5d ago

Trump’s comments on Canada prompt surge of patriotism – in a Canadian way

www.theguardian.com Trump’s comments on Canada prompt surge of patriotism – in a Canadian way

Trump’s diplomatic trolling has sparked disbelief and defiance – but also revived questions of national identity

A lone figure takes to the stage, a giant maple leaf flag rippling on a screen behind him as he gingerly approaches the microphone.

“I’m not a lumberjack, or a fur trader,” he tells the crowd. “I have a prime minister, not a president. I speak English and French, not American. And I pronounce it ‘about’ – not ‘a boot’.”

The crowd, indifferent at first, grows increasingly enthusiastic as the man works his way through a catalogue of Canadian stereotypes, passing from diffidence to defiance before the climactic cry: “Canada is the second largest landmass! The first nation of hockey! And the best part of North America! My name is Joe! And I am Canadian!”

In response, Canadians have taken to acts of patriotism, small and large: one pilot flew his small plane in the shape of a maple leaf; sports fans have booed US teams; hats insisting “Canada is not for sale” have gone viral; consumers have pledged to buy only Canadian-made products – a pledge skewered in a viral sketch in which one shopper berates another for buying American ketchup.

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Okay, so none of what you said addresses that problem. And instead you're burying your head in the sand and calling that threat a "fantasy".
What's not a fantasy is that Trump says he wants to annex Canada, will use economic force to accomplish this, and is following that up with tariffs. Clearly not a fantasy—very real.
People are already losing their jobs. Price of food is increasing. And folks like Danielle Smith's answer is to just take it lying down.
Your basic response to all this is to do some finger wagging.
- Oh, so you’re doubling down on this nonsense? Let me break it down for you, slowly, since nuance seems to escape you. Trump saying he wants to annex Canada is about as real as a toddler declaring they’re the king of the playground. Words don’t equal action, and tariffs are not tanks.
  You’re conflating economic pressure with literal invasion because it’s easier than understanding how these systems work. People are losing jobs and food prices are rising because of global capitalism, not some cartoonish annexation plot. But sure, blame Danielle Smith for not flailing around like a headless chicken.
  Your entire argument is built on fear-mongering and bad takes. Maybe try reading a book instead of parroting propaganda.
  
  Trump is saying it.
  His party is saying it.
  The Canadian Government is saying it.
  The Provincial Governments are saying it.
  You are the one who has their head buried in the ground. This is real.
  
  So, your rebuttal is to repeat the same baseless claim louder, as if volume equals validity? Let me spell it out: just because someone says something doesn’t make it actionable policy. Political theater thrives on hyperbole, and you’ve swallowed it whole.
  The Canadian government isn’t cowering in fear of annexation; they’re navigating economic realities while you’re busy waving imaginary battle flags. Provincial governments have their own agendas, none of which involve preparing for a fictional invasion.
  Your insistence on treating rhetoric as reality is the intellectual equivalent of shouting at clouds. Maybe step back, take a breath, and realize that not every soundbite is a declaration of war.
  
  Only a fool doesn't believe when some tells them their intentions and is surprised when it happens.
  If I am wrong, I will be happy that I was prepared for the worst.
  If you are wrong, your world will be crumbling because you don't want to imagine that you are wrong.
  I hope you are right. At least I will be ready if you are wrong.
  
  You’re right that being prepared is better than being blindsided, but preparation without discernment is just paranoia in disguise. Not every statement or intention is a prophecy; sometimes it’s just noise meant to provoke.
  If your readiness gives you peace of mind, that’s fine. But don’t confuse it with a guarantee that the worst will happen. Living in constant anticipation of collapse isn’t strength—it’s surrendering to fear.
  Instead of bracing for an apocalypse that may never come, maybe focus on building something worth preserving. Fear doesn’t make you prepared—it just keeps you stuck.
  
