For the last couple of weeks, incoming President Donald Trump has joked about Canada becoming the 51ststate of the United States.
Given similarities in cultural values and geopolitical goals, it is not surprising to imagine both nations as one, as many nations across Europe banded together under the European Union.
Nonetheless, Trump has likely been joking.
Or has he? Oftentimes, Trump may discuss various ideas that seem nonsensical, yet they become somewhat feasible policies with a bit of finessing.
Which may well be what is occurring now, especially given the sudden political upheaval to the north.
As detailed by the Daily Mail, Trump is hardly pleased by the enormous economic deficit apparently driven by America’s neighbor to the north, which he detailed at length.
“Canada is subsidized to the tune of about $200 billion a year plus other things. They don’t essentially have a military. They have a very small military. They rely on our military. It’s all fine but, you know, they have to pay for that. It’s very unfair. Something has to be done,” Trump mused.
Fair point. Brings to mind the enormous imbalance with NATO payments in Europe.
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau abruptly resigned, Trump’s 51st state plan seemed to gain even more steam, prompting some woke politicians to propose counteroffers to Trump.
For instance, Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested for Canada to annex Alaska instead.
“You know something, to the president I’ll make him a counteroffer; How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” Ford chortled.
Canadian MP Charlie Angus was less generous in his assessment.
“Canada has something called democracy. It means the leader is accountable to Parliament and can be replaced,” Angus declared.
Ah. Just as Biden was replaced by Kamala.
“I bet Americans wish they had that now. And convicted sexual abusers don’t get to lead our nation. We’re decent folk,” Angus added pointedly.
Guess presidents that sell out the nation to China are acceptable, however.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May offer an even more audacious, and frankly attractive, proposal.
“We got a deal for you. You think we want to be the 51st state? Nah. Maybe California would like to be the 11th province. How about it? California, Oregon, Washington?” May brayed, touting universal healthcare and government programs as incentives.
While California has a booming technology sector, it also has horrific governance, making it a worthwhile contender for departure.
Plus, California would be hammered with tariffs for its technology output, anyway.
“And we are going to put very serious tariffs on Mexico and Canada,” Trump asserted.
Importantly, Trump’s attention to Canada’s border is hardly random – it is based upon national security considerations as well.
“They come through Canada, too. The drugs coming through are at record numbers. So, we are going to make up for that by putting tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Substantial tariffs. We want to get along with everybody but, you know… it takes two to tango,” Trump noted.
Indeed, it does.
And it looks like other nations are finally taking note, after the Dems clearly missed the boat.
