They are not an ally and they have no friends in the traditional sense. Canada, the EU and other countries are better served by taking the painful measures now to shift their trade relationships to reliable and like-minded partners whose word is worth more than the paper it’s written on. It’s just too expensive to do business with the US when the executive branch has seized total authority and the stability - or even existence - of relationships depends on whatever weirdo Americans choose to make president.
As a follow up to this comment - that press conference in the Oval Office feels like it really validates my perspective. Totally vile. I suspect Trump’s team sees it as a PR victory and red meat to throw their narrow base, but anyone not locked into that bubble sees something totally different - Zelensky standing alone against Trump, Vance and Rubio as they try to strong arm him into getting fucked and saying thank you for not using lube. It was meant to show Trump’s strength but it betrayed his amorality and weakness. That’s what everyone else saw.
The US is now an upstanding member of the axis of evil. It is shameful to be an American. We have isolated ourselves and the Christofascists are succeeding in their takeover.
I’ve lived through a lot in almost 70 years but never could I have imagined this. I protested in the 60’s and have lived through assassinations and the ugliness of racism, sexism, homophobia and hatred. I have every intention to do everything in my power to resist for the sake of my children and grandchildren, the country, and the world. Orban taught them all well while Putin lined their pockets. Not a single honorable Republican. Enraging.
I never thought I would say this…the new regime has turned the usa, no capitalization intended, into a small country with no honor. Very sad to say, but that is how I feel. Embarrassed also works.
nope the US is not a trusted ally.... in fact as a Cdn I don't consider them an ally at all! It may take a bit of time but the free world will eventually get along just fine; probably even better than with the US! Most empires crumble after about 250 yrs, so bye bye trumpian MAGA and take your spineless politician (from both sides of the aisle) with you
The U.S. is very clearly NOT alone! Its new allies are Russia, Russia and Russia. The US appears to be “all in”. Canada and Europe must see the U.S. as an adversary.
The US is most decidedly not an ally. That is indisputably clear. Whether they are an enemy MAY have room for debate. Based on the common definitions, the US can be seen as an enemy to Canada. The only reason there may be room for debate is, the US appears to not be united and many in the US are neither hostile to Canada nor have any interest in annexing it.
Could this be a calculated move? If there wasn’t already a deal in place behind the scenes, why step forward and face the public?
It seems that Zelensky is either unfamiliar with the American way of handling business and media—where negotiations happen behind closed doors, and only the favorable aspects are presented publicly—or he is doing this deliberately. By openly laying out the details and making his demands public, he may be applying pressure to influence the outcome. Meanwhile, Trump and Vance appear to have been caught off guard, now finding themselves in a more difficult position.
At the age of 79 I am for the first time serious afraid and nervous regarding the actions taken by the Trump administration. No civilized country and democracy I know of will undertake such draconian measures on their Allies. It is a reflection on stupidity of this man and not knowing history. The world doesn’t consist of the USA alone. We are all members of the world and with his actions he shows all of us that he considers us a piece of shit and not worth talking or dealing with honestly. I have been working over 40 yrs for two major US firms as their EU director and feel betrayed. I feel negative about the US today and won’t trust their actions any longer.
I tried to use the email address you provided. It doesn't work. I am Canadian. The US is Canada's enemy, right up there with Russia. We no longer buy American products in my family. We will not travel to the US. I just voted to elect Mark Carney to lead the Liberals and reshape our economy to be free of the US.
I hope the Europe, Canada , Mexico, Japan, Australia etc realize that as long as Trump is in power they cannot count on the US. They must re-militarize as quickly as possible and form their own alliances to protect against Russia, China and possibly the US. 80 years of relative stability is being thrown out like its trash. The US is being led by incredibly corrupt and incompetent leaders now. As bad as this news is for the rest of the world, it’s even worse news for the people of the US. We now face years of chaos and fracturing that will severely weaken our democracy and economy.
My heart breaks for all the Americans who didn't vote, or voted AGAINST the Orange Baby Jeezus. We Canadians feel your pain. Literally. The citizens of Washington, Oregon & California should consider referenda on joining Canada, thus creating a land bridge to our trusted trading partners in Mexico. (Ok Akaska, sorry, you can join also...)
Sadly, I think there is truth to both statements. I don't know that the free world is lost without America, but it takes a serious hit. We have led for decades and made it possible for others to stand up for the values that over a million US soldiers have died for over the last century. We have partnered, shared intelligence, and been part of a global collaboration championing freedom and democracy - most of the time (definitely not all). America is definitely weaker without the free world. Trump's agenda of dividing up the world between the US, Russia, and China will leave us weaker and more isolated. Soft power was one of the most cost effective tools we had and we are ceding that to China while alienating our friends to the north, the south, and in Europe. To add insult to injury, the White House is now deciding which media will be allowed access, so there will be no hard questions from the press and the media will become one big amplification channel for the administration. I am sad, embarrassed - all the emotions noted below. And deeply fearful of the world we are creating for our children.
