Thank you so much for posting this. To us in Canada, and from what I read in European news, it looks like there has been a coup in the USA. I realize Americans are numb with disbelief at the endless chaos, but this playbook of simply announcing you are going to economically cripple or just take it because you need/want it (as in Gaza, Greenland or Panama) has its roots in a fascist agenda not too far from dictators the world over. When will Americans say stop, we do not support invading or crippling other countries into submission. Where are the voices warning that this will not be tolerated by Americans, that the world is becoming less safe at every level under this regime? When will Americans realize Trump intends to fulfill every pledge including, I expect, attempting to run for a third term or cancelling elections altogether? I know it must be hard to say a coup has occurred under our noses, but the sooner it is acknowledged in the USA, the quicker it will —we hope— galvanize the people out of their numbed disbelief.
Thank you, Jillian! I agree and I am embarrassed to be an American right now. Trump is a liar and we Americans need to stop believing him and need to stop obeying in advance. I am protesting, organizing, calling my members of congress and voting with my dollars. But I am ashamed to be in the minority. Most Americans are just staying silent. This is shameful, especially for those with the power to speak out.
Ashley, I know -- we all know -- how many wonderful Americans there are in the world. We grieve the losses you will endure daily, to human rights, to reproductive rights, to civility and decency. Thank you for your efforts and please keep up the pressure. Loud and visible protest will matter...to the whole world. In peace and solidarity.
I count myself into the "most" Americans. I think those of us who did not vote this administration into office are still stunned by what is being done to this country, and how they seem to be ignoring judges rulings.
Part of the distress is realizing how many acquaintances, friends and family are 100% behind this new regime. They are blind to the true intentions behind the illegal game plan. A friend of mine told me about her neighbor who displays an 8X10 glossy of DT. Next to the framed picture is a candle and a religious cross. I told her that this will be the neighbor who turns her in for displaying a rainbow flag in her front yard. It is sickening to watch the collapse of our democracy.
I know people who supported 47, but even THEY could not possibly have know that THEY themselves would actually suffer under his fist. WE knew he had no intention of helping the "little guy", but their votes (bought and paid for, or not) have come home to roost and EVERYONE except the extremely privileged will suffer
I am a US citizen, but wish I was a Canadian. I am so embarrassed and terrified by what is happening in the US. My daughter went to UBC during the first T. administration and is still living and working in Vancouver. She will be applying for permanent residency soon. I am hoping that she qualifies, because I do not want her to have to come back here right now, but we will see. I am planning to visit her in the spring. So all of that is to say, I too feel like I have a foot in both places.
Vancouver is beautiful. I understand you wanting your daughter to stay there. My younger daughter goes to university in Montreal and although she's nearly as far from California as she could go in Canada, I don't worry about her living there.
I think everyone should read CASTE. The movie Origin by Ava Duvernay is a recapitulation of the book. Duvernay read CASTE four times and then wrote the script for the movie. Daunting. Read the book. Watch the movie.
As a dual citizen who lived in Canada, completed a masters degree in the states, fell in love with an American, and is now trying to turn around and leave the states (American in tow) within the next 365 days or so this is a perspective that I sympathize with on both sides of the border. Hope you’re staying safe and mostly sane.
My friend and I only refer to him as the felon because we can't stand to even say his name (as we call and e-mail senators and representatives, and sign petitions).
Thought-provoking blog. Thanks for posting. More folks from the US need to learn what Canadians are thinking and feeling. The trade war will hurt so many of us on both sides of the border. In addition, relearning forgotten life skills is essential now more than ever.
Thanks for this, Anne Marie. I too am embarrassed to be an American. (But proud to be a frugal cook!) And I just ordered The Book of Negroes. So much packed in to your post. Keep up the great work. JO
Fabulous article Anne Marie. It is time to think of self-sustainability on every level. Patrick is planning the spring garden, and I think we will vacation in Quebec instead of our Alaska Cruise this year. It’s so beautiful there. Vive la Canada 🍁 ⚜️
As an American, I am horrified by our current leader's actions and proposals. Know that many American feel the same way; we are pushing back anyway we can. Not our President!
Trump lies. There are American banks in Canada. JP Morgan employs 600 people. When I was growing up in Smiths Falls,ON, there was a saying : if the USA coughs, Canada gets a cold. My parents raised me to love everyone, except Americans. I became a citizen after my mother died. My husband who was African American was loved by all my family members.
I'm an American and am disgusted by what the president (whom I didn't vote for and wouldn't vote for in a million years) is trying to get away with. I understand and cheer for Canadians' patriotism. I just worry about this anti -American trend like the anti-Chinese, anti-Russian, anti-fill-in-the-blank-country movement just based on what their psychotic leaders decide and do. (Example: at the start of Russia's insane war against Ukraine, Russian American businesses were shunned. What??!!) An entire people is maligned because of bad actors in positions of power. How does this help anyone? When I studied abroad in London years ago, people assumed a lot about Americans and I didn't always feel safe saying I was one because Londoners hated Bush so much. Like I, a student, was somehow responsible for his actions? That makes no sense. I don't begrudge people's anger. I'm right there with you! But why take it out on the people who want to help stop this man? So many Americans want this man gone. He's hurting our farmers and ruining our economy, insulting our allies, and now others are hurting us too in reaction to his stupid monarch complex. I love our Canadian neighbors. I'm so frustrated all of this is happening.