  Trump saying he wants to annex Canada is about as real as a toddler declaring they’re the king of the playground
  Anything Trump says should be taken seriously because even if he's a toddler, he's a toddler with guns.
  Words don’t equal action, and tariffs are not tanks.
  Words are the precursors to action. What starts with tariffs can later become tanks.
  You’re conflating economic pressure with literal invasion because it’s easier than understanding how these systems work.
  No, you are conflating economic pressure with literal invasion.
  I, on the other hand, am saying these threats should be taken seriously, economic force is still force, and things can get worse. For that reason, we should take the threat seriously.
  People are losing jobs and food prices are rising because of global capitalism, not some cartoonish annexation plot
  What if I told you it's because of global capitalism and a cartoonish annexation plot?
  Your entire argument is built on fear-mongering and bad takes.
  My argument is based on things said very publicly by the President of the United States in a very official capacity.
  Maybe try reading a book instead of parroting propaganda.
  You are what Trump and his ilk see as a "useful fool".
  
  "Anything Trump says should be taken seriously because even if he's a toddler, he's a toddler with guns."
  So now we’re treating every tantrum as a declaration of war? Guns don’t make fantasies real—they just make them louder. If Trump is a toddler with guns, then you’re the one running around screaming “the sky is falling” every time he opens his mouth.
  "Words are the precursors to action. What starts with tariffs can later become tanks."
  Ah, the classic slippery slope fallacy. Tariffs are economic tools, not invasion prep. If you think tanks follow tariffs, I’d love to see your evidence—oh wait, there isn’t any. Just fear-mongering dressed up as insight.
  "No, you are conflating economic pressure with literal invasion."
  Cute deflection. Economic force is force, but it’s not annexation. You’re the one conflating trade policies with military aggression because it’s easier than understanding how these systems actually work.
  "I, on the other hand, am saying these threats should be taken seriously, economic force is still force, and things can get worse. For that reason, we should take the threat seriously."
  Taking threats seriously doesn’t mean blowing them out of proportion. Economic force is real and damaging, but it’s not tanks rolling across borders. Stop pretending your paranoia is pragmatism.
  "What if I told you it's because of global capitalism and a cartoonish annexation plot?"
  Then I’d tell you to stop watching propaganda and start engaging with reality. Global capitalism doesn’t need cartoonish annexation plots—it’s already got you chasing shadows while it ransacks your house.
  "My argument is based on things said very publicly by the President of the United States in a very official capacity."
  And mine is based on understanding how power works beyond soundbites. Public statements are theater; policy is where the real game happens. But sure, keep quoting Trump like he’s Nostradamus.
  "You are what Trump and his ilk see as a 'useful fool.'"
  Projection much? You’re the one amplifying his noise and doing his work for him by spreading fear instead of clarity. If I’m a fool, at least I’m not one dancing to someone else’s tune.
  Here’s a thought: stop treating every tweet like it’s a prophecy and start focusing on the actual systems of control already in place. You’re fighting imaginary battles while the real war rages on unnoticed.
  
  So now we’re treating every tantrum as a declaration of war?
  Your entire method of argument is to gaslight, throw red herrings, and make shit up.
  Nobody mentioned “declarations of war”.
  What we have mentioned are threats. And threats should be perceived as threats. It is foolish to not take them seriously.
  Guns don’t make fantasies real—they just make them louder.
  Hate to tell you this, buddy, but the guns are real.
  Ah, the classic slippery slope fallacy. Tariffs are economic tools, not invasion prep.
  Right, because the USA never used economics as a weapon prior to an invasion. Oh wait. They have. That’s pretty much the textbook for how they operate.
  Now I never said the USA will invade Canada, but you would be foolish to not consider the possibility and plan accordingly.
  So it’s time to stop dismissing these annexation threats as “fantasy” and get real about how Trump might try to make this happen.
  Cute deflection. Economic force is force, but it’s not annexation.
  When Trump says he wants to annex Canada, and will use economic force to do this—following it up with tariffs—what will happen once that economic force doesn’t work?
  Taking threats seriously doesn’t mean blowing them out of proportion.
  Thing is, you’re not taking these threats seriously at all. You’re simply saying they won’t happen.
  I literally asked you the simple question of how any of this addresses Trump’s annexation threats and you called them a “fantasy”.
  Then I’d tell you to stop watching propaganda and start engaging with reality.
  Right, “reality”. 🙄
  And mine is based on understanding how power works beyond soundbites. Public statements are theater; policy is where the real game happens. But sure, keep quoting Trump like he’s Nostradamus.
  Nostradamus is dead and buried. Trump is alive and has guns.
  Projection much?
  Fools are always certain of themselves.

46 comments