I always thought we were the same.
Canada and the USA.
Best friends. Good neighbours. We had each other’s backs.
I thought we had the same values and morals and belief systems. We were like family.
I am beyond disappointed that I am having to face the fact we are actually very different.
The relationship has slowly been eroding, I suppose, and I just didn’t want to face it.
Full disclosure: I have always loved the United States. I always thought I wanted to live and work there. I have many wonderful American friends. It remains my favourite place to vacation. I love shopping there with all the variety and choice and, yes, sometimes cheaper prices.
Restaurants across the border offer great value, good food, generous portions and they are excellent at service and hospitality.
I say all that to say all this: I just don’t feel the same anymore.
There is this queasy feeling in my stomach now in planning a trip. Should I stay in my own country given the snarky comments and threats coming from Donald Trump to our Prime Minister over trade and tariffs? If Trump is so intent on 'America First', should we do likewise and buy only 'Made in Canada'?
Can I still love the country while being repulsed by some of their government policies?
I suppose what finally tipped the scale were the recent headlines with the separation of children and parents at southern border crossings. By now, we have all seen the videos and heard the echoes of the screaming, frightened children. I know now they are trying to rectify the situation, but honestly too little too late.
It isn’t even about politics. Sometimes right is right and wrong is wrong.
I thought we were the same.
Perhaps I am too naive in the ways of the world, but I still expect political leaders to show class, charm, knowledge and respect. I hold them to a higher standard. Whether I support every single thing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does is irrelevant – can tell you I much prefer the image of him showing up at Pearson Airport to welcome Syrian refugees with winter coats and a hug than the images seen recently of President Donald Trump saying illegal immigrants are “infesting” the country while children sit in cages. While the situations may be different, humanity should be the same.
Images are powerful. Words are powerful.
I thought we were the same.
As we head into a Canada Day weekend, I will be thanking my lucky stars that I was born in a kind and beautiful country. I will sit safely, unarmed, with my Caesar, enjoying poutine, munching on Smarties and a Coffee Crisp (all Canadian). I may even be wearing my lightly scuffed up shoes which I may or may not have smuggled across the border to avoid paying duty.
I will likely end a sentence with “eh” and apologize to someone just because it is what we do.
In that regard, I am truly sorry if these comments will lose me some friends.
I still love you, America.
I just thought we were the same.