As an American, I am appalled at the political situation here. I did not vote for the Orange Child and am working with like minded individuals to frustrate his desires. The majority of Americans do not approve of the chaos he sows. I will be planting an extensive garden and canning everything from my harvest. Hang in there, Canada.
With an undersecretary at the State Department stating that "low IQ" people should be sterilized....I'm wondering why Americans are not marching in the streets? Either they are too complacent or too complicit....either way, they will regret their silence, they will regret posting cat memes and selfies while their country betrayed its allies, established concentration camps, and reduced access to immigration to skin colour. This American born Canadian will never forget both the complacency and the complicity.
Thank you for your perspective. We do like to think we are more sensible in Canada, and less likely to fall for false narratives but it is frankly frightening to see (and read) some American nonsensical ideas being parroted in our country as well. It really does demonstrate that fascism is a contagion, spread by conspiracy theories and "othering" of anyone who doesn't agree. Unfortunately humans are much less likely to fact-check than ever before, and seem to really believe that the billionaires in charge really care about something as mundane as the price of groceries. Keep buying local, everyone!
Thanks so much for writing this. I am a Canadian grandmother whose only child and grandchildren also live in California. We are all appalled at what is going on in the States and at the way Canada and other countries are being bullied, lied about and threatened. I have wonderful American friends who are just as upset by what is happening to their country and the terrible impact it is having on relationships between once friendly countries and allies. Yes, we have a reinvigorated Canadian patriotic flurry and are avoiding U.S. products and cancelling trips to the U.S. ( did you know Canadian tourism brings in $20 billion yearly?) Anyway, your buy local advice is excellent for both sides of the border in order to buffer the higher costs that are on the way. Thanks again for your dedication to Zero-Waste. P.S. I feel for your Mom, hopefully she has children living closer by. I look a couple of decades down the road and hope that I see my daughter often. Elderly people need support from family around them!
Thank you so much for posting this. To us in Canada, and from what I read in European news, it looks like there has been a coup in the USA. I realize Americans are numb with disbelief at the endless chaos, but this playbook of simply announcing you are going to economically cripple or just take it because you need/want it (as in Gaza, Greenland or Panama) has its roots in a fascist agenda not too far from dictators the world over. When will Americans say stop, we do not support invading or crippling other countries into submission. Where are the voices warning that this will not be tolerated by Americans, that the world is becoming less safe at every level under this regime? When will Americans realize Trump intends to fulfill every pledge including, I expect, attempting to run for a third term or cancelling elections altogether? I know it must be hard to say a coup has occurred under our noses, but the sooner it is acknowledged in the USA, the quicker it will —we hope— galvanize the people out of their numbed disbelief.
Thank you, Jillian! I agree and I am embarrassed to be an American right now. Trump is a liar and we Americans need to stop believing him and need to stop obeying in advance. I am protesting, organizing, calling my members of congress and voting with my dollars. But I am ashamed to be in the minority. Most Americans are just staying silent. This is shameful, especially for those with the power to speak out.
Ashley, I know -- we all know -- how many wonderful Americans there are in the world. We grieve the losses you will endure daily, to human rights, to reproductive rights, to civility and decency. Thank you for your efforts and please keep up the pressure. Loud and visible protest will matter...to the whole world. In peace and solidarity.
Yes, many of us here in the US are calling it a coup. But we're not staying silent at all.
Ditto
I count myself into the "most" Americans. I think those of us who did not vote this administration into office are still stunned by what is being done to this country, and how they seem to be ignoring judges rulings.
Part of the distress is realizing how many acquaintances, friends and family are 100% behind this new regime. They are blind to the true intentions behind the illegal game plan. A friend of mine told me about her neighbor who displays an 8X10 glossy of DT. Next to the framed picture is a candle and a religious cross. I told her that this will be the neighbor who turns her in for displaying a rainbow flag in her front yard. It is sickening to watch the collapse of our democracy.
I know people who supported 47, but even THEY could not possibly have know that THEY themselves would actually suffer under his fist. WE knew he had no intention of helping the "little guy", but their votes (bought and paid for, or not) have come home to roost and EVERYONE except the extremely privileged will suffer
I am a US citizen, but wish I was a Canadian. I am so embarrassed and terrified by what is happening in the US. My daughter went to UBC during the first T. administration and is still living and working in Vancouver. She will be applying for permanent residency soon. I am hoping that she qualifies, because I do not want her to have to come back here right now, but we will see. I am planning to visit her in the spring. So all of that is to say, I too feel like I have a foot in both places.
Vancouver is beautiful. I understand you wanting your daughter to stay there. My younger daughter goes to university in Montreal and although she's nearly as far from California as she could go in Canada, I don't worry about her living there.
