One problem with Washington-think has always been a vague feeling (not quite crystallized into an idea) that other countries don't really exist. This misapprehension has become turbo-charged in the America-first Trumpistan environment. Not only do other countries not exist, they don't matter. Who can be bothered to give a shit about figments of imagination? What you describe happening in Canada is, I assume from past experience as an American diplomat (who served 20 of 30 years outside the US), happening to different degrees all over the world. It turns out countries, like people, don't like to be treated as though they don't exist. Who knew?
All in Trumps mind. I can guarantee you, many American citizens don’t feel this way. Especially regarding our Canadian friends. I’m from Michigan. Canada has always been regarded as the family that lives upstairs.
Me too. Elbows up, Canada. I grew up in the shadow of Glacier/Waterton peace park. Five generations of my ancestors grew wheat only a ten minute drive from the border. Half the time as a kid I had Canadian change in my pocket, we all did.
We love you, Canada. Please win, and please tell blue America what we can do to help.
I would take it a step further and say a majority of U.S. citizens are woefully ignorant of anything outside our borders. There is a sad lack of curiosity in the American mind for anything not directly in front of their eyes. As big of a buffoon as Trump is, he has seized on this ignorance combined with the arrogance many Americans grow up with (what a lovely combination) to feed our worst possible instincts.
I lived ten years in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan and still have business interests there. I love my Canadian neighbors, and am saddened the border there is seeing so few of them crossing these days.
But I don't blame Canadians one bit for their feelings toward Trump. If fact, not a few of we Americans share it. Deeply.
As a retired FBI agent who served overseas, I fully agree with your assessment—particularly the insight that, much like individuals, nations value their self-respect and desire recognition of their unique identities.
As an American just south of your border in Maine, I can tell you we are horrified with what we are living thru… our senate is giving him all the power he wants ..so much for checks and balances. Stay strong Canada, we have your back!
I don’t know who your imagined audience is, but rest assured that many, many of us Americans hate Trump **much** more than you all do. After all, he is ruining our own country and destroying all of friendships.
Yep. I know. But it's always good to hear it. We need to remind ourselves what our basic values are, what we stand for, and who our true friends are. On all three, I am confident that most Canadians and most Americans still stand, as we always have, side by side.
This, too, will pass, but not without tragic results for many people around the world. What is also contemptible is the Republican party at large, which is cowardly and monumentally stupid.
As an American, this article provided valuable insights into Canadian thoughts and awaking nationalism. I'm thrilled Carney is at the helm, as every single nation in the world (excluding Russia and China) needs leaders with the same resolute firmness if we are to retain a tenuous hold on democracy for the next 3.8 years.
Yes. Carney will be OK. He lacks the common touch, but his writings indicate it is in his heart. He's one of those people who will have greatness thrust upon him. We hope.
no one will ever understand how astonishing it is to turn me into a national flag waver, except from childhood i understood the dangers of nationalism (intergenerational) and suspected even standing and singing of anthems to be 'too much'. now it is entirely obvious that symbols are necessary and useful, as is the emotion behind it too drive resolve and ACTION. I am ready. Words bring us together. thank you!
As a US citizen that’s how I’ve always thought of Canadians. You’re not just our friend, ally and the best neighbor ever. We’re family. Our histories are so intertwined that many times it’s hard to decipher what’s what.
This is not to say we are joined at the hip either. We’re not. Much like when you went to visit your cousins……they did things a little differently than you. They had their own way of organizing their home. Their own way of cooking, language, culture and history. You always recognized this as familial. But, you knew it was different. You didn’t want to change it and you loved hanging out ( and helping out ) with your cousins. You did you and they did what they did. It clicked.
A lot of what Mr. Gardner stated in this piece, Canadians being fractious and dis-united, we Yanks can identify with as well. We know very well how 400 people can have 700 opinions on anything and everything. Ah, democracy. It’s difficult work isn’t it?
It is why our current situation pains me so. Firstly, there is no need for what the orange buffoon is doing to Canada. None. Canada has had the USA’s back many, many, many times. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The D.E.W. line, NORAD, The Iranian hostage crisis, 9 / 11 just to name a few. The list could go on and on. The amount of trade and services, et al that occurs between our nations is good thing. It works. Why eff that up? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Could it be improved? Sure, of course. If you wanted the wrong and worse way to improve it one only has to look at the orange buffoons actions. Stupid, painful and why would you do this to your family?
Keep up the boycotts Canada. We need all the help we can here to show our daft knuckleheaded MAGAKLAN members what a dotard our POTUS is. Perhaps your actions can help his cult members see the light. We thank you in advance for your ( once again ) help.
This year I will fly the Canadian flag on 1 / July and fly the US flag upside down on 4 / July.
I don’t understand why more of my fellow citizens aren’t really, really pissed off at the bullshit our orange buffoon of a POTUS has been treating Canada.
I’m not sure if many of my fellow citizens realize just how much trade, services, etc, etc crosses back and forth our border.
