Politics | Relationships
Why Are Canadians Watching the Debates?
We’re Scared As Shit
My American friends were talking about the upcoming political debates and one of them apologized for boring me.
Are you kidding? Of course I’m interested in the current political situation in the States. The last few years have been like watching a slow-motion train wreck, only from afar.
I know it’s been worrisome for you as well. But at least there’s something you can do about it.
You can vote.
We’re up here, worried about our friends.
Canada and the U.S. used to have a pretty good relationship. We’ve had your back for a long time.
The Treaty of Paris (1783) established the international border and it was followed by the end of the war of 1812. After that, we began a time of stronger friendship.
We became stronger besties during World War II and stood together in the face of the Soviet threat. We’ve had our differences as all friends do, especially when it came to foreign policy, but generally we are able to sort them out.
There have been moments in history where we’ve had your back.
Our reciprocal trading relationship provides jobs for both Americans and Canadians on both sides of the border. The secure and efficient flow of trade is important to the prosperity of both countries.
We’ve been strengthened by our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and similar values.
The grounding of planes after 9–11, was a moment where Canada brought passengers into our own homes to care for them until the borders could be reopened.
There was the time when six Americans who were outside their embassy compound in Tehran escaped capture because they called friends for help. “For three months, Canada’s ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor, and other Canadian embassy employees, hid those six Americans in their own quarters and at great personal risk.”
The free flow of people for so many years has created a very personal relationship between the two countries, despite our different cultures.
Then Trump was elected and all was forgotten.
We soon realized he didn’t know how to be a friend. He was more interested in using our relationship to make himself look good with his followers.
Now our shared values are at risk, including human rights and women’s rights.
Here’s why we’re worried.
First and foremost, you’re still our friends.
Eighty percent of our population lives within 150 miles of the Canada, USA border, which is the world’s longest undefended border.
The USA is our largest trading partner, and our electrical grids are integrated.
The current president has shown he is willing to break up with Canada.
Either way, our oil industry will be impacted.
What's going on down there won’t stay down there, we’re already feeling the effects.
Oh yes, and let’s not forget the guns.
Darn right we’re watching, and we wish we could vote.
Tag me @treelangdon or add a message to this post if you’d like to connect. I’m a ‘Top Writer’ in Poetry on Medium. Find me on Twitter and Facebook.
I write to inspire and make connections. If you’re interested in more, sign up here.