I am in the Chicago area, so know what you mean to have a daughter so far away.
Regarding your book recommendation, I also highly recommend "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson.
I think everyone should read CASTE. The movie Origin by Ava Duvernay is a recapitulation of the book. Duvernay read CASTE four times and then wrote the script for the movie. Daunting. Read the book. Watch the movie.
As a dual citizen who lived in Canada, completed a masters degree in the states, fell in love with an American, and is now trying to turn around and leave the states (American in tow) within the next 365 days or so this is a perspective that I sympathize with on both sides of the border. Hope you’re staying safe and mostly sane.
🎉🇨🇦 Ah oui, vive le Canada libre!
Thank you for this; I love your country and look forward to a return visit!! ! I am so sorry the current felon president where I live is so awful.❤️
My friend and I only refer to him as the felon because we can't stand to even say his name (as we call and e-mail senators and representatives, and sign petitions).
Right there with you!! And everyone knows exactly who you’re talking about! The rapist the felon the unpresident ….
Thought-provoking blog. Thanks for posting. More folks from the US need to learn what Canadians are thinking and feeling. The trade war will hurt so many of us on both sides of the border. In addition, relearning forgotten life skills is essential now more than ever.
I wish Canada would adopt US...please...
Sending thoughts from across the Atlantic
Thanks for this, Anne Marie. I too am embarrassed to be an American. (But proud to be a frugal cook!) And I just ordered The Book of Negroes. So much packed in to your post. Keep up the great work. JO
Thank you Jacquie!
Fabulous article Anne Marie. It is time to think of self-sustainability on every level. Patrick is planning the spring garden, and I think we will vacation in Quebec instead of our Alaska Cruise this year. It’s so beautiful there. Vive la Canada 🍁 ⚜️
As an American, I am horrified by our current leader's actions and proposals. Know that many American feel the same way; we are pushing back anyway we can. Not our President!
Trump lies. There are American banks in Canada. JP Morgan employs 600 people. When I was growing up in Smiths Falls,ON, there was a saying : if the USA coughs, Canada gets a cold. My parents raised me to love everyone, except Americans. I became a citizen after my mother died. My husband who was African American was loved by all my family members.
I'm an American and am disgusted by what the president (whom I didn't vote for and wouldn't vote for in a million years) is trying to get away with. I understand and cheer for Canadians' patriotism. I just worry about this anti -American trend like the anti-Chinese, anti-Russian, anti-fill-in-the-blank-country movement just based on what their psychotic leaders decide and do. (Example: at the start of Russia's insane war against Ukraine, Russian American businesses were shunned. What??!!) An entire people is maligned because of bad actors in positions of power. How does this help anyone? When I studied abroad in London years ago, people assumed a lot about Americans and I didn't always feel safe saying I was one because Londoners hated Bush so much. Like I, a student, was somehow responsible for his actions? That makes no sense. I don't begrudge people's anger. I'm right there with you! But why take it out on the people who want to help stop this man? So many Americans want this man gone. He's hurting our farmers and ruining our economy, insulting our allies, and now others are hurting us too in reaction to his stupid monarch complex. I love our Canadian neighbors. I'm so frustrated all of this is happening.
As an American, I am appalled at the political situation here. I did not vote for the Orange Child and am working with like minded individuals to frustrate his desires. The majority of Americans do not approve of the chaos he sows. I will be planting an extensive garden and canning everything from my harvest. Hang in there, Canada.
With an undersecretary at the State Department stating that "low IQ" people should be sterilized....I'm wondering why Americans are not marching in the streets? Either they are too complacent or too complicit....either way, they will regret their silence, they will regret posting cat memes and selfies while their country betrayed its allies, established concentration camps, and reduced access to immigration to skin colour. This American born Canadian will never forget both the complacency and the complicity.
Thank you for your perspective. We do like to think we are more sensible in Canada, and less likely to fall for false narratives but it is frankly frightening to see (and read) some American nonsensical ideas being parroted in our country as well. It really does demonstrate that fascism is a contagion, spread by conspiracy theories and "othering" of anyone who doesn't agree. Unfortunately humans are much less likely to fact-check than ever before, and seem to really believe that the billionaires in charge really care about something as mundane as the price of groceries. Keep buying local, everyone!
Thanks so much for writing this. I am a Canadian grandmother whose only child and grandchildren also live in California. We are all appalled at what is going on in the States and at the way Canada and other countries are being bullied, lied about and threatened. I have wonderful American friends who are just as upset by what is happening to their country and the terrible impact it is having on relationships between once friendly countries and allies. Yes, we have a reinvigorated Canadian patriotic flurry and are avoiding U.S. products and cancelling trips to the U.S. ( did you know Canadian tourism brings in $20 billion yearly?) Anyway, your buy local advice is excellent for both sides of the border in order to buffer the higher costs that are on the way. Thanks again for your dedication to Zero-Waste. P.S. I feel for your Mom, hopefully she has children living closer by. I look a couple of decades down the road and hope that I see my daughter often. Elderly people need support from family around them!