Funny story:
I can remember back in the day as a young car crazy teen we used to debate Ford’s 351 cubic inch engine. Which one was better the 351 Cleveland or the 351 Windsor? It wasn’t that one was made in Canada or that one was made in the USA. ( it was the same engine ) We never thought about that. It didn’t matter to us. We some how thought ( teen age mind lol ) that the city it was manufactured in made it a better engine. We didn’t talk about the difference between the Canadian engine vs. the US one. The city was what made us think it was better. That was part of my meaning when I said our histories are intertwined. Even as teens we “ got “ that our cousins made Ford engines too.
Omigawd this is just so well conceived and written. This wonderful description of Canada and Canadians rang all the bells. I’m sharing it widely. But it should be published in Canada for a larger audience.
My Father was a WW2 combat Veteran who was wounded outside Metez, France and was captured by the Nazis and became a POW. He spoke fondly of the Canadian Soldiers he was surrounded by. As an American I’m ashamed of how Trump has repeatedly insulted Canada and its citizens and I only wish the best for Canada. Trump will be gone one day and the sooner the better for all of us. God Bless Canada and
We kiwis identify with Canadians regarding having a big neighbor next door. However our neighbor, so far, has not treated us with the utter contempt and treachery yours is currently doing
Great essay, thank you from an embarrassed American. Canada is still MY friend. And I'll stand against any efforts to tread on your sovereignty as well as stupid tariffs.
Don't let the lack of chest-thumping patriotism obscure the fact that Canadians love their sprawling vast land, surrounded by 3 oceans and a now-recalcitrant bully to the south.
Unsurprisingly, in a hockey-mad country, the battle cry for Canadians is Elbows Up! - a tribute to Gordie Howe, the Saskatchewan farmboy and take-no-prisoners pro hockey player who led with his elbows. He also spawned the saying, 'Gordie Howe Hat-Trick' consisting of a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.
Dan - I find all of your posts insightful, but this one was the best so far and it also had me laughing out loud on several occasions. I've shared it with numerous family members and friends. Thank you for all you are doing and please keep up the good work.
Excellent tone. Pitch perfect summary of the spirit of Canadians now, and why we are whom we are. And! Funny too 👍
His writing’s sooo good. I did a triple take to see who the author was!
One problem with Washington-think has always been a vague feeling (not quite crystallized into an idea) that other countries don't really exist. This misapprehension has become turbo-charged in the America-first Trumpistan environment. Not only do other countries not exist, they don't matter. Who can be bothered to give a shit about figments of imagination? What you describe happening in Canada is, I assume from past experience as an American diplomat (who served 20 of 30 years outside the US), happening to different degrees all over the world. It turns out countries, like people, don't like to be treated as though they don't exist. Who knew?
All in Trumps mind. I can guarantee you, many American citizens don’t feel this way. Especially regarding our Canadian friends. I’m from Michigan. Canada has always been regarded as the family that lives upstairs.
Me too. Elbows up, Canada. I grew up in the shadow of Glacier/Waterton peace park. Five generations of my ancestors grew wheat only a ten minute drive from the border. Half the time as a kid I had Canadian change in my pocket, we all did.
We love you, Canada. Please win, and please tell blue America what we can do to help.
I would take it a step further and say a majority of U.S. citizens are woefully ignorant of anything outside our borders. There is a sad lack of curiosity in the American mind for anything not directly in front of their eyes. As big of a buffoon as Trump is, he has seized on this ignorance combined with the arrogance many Americans grow up with (what a lovely combination) to feed our worst possible instincts.
I lived ten years in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan and still have business interests there. I love my Canadian neighbors, and am saddened the border there is seeing so few of them crossing these days.
But I don't blame Canadians one bit for their feelings toward Trump. If fact, not a few of we Americans share it. Deeply.
As a retired FBI agent who served overseas, I fully agree with your assessment—particularly the insight that, much like individuals, nations value their self-respect and desire recognition of their unique identities.
A human universal that top dogs forget at their peril.
Trump didn't forget it. He never knew it. Thanks, Dan.
As an American just south of your border in Maine, I can tell you we are horrified with what we are living thru… our senate is giving him all the power he wants ..so much for checks and balances. Stay strong Canada, we have your back!
Thanks for that.
I don’t know who your imagined audience is, but rest assured that many, many of us Americans hate Trump **much** more than you all do. After all, he is ruining our own country and destroying all of friendships.
Yep. I know. But it's always good to hear it. We need to remind ourselves what our basic values are, what we stand for, and who our true friends are. On all three, I am confident that most Canadians and most Americans still stand, as we always have, side by side.
This, too, will pass, but not without tragic results for many people around the world. What is also contemptible is the Republican party at large, which is cowardly and monumentally stupid.
As an American, this article provided valuable insights into Canadian thoughts and awaking nationalism. I'm thrilled Carney is at the helm, as every single nation in the world (excluding Russia and China) needs leaders with the same resolute firmness if we are to retain a tenuous hold on democracy for the next 3.8 years.
