enforce it.
When shopping malls in Bellingham, Wash.; Plattsburg, NY.; Detroit, Mich.; Buffalo, NY and lots of other US border towns/cities sit almost empty, Americans will understand the real price of Trump’s foolery.
And, as the Prime Minister said, this is very good time for Canadians (especially given the Cad $ value) to plan vacations in and across our own great land! Not only will your country’s economy thank you … so will your wallet!
(I personally will be canceling an already-booked 16-day cruise from Vancouver to/around the islands/ports of Hawaii. Not this year!)
Canada did not start this war: Canada does not want this war; and Canada must NOT lose this war.
Trump is trying to force subservience on Canada and puffing up his own bloated ego with his MAGA base; for Canadians, it’s about MUCH more: our independence, our freedom and, protecting our more civil and, frankly, BETTER society!
We must stand firm against the Mad Hatter’s aggression.
Harv Oberfeld
(Pass it on! Every Canadian should read this blog post. And follow @harveyoberfeld on “X” for FREE First Alerts of new postings on this Blog.)