Thank you for Paul Schratz’ Feb. 10 column “The case for a Just Tariff theory.”
The narrative being sold is that the U.S. and Canada have always been close allies. How could they betray us now?
But history tells a different story. For decades, left-leaning parties in Canada have slandered America, portraying it as the devil incarnate. Even booing an American hockey team isn’t new.
They fiercely opposed NAFTA. Our prime minister was caught mocking the U.S. president on a live mic, while the media has ridiculed him for years.
We may have forgotten these things, but I doubt Trump has. Now, we expect him to believe it was all just pretense and that we’ve always loved him.
Meanwhile, Canada voted in favour of Hamas at the UN, made grand statements about supporting Ukraine while being modest in action, and has been slow to support NATO, despite appeals from both NATO and the U.S. We may no longer be a trusted member of the Five Eyes.
Canada also has its own protectionist measures, like supply management and bank regulations. It’s not obvious that we’re truly an ally of the U.S. anymore. From Trump’s perspective, why should he favour Canada? I wouldn’t be surprised if he views us as hypocritical freeloaders. We’re not angels and shouldn’t pretend to be.
Norman Reilly
Coquitlam
Thank you for addressing the puzzling crosswords—I was genuinely worried about my mental abilities! I always enjoy doing the crossword and often learn something new.
Jenny Shaw
Sechelt
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