They are not an ally and they have no friends in the traditional sense. Canada, the EU and other countries are better served by taking the painful measures now to shift their trade relationships to reliable and like-minded partners whose word is worth more than the paper it’s written on. It’s just too expensive to do business with the US when the executive branch has seized total authority and the stability - or even existence - of relationships depends on whatever weirdo Americans choose to make president.
As a follow up to this comment - that press conference in the Oval Office feels like it really validates my perspective. Totally vile. I suspect Trump’s team sees it as a PR victory and red meat to throw their narrow base, but anyone not locked into that bubble sees something totally different - Zelensky standing alone against Trump, Vance and Rubio as they try to strong arm him into getting fucked and saying thank you for not using lube. It was meant to show Trump’s strength but it betrayed his amorality and weakness. That’s what everyone else saw.
The US is now an upstanding member of the axis of evil. It is shameful to be an American. We have isolated ourselves and the Christofascists are succeeding in their takeover.
I’ve lived through a lot in almost 70 years but never could I have imagined this. I protested in the 60’s and have lived through assassinations and the ugliness of racism, sexism, homophobia and hatred. I have every intention to do everything in my power to resist for the sake of my children and grandchildren, the country, and the world. Orban taught them all well while Putin lined their pockets. Not a single honorable Republican. Enraging.
I never thought I would say this…the new regime has turned the usa, no capitalization intended, into a small country with no honor. Very sad to say, but that is how I feel. Embarrassed also works.
Has turned the US military into Wagner USA.
We will honour our agreements and treaties for a price.
Your minerals and any other wealth.
Our we negotiate those rights when we divide you up with your enemies.
nope the US is not a trusted ally.... in fact as a Cdn I don't consider them an ally at all! It may take a bit of time but the free world will eventually get along just fine; probably even better than with the US! Most empires crumble after about 250 yrs, so bye bye trumpian MAGA and take your spineless politician (from both sides of the aisle) with you
The U.S. is very clearly NOT alone! Its new allies are Russia, Russia and Russia. The US appears to be “all in”. Canada and Europe must see the U.S. as an adversary.
The US is most decidedly not an ally. That is indisputably clear. Whether they are an enemy MAY have room for debate. Based on the common definitions, the US can be seen as an enemy to Canada. The only reason there may be room for debate is, the US appears to not be united and many in the US are neither hostile to Canada nor have any interest in annexing it.
What happened today between Trump and Zelensky?
Could this be a calculated move? If there wasn’t already a deal in place behind the scenes, why step forward and face the public?
It seems that Zelensky is either unfamiliar with the American way of handling business and media—where negotiations happen behind closed doors, and only the favorable aspects are presented publicly—or he is doing this deliberately. By openly laying out the details and making his demands public, he may be applying pressure to influence the outcome. Meanwhile, Trump and Vance appear to have been caught off guard, now finding themselves in a more difficult position.
At the age of 79 I am for the first time serious afraid and nervous regarding the actions taken by the Trump administration. No civilized country and democracy I know of will undertake such draconian measures on their Allies. It is a reflection on stupidity of this man and not knowing history. The world doesn’t consist of the USA alone. We are all members of the world and with his actions he shows all of us that he considers us a piece of shit and not worth talking or dealing with honestly. I have been working over 40 yrs for two major US firms as their EU director and feel betrayed. I feel negative about the US today and won’t trust their actions any longer.
B. van Binsbergen/NL
I tried to use the email address you provided. It doesn't work. I am Canadian. The US is Canada's enemy, right up there with Russia. We no longer buy American products in my family. We will not travel to the US. I just voted to elect Mark Carney to lead the Liberals and reshape our economy to be free of the US.
I hope the Europe, Canada , Mexico, Japan, Australia etc realize that as long as Trump is in power they cannot count on the US. They must re-militarize as quickly as possible and form their own alliances to protect against Russia, China and possibly the US. 80 years of relative stability is being thrown out like its trash. The US is being led by incredibly corrupt and incompetent leaders now. As bad as this news is for the rest of the world, it’s even worse news for the people of the US. We now face years of chaos and fracturing that will severely weaken our democracy and economy.
Greg East
My heart breaks for all the Americans who didn't vote, or voted AGAINST the Orange Baby Jeezus. We Canadians feel your pain. Literally. The citizens of Washington, Oregon & California should consider referenda on joining Canada, thus creating a land bridge to our trusted trading partners in Mexico. (Ok Akaska, sorry, you can join also...)
MAGA= make Russia great again
Trump promised he would bring Brexit to the USA and he delivered.
Sadly, I think there is truth to both statements. I don't know that the free world is lost without America, but it takes a serious hit. We have led for decades and made it possible for others to stand up for the values that over a million US soldiers have died for over the last century. We have partnered, shared intelligence, and been part of a global collaboration championing freedom and democracy - most of the time (definitely not all). America is definitely weaker without the free world. Trump's agenda of dividing up the world between the US, Russia, and China will leave us weaker and more isolated. Soft power was one of the most cost effective tools we had and we are ceding that to China while alienating our friends to the north, the south, and in Europe. To add insult to injury, the White House is now deciding which media will be allowed access, so there will be no hard questions from the press and the media will become one big amplification channel for the administration. I am sad, embarrassed - all the emotions noted below. And deeply fearful of the world we are creating for our children.