Canada: Trump’s Waterloo

Trump’s violent attacks on independent nations that possess natural resources he covets, like the seizer of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Saturday morning, among other reasons, may also be an over-reaction to Canada’s ElbowsUp response to Trump‘s 51st state demand. 

Yes, there’s the drugs and weapons charges against Maduro. Whether accurate or not, Trump’s boast that “no one can stop us” after he detailed the excessive force used by the American military to seize Maduro, killing his personal guard, is what is known as ‘Sabre Rattling’ in the extreme. It’s an example of a major step-up in violent threats to force capitulation. 

Capitulation of whom and of what?

Venezuelan oil clearly, but after today’s UN meeting and last night’s Trump ramblings, it appears any nation that has natural resources like Venezuela, Canada and Greenland, in the Western hemisphere, which Trump thinks is required for “US national security” is being told to become subservient. For no other reason than they don’t possess nuclear weapons or a huge military, the entire western hemisphere of nations is being threatened with military violence against its leaders and its resources. Ignoring, of course, the fact that you can’t force people to do things they don’t want do. And, occupying a country costs a lot of money. Even rebuilding Venezuela’s oil export capabilities is estimated to cost over a trillion dollars. At a time when oil prices are declining, it’s not a great investment.

This kind of false reasoning and false bravado is often used by straw-men to portray a position of strength, in order to cover-up a position of weakness.

An ice wall

Who has been the biggest thorn in Trump’s side since his re-election? What country has come together more than any other to oppose him and his polices? Refusing to bend the knee, and raising its elbows instead? What country is actively shifting its supply chains away from the United States? Who isn’t visiting any more? And, who makes fun of him mercilessly in their comedy skits? 

Why it’s Canada, lead by Prime Minister Mark Carney. 

While much of the world agreed to Trump‘s US tariffs early on to appease the Grande Orange, Canada did not. There’s been some give on inconsequential issues, but Canada hasn’t budged on anything notable. Holding firm in the face of increasing pressure and threats to both Canadian and Danish sovereignty. After the resolution of the Whiskey War, Canada now shares a land border with Denmark. The kingdom of which Greenland is part.

Nevertheless, the tariffs have caused damage to Canada’s economy. It hasn’t been an easy year overall. Certainly Ontario is feeling the brunt of Trump’s tariff betrayal. Yet, at the same time, we know American industry is suffering from a lack of supply of exactly what Canada has to offer.

Thus far, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has played his hand close to the vest. Often smiling and cracking a joke, he’s gradually growing more accustomed to his role. His ability to cut deals at the highest level is becoming more apparent every day. In contrast, Donald Trump is increasingly looking unwell.

We also know from countless examples in history that when you say NO to a bully, they are likely to increase the pressure every time they are rebuffed until they burst. And, “burst”, they do. It’s classic straw-man behaviour to carry a bluff to extremes in order to frighten the opponent. But, a bluff can only go so far before it vanishes.

NATO red line

And, so what can only be viewed as another hissy fit thrown by a senile old man in diapers, screaming because he can’t get his way, has unfortunately caused more unnecessary death and pain. To achieve an objective that cannot and will never be achieved. It won’t be achieved because this is a step backward. Humankind has moved past this kind of challenge. We are moving past war, hate, and ignorance now in the 21st-century. No one is going to play ball. 

Despite the extreme sabre rattling of a nation that is far superior to Canada militarily, there is little Trump can really do to us, a founding NATO member. Because moving against a NATO country, an ally like Canada, will fracture US international trade and relations. Marking America as a pariah that uses business opportunities as a prelude to war. A very good reason for no one to trade with her or allow American businesses to compete for contracts.

Canadians can see that we are winning already. Carney has made strong in-roads into Europe and Asia. New trade deals are being announced. The US Supreme Court will decide in our favour regarding the tariffs. They have no choice—It’s obvious Canada is not a security threat to the United States. And, there is far more fentanyl flowing from the US into Canada than vice versa. So, Trump‘s drug argument against Canada is also false. 

There’s no doubt the attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of their president has sent a clear message to Canada. But, it’s one that will receive the same response. One of resolve and hardened nerves. We will show the same strength and commitment to freedom and democracy we always have when threatened. In war, in the sporting arena or on YouTube, Canadians have always stood up against evil. It’s the Canadian way.