Yes. Carney will be OK. He lacks the common touch, but his writings indicate it is in his heart. He's one of those people who will have greatness thrust upon him. We hope.
This post is simply gobsmackingly beautiful! Tough as nails and light in heart at the same time. I’m happy to give it a 5 tulip accolade🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷.
Excellent analysis, really captured the mood and sentiment of Canadians
no one will ever understand how astonishing it is to turn me into a national flag waver, except from childhood i understood the dangers of nationalism (intergenerational) and suspected even standing and singing of anthems to be 'too much'. now it is entirely obvious that symbols are necessary and useful, as is the emotion behind it too drive resolve and ACTION. I am ready. Words bring us together. thank you!
First cousins.
As a US citizen that’s how I’ve always thought of Canadians. You’re not just our friend, ally and the best neighbor ever. We’re family. Our histories are so intertwined that many times it’s hard to decipher what’s what.
This is not to say we are joined at the hip either. We’re not. Much like when you went to visit your cousins……they did things a little differently than you. They had their own way of organizing their home. Their own way of cooking, language, culture and history. You always recognized this as familial. But, you knew it was different. You didn’t want to change it and you loved hanging out ( and helping out ) with your cousins. You did you and they did what they did. It clicked.
A lot of what Mr. Gardner stated in this piece, Canadians being fractious and dis-united, we Yanks can identify with as well. We know very well how 400 people can have 700 opinions on anything and everything. Ah, democracy. It’s difficult work isn’t it?
It is why our current situation pains me so. Firstly, there is no need for what the orange buffoon is doing to Canada. None. Canada has had the USA’s back many, many, many times. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The D.E.W. line, NORAD, The Iranian hostage crisis, 9 / 11 just to name a few. The list could go on and on. The amount of trade and services, et al that occurs between our nations is good thing. It works. Why eff that up? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Could it be improved? Sure, of course. If you wanted the wrong and worse way to improve it one only has to look at the orange buffoons actions. Stupid, painful and why would you do this to your family?
Keep up the boycotts Canada. We need all the help we can here to show our daft knuckleheaded MAGAKLAN members what a dotard our POTUS is. Perhaps your actions can help his cult members see the light. We thank you in advance for your ( once again ) help.
This year I will fly the Canadian flag on 1 / July and fly the US flag upside down on 4 / July.
Elbows up indeed!
Well put. Thank you.
You’re welcome.
I don’t understand why more of my fellow citizens aren’t really, really pissed off at the bullshit our orange buffoon of a POTUS has been treating Canada.
I’m not sure if many of my fellow citizens realize just how much trade, services, etc, etc crosses back and forth our border.
Funny story:
I can remember back in the day as a young car crazy teen we used to debate Ford’s 351 cubic inch engine. Which one was better the 351 Cleveland or the 351 Windsor? It wasn’t that one was made in Canada or that one was made in the USA. ( it was the same engine ) We never thought about that. It didn’t matter to us. We some how thought ( teen age mind lol ) that the city it was manufactured in made it a better engine. We didn’t talk about the difference between the Canadian engine vs. the US one. The city was what made us think it was better. That was part of my meaning when I said our histories are intertwined. Even as teens we “ got “ that our cousins made Ford engines too.
Omigawd this is just so well conceived and written. This wonderful description of Canada and Canadians rang all the bells. I’m sharing it widely. But it should be published in Canada for a larger audience.
Open minds and elbows up! Great combination.
My Father was a WW2 combat Veteran who was wounded outside Metez, France and was captured by the Nazis and became a POW. He spoke fondly of the Canadian Soldiers he was surrounded by. As an American I’m ashamed of how Trump has repeatedly insulted Canada and its citizens and I only wish the best for Canada. Trump will be gone one day and the sooner the better for all of us. God Bless Canada and
We kiwis identify with Canadians regarding having a big neighbor next door. However our neighbor, so far, has not treated us with the utter contempt and treachery yours is currently doing
Great essay, thank you from an embarrassed American. Canada is still MY friend. And I'll stand against any efforts to tread on your sovereignty as well as stupid tariffs.
Don't let the lack of chest-thumping patriotism obscure the fact that Canadians love their sprawling vast land, surrounded by 3 oceans and a now-recalcitrant bully to the south.
Unsurprisingly, in a hockey-mad country, the battle cry for Canadians is Elbows Up! - a tribute to Gordie Howe, the Saskatchewan farmboy and take-no-prisoners pro hockey player who led with his elbows. He also spawned the saying, 'Gordie Howe Hat-Trick' consisting of a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.
Beautiful summary. I’ve never experienced this kind of unity in my life. Like we have something beautiful to contribute to the planet. Yea we can!
Dan - I find all of your posts insightful, but this one was the best so far and it also had me laughing out loud on several occasions. I've shared it with numerous family members and friends. Thank you for all you are doing and please keep up the good work.