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...
In video, continuing the successful switch to pronunciation of 'asterisk': A+
Also in video, Justin says in relation to US war on Iran, "I would much rather use diplomacy, threats, & economic might..." In the Substack article text, I didn't see that discussion - wonder if that gets to what he might think about how Carney & Canada could proceed from now with USA? In some of the comments prior to me posting this, it seems some assume Justin advocates for Canada NOT doing much due to the predictable costs for Canadians of Canada imposing tariffs on US goods coming in ("putting rocks in their own harbor"). My question: what threats & economic might does Carney have to wield over the US, and how best to use it? Suspension of energy and/or certain products to US? Threats of such, to see how far Trump will take a game of chicken? Canadians may be fulling willing to pay tariffs on US imports (may already boycott them on their own anyway) but maybe there are other economic actions Carney could take first - would luv to hear Justin expand on that topic!
You mentioned working on that in a video last week. I laughed - my sainted mother corrected my grammar & such right up till she passed - I was 50 years old! Mate, you could've gotten away with "asterix," just say that's the Aussie pronunciation. We Americans are inclined to believe anything told to us in any variation of British accent 😊
Yesterday while visiting Toronto (from DC) I foolishly wore a hat with a DC flag on it. First time I have ever been sworn at here. But how many Americans outside of DC, Maryland and Virginia were would have even recognized a flag from its own Capital much less a Canadian province?
What is the cost of this unnecessary vitriol to American businesses and citizens? And exactly how was/is Canada “ripping off” America?
No need for two hands here - we all know what is going on - short term transactions that benefit a few and make headlines are all that matters when winning elections is the only thing keeping the grifters out of prison and in the money. Canada is right to raise the BS flag, and too many Americans are unwilling to learn about others. Smoot Hawley is no less short sighted today than it was 100 years ago.
Under normal circumstances, I would agree. However this is anything BUT normal. POTUS is a deeply emotionally disturbed individual, hence incapable of rationality or understanding experiences or viewpoints from another’s perspective. Combine this with his profound ignorance and, just for good measure, sprinkle in a little dementia and you have a seriously catastrophic situation. PM Carney will have to “uber rational” and “uber strategic”. 🤞🏻🤞🏻
My head hurts now too. The toddler in the White House is treating countries like he treats individuals. If they don’t bow to his demands he sues them until they have nothing left. He is broke too but has the bluster to convince people that he’s richer and therefore should be supported by giving him more money. Hey don’t knock it. It’s worked all his life. Until it doesn’t but by then he already has the fortune he lied about earlier. From YOU!
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...
Screenshot of tweet about Goliath: A+
In video, continuing the successful switch to pronunciation of 'asterisk': A+
Also in video, Justin says in relation to US war on Iran, "I would much rather use diplomacy, threats, & economic might..." In the Substack article text, I didn't see that discussion - wonder if that gets to what he might think about how Carney & Canada could proceed from now with USA? In some of the comments prior to me posting this, it seems some assume Justin advocates for Canada NOT doing much due to the predictable costs for Canadians of Canada imposing tariffs on US goods coming in ("putting rocks in their own harbor"). My question: what threats & economic might does Carney have to wield over the US, and how best to use it? Suspension of energy and/or certain products to US? Threats of such, to see how far Trump will take a game of chicken? Canadians may be fulling willing to pay tariffs on US imports (may already boycott them on their own anyway) but maybe there are other economic actions Carney could take first - would luv to hear Justin expand on that topic!
I’ve been working so hard on the word “asterisk,” so it’s lovely to be seen.
You mentioned working on that in a video last week. I laughed - my sainted mother corrected my grammar & such right up till she passed - I was 50 years old! Mate, you could've gotten away with "asterix," just say that's the Aussie pronunciation. We Americans are inclined to believe anything told to us in any variation of British accent 😊
Dear Dr. Wolfers. Thank you for your explanation and comments. Regarding Trump, we all know that an empty barrel creates the loudest noise.
Yesterday while visiting Toronto (from DC) I foolishly wore a hat with a DC flag on it. First time I have ever been sworn at here. But how many Americans outside of DC, Maryland and Virginia were would have even recognized a flag from its own Capital much less a Canadian province?
What is the cost of this unnecessary vitriol to American businesses and citizens? And exactly how was/is Canada “ripping off” America?
No need for two hands here - we all know what is going on - short term transactions that benefit a few and make headlines are all that matters when winning elections is the only thing keeping the grifters out of prison and in the money. Canada is right to raise the BS flag, and too many Americans are unwilling to learn about others. Smoot Hawley is no less short sighted today than it was 100 years ago.
I saw somewhter that average net worth is higher in the USA, but median net worth is higher in Canada.
Found it in my google drive. Who knows where I found it. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-84PaWKaTh_JaCxqlzVsp7UI_7RNqkb_/view?usp=sharing
Under normal circumstances, I would agree. However this is anything BUT normal. POTUS is a deeply emotionally disturbed individual, hence incapable of rationality or understanding experiences or viewpoints from another’s perspective. Combine this with his profound ignorance and, just for good measure, sprinkle in a little dementia and you have a seriously catastrophic situation. PM Carney will have to “uber rational” and “uber strategic”. 🤞🏻🤞🏻
I think "This is so dumb, it makes my head hurt" is the perfect description of how I feel about Drumpf as President of the United States...TWICE!
My head hurts now too. The toddler in the White House is treating countries like he treats individuals. If they don’t bow to his demands he sues them until they have nothing left. He is broke too but has the bluster to convince people that he’s richer and therefore should be supported by giving him more money. Hey don’t knock it. It’s worked all his life. Until it doesn’t but by then he already has the fortune he lied about earlier. From YOU!
Carney doesn’t have a choice, for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Trump’s bullying and attacks on Canadian sovereignty require a response.