I don’t know Justin. I understand wanting cooperation for the sake of all of the people from both countries, but cooperation requires both sides to be capable of seeing the other side and then want to give a little to ensure a cooperative success. I’m not seeing Mr Trump as being experienced in that regard. So then isn’t standing firm really the best option for Canada? Mr Trump is likely to dismantle any “deal” he makes the next time he needs to change the subject from Epstein, the war, the economy etc.
In one sense, this is Trump's modus operandi, repeated ad nauseum. In another sense, it's different.
Carney walked away because Trump demanded veto power over future Canadian trade deals.
In essence, Trump wanted to make Canada a satellite of the US, a quasi 51st state. This is consistent with beligerance directed at Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba. His self-image is that of a global emperor; Palpatine, so to speak; with drastic implications for the global economy.
Dear Justine, You seem to almost consider Trump sane. Like, a sane head of state would put the general welfare of the people of the country s/he leads as a priority. And would see cooperation with allied states as a benefit. Would divert from an unproductive course. Would listen to the advice of more experienced experts. Would accept an electoral loss, graciously or ungraciously. Would accept that leadership requires accountability. Would recognize that l'etat is not moi.
T is not sane; his pathologies (which I've long since given up trying to name and explain) and his life experience have combined to create a man who lives in a separate reality. Any attempt to talk sense to about a person as delusional as this man is pointless. IMO. He's a slick enough actor to fake sanity, sometimes, but...person, man, woman, camera, tv are not really proof of sanity.
This is not about trade agreements between the U.S. and Canada. The situation shows - again - that the person Republicans put in charge of the U.S. government is mentally unhinged and incapable of doing his job. He flips and flops from one nonsensical grievance and demand to another. Just like the Iran War, there is no reason or purpose for revisiting a "trade agreement" with Canada other than trump's emotional incapacity. The only reason he is not under full medical care and sedation is that elected Republicans and greedy Wall Street players do not have the basic courage or honor to stand up to bullies and extortionists while they fill their pockets.
In stark contrast, Carney and Canadians stand up to bullies and extortionists and call out the pathetic and weak trump and Republicans for the liars they are.
Re: Tariffs. Back in March or April 2025 Mexican President Sheinbaum said "Why would I raise taxes on our people because they raised taxes on theirs?"
Carney's tariff announcement seems more like domestic political posturing. Canadians are more angry than ever, Trump has made America the prototypical "bad neighbor."
Of note: Alberta was almost back to pre-Trump sales of US alcohol...but mainly to other provinces. (Alberta has 1/3rd the population of Ontario, and 1/2 that of Quebec, both of which banned imports of US alcohol last year.) That is, before last week Alberta had the same level of pre-tariff sales to 7x (including BC) its combined population...
I don’t know Justin. I understand wanting cooperation for the sake of all of the people from both countries, but cooperation requires both sides to be capable of seeing the other side and then want to give a little to ensure a cooperative success. I’m not seeing Mr Trump as being experienced in that regard. So then isn’t standing firm really the best option for Canada? Mr Trump is likely to dismantle any “deal” he makes the next time he needs to change the subject from Epstein, the war, the economy etc.
In one sense, this is Trump's modus operandi, repeated ad nauseum. In another sense, it's different.
Carney walked away because Trump demanded veto power over future Canadian trade deals.
In essence, Trump wanted to make Canada a satellite of the US, a quasi 51st state. This is consistent with beligerance directed at Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba. His self-image is that of a global emperor; Palpatine, so to speak; with drastic implications for the global economy.
Typical Trump: When they're about to agree, push for more. It's bad faith negotiating, typical of his entire career.
Dear Justine, You seem to almost consider Trump sane. Like, a sane head of state would put the general welfare of the people of the country s/he leads as a priority. And would see cooperation with allied states as a benefit. Would divert from an unproductive course. Would listen to the advice of more experienced experts. Would accept an electoral loss, graciously or ungraciously. Would accept that leadership requires accountability. Would recognize that l'etat is not moi.
T is not sane; his pathologies (which I've long since given up trying to name and explain) and his life experience have combined to create a man who lives in a separate reality. Any attempt to talk sense to about a person as delusional as this man is pointless. IMO. He's a slick enough actor to fake sanity, sometimes, but...person, man, woman, camera, tv are not really proof of sanity.
This is not about trade agreements between the U.S. and Canada. The situation shows - again - that the person Republicans put in charge of the U.S. government is mentally unhinged and incapable of doing his job. He flips and flops from one nonsensical grievance and demand to another. Just like the Iran War, there is no reason or purpose for revisiting a "trade agreement" with Canada other than trump's emotional incapacity. The only reason he is not under full medical care and sedation is that elected Republicans and greedy Wall Street players do not have the basic courage or honor to stand up to bullies and extortionists while they fill their pockets.
In stark contrast, Carney and Canadians stand up to bullies and extortionists and call out the pathetic and weak trump and Republicans for the liars they are.
Re: Tariffs. Back in March or April 2025 Mexican President Sheinbaum said "Why would I raise taxes on our people because they raised taxes on theirs?"
Carney's tariff announcement seems more like domestic political posturing. Canadians are more angry than ever, Trump has made America the prototypical "bad neighbor."
Of note: Alberta was almost back to pre-Trump sales of US alcohol...but mainly to other provinces. (Alberta has 1/3rd the population of Ontario, and 1/2 that of Quebec, both of which banned imports of US alcohol last year.) That is, before last week Alberta had the same level of pre-tariff sales to 7x (including BC) its combined population...
Dear Dr. Wolfers. Thank you for your explanation and comments. Regarding Trump, we all know that an empty barrel creates the loudest noise.