. . . And so the big matter for Americans to ponder: Is it supposed to be about "loyalty to the Crown/Dictator" etc.? Or loyalty to something higher purpose (they used to say "The Constitution")? (and even in that case, what do they actually mean by that - is there a generally accepted meaning of the document, to the majority of Americans?)
Current actions suggest that there's at least two very mutually exclusive definitions about that Document and (more importantly) what it means to be "American."
And I think much of that existed 250 years ago, but the differences are only surfacing this strongly now.
So what would be interesting: If DJT suddenly said "I want ____" but that was something that much of his base didn't want, and/or was contradictory to the Constitution, would everyone just "do as they were told/ordered," or would they say "nah, I don't think so."
I echo Carol-Ann: "Not great thinkers there . . . ." as they dig themselves a whole deeper than ever - except with their "blinders on", I don't think they see it.
I agree that Trump is just the mouth piece. He doesnt write his spews.
I read about Peter Navarro who is the trade consultant from both Trump terms.
Navarro wanted Canada expelled from the 5 eyes, he wanted our borders redrawn, I suspect he'' behind the 51st comment. He wanted NAFTA tore up, doesn't want to renegotiate CUSMA (he doesnt want it at all). He believes in tariffs, was behind the writing of reciprical tariffs. He's a fringe economist who from what I read is not respected by world economists. He was jailed for not responding to Congress' request to give testimony on JAN 6. Along with the Heritage Foundation and other think tanks these people are out to get us.
There is a book out called Unhuman which I haven't read but read the coles notes version. Its how to crush communism. The Americans both Republicans and Democrats are so afraid of communism they are willing to follow these people. Not unlike somewhere else in the world in the 1930s.
Canada is too liberal for these people. Thus we are the target. You can see how they also attack the EU, UK , squashing the life from Cuba. They are afraid of liberalism.
This is just my view. Other people have their own. I just dont think Trump has the smarts to think all this up on his own. He parrots what they want. Midterm elections if they happen or are rigged wont change things either. Dems and Reps all see the same enemy and are trying to protect their country.
Navarro has certainly been one of the strongest voices behind protectionist trade policy for years, and think tanks have had a significant influence on shaping policy proposals.
That's why I wanted to focus less on personalities and more on how ideas move from think tanks into government.
Regardless of where people stand politically, understanding that process helps explain a lot of what we're seeing.
Thank you for writing this Fred! Has been perplexing how much credit trump has received-he spews constantly sounding completely unhinged but I think he’s being played like a puppet. Well he is but the worst are behind him. Whew 😅 we have PM Mark Carney who obviously has a clear grasp on how to protect us
I have just read a big long Wikipedia article about Peter Navarro which explains a lot about the reason for the tariffs and his protectionist thinking. It's hard to believe that such a squirrel has so much power and influence. Although the Trump administration is full of such deplorables! It will take a lot of work to displace this man's thinking about economics and I say, "Thank God for PM Carney" who knows a thing or two about economics and how the world works.
. . . And so the big matter for Americans to ponder: Is it supposed to be about "loyalty to the Crown/Dictator" etc.? Or loyalty to something higher purpose (they used to say "The Constitution")? (and even in that case, what do they actually mean by that - is there a generally accepted meaning of the document, to the majority of Americans?)
Current actions suggest that there's at least two very mutually exclusive definitions about that Document and (more importantly) what it means to be "American."
And I think much of that existed 250 years ago, but the differences are only surfacing this strongly now.
So what would be interesting: If DJT suddenly said "I want ____" but that was something that much of his base didn't want, and/or was contradictory to the Constitution, would everyone just "do as they were told/ordered," or would they say "nah, I don't think so."
I echo Carol-Ann: "Not great thinkers there . . . ." as they dig themselves a whole deeper than ever - except with their "blinders on", I don't think they see it.
That's the question every democracy eventually has to answer, Grant...
Is loyalty owed to a leader, or to the institutions and principles that outlast every leader?
Healthy democracies depend on people being willing to disagree... even with someone they voted for.
Not great thinkers there, or they wouldn't be in this mess.
There are certainly some smart strategists involved.
Whether their ideas are good for the country is a completely different question. Intelligence and wisdom don't always travel together.
I agree that Trump is just the mouth piece. He doesnt write his spews.
I read about Peter Navarro who is the trade consultant from both Trump terms.
Navarro wanted Canada expelled from the 5 eyes, he wanted our borders redrawn, I suspect he'' behind the 51st comment. He wanted NAFTA tore up, doesn't want to renegotiate CUSMA (he doesnt want it at all). He believes in tariffs, was behind the writing of reciprical tariffs. He's a fringe economist who from what I read is not respected by world economists. He was jailed for not responding to Congress' request to give testimony on JAN 6. Along with the Heritage Foundation and other think tanks these people are out to get us.
There is a book out called Unhuman which I haven't read but read the coles notes version. Its how to crush communism. The Americans both Republicans and Democrats are so afraid of communism they are willing to follow these people. Not unlike somewhere else in the world in the 1930s.
Canada is too liberal for these people. Thus we are the target. You can see how they also attack the EU, UK , squashing the life from Cuba. They are afraid of liberalism.
This is just my view. Other people have their own. I just dont think Trump has the smarts to think all this up on his own. He parrots what they want. Midterm elections if they happen or are rigged wont change things either. Dems and Reps all see the same enemy and are trying to protect their country.
Thanks, Evelyn.
Navarro has certainly been one of the strongest voices behind protectionist trade policy for years, and think tanks have had a significant influence on shaping policy proposals.
That's why I wanted to focus less on personalities and more on how ideas move from think tanks into government.
Regardless of where people stand politically, understanding that process helps explain a lot of what we're seeing.
Thank you for writing this Fred! Has been perplexing how much credit trump has received-he spews constantly sounding completely unhinged but I think he’s being played like a puppet. Well he is but the worst are behind him. Whew 😅 we have PM Mark Carney who obviously has a clear grasp on how to protect us
Thanks, Shelley.
I think it's less about him being a puppet than about having a well-prepared team that knows how to turn broad instincts into actual policy.
And yes, I'm glad Canada has experienced leadership navigating what has become a very unpredictable relationship.
I have just read a big long Wikipedia article about Peter Navarro which explains a lot about the reason for the tariffs and his protectionist thinking. It's hard to believe that such a squirrel has so much power and influence. Although the Trump administration is full of such deplorables! It will take a lot of work to displace this man's thinking about economics and I say, "Thank God for PM Carney" who knows a thing or two about economics and how the world works.
Thanks, Sandi.
Navarro's protectionist views have been remarkably consistent for years, so many of today's trade policies didn't appear overnight.
Whether people agree with them or not, they help explain why Canada has had to rethink its long-term economic relationship with the U.S.
That's exactly why steady economic leadership matters right now.