Writer thinks some measures pitched in the face of tariffs forsake friendship unnecessarily Recent issues of the News have carried some letters from Americans concerned about the relationship between the U.S. and Canada and between Americans and Canadian citizens. They fear U.S. President Donald Trump’s 51st state rhetoric, plus his imposition of tariffs and other protectionist measures, followed by Canada’s retaliatory tariffs and “elbows up — don’t buy American/don’t visit the U.S. rip,” has strained those relations. Should our issues with the new U.S. administration also mean hostility toward the American people? I think not. How about we calm down and remember that Americans are good people and good neighbours. They are not our enemies so what’s with the anti-American trash talk and sudden rejection of all things American? Sure, the sudden change in U.S. trade policy has come as a bit of a shock, although perhaps it should not have as President Trump campaigned on it for months. Nevertheless, we worry about the impact on our economy and our jobs which are so closely tied to our trading relationship with the U.S. (A dependency made many times worse due to the desolation of Canada under Liberal government rule and mismanagement over the last ten years which should be our real issue). In any case, it does us neither credit nor good to resort in kind to the U.S. with charged rhetoric, reciprocal tariffs (which only increase our costs), and a jaundiced eye towards our neighbours whom we not long ago thought of as friends, allies and closely tied trading partners. Better that we remain calm, firm, friendly and fair and work towards resolving our trade and other issues. If we have to “duke it out,” lets do it over a cuppa coffee and make sure we shake hands when we get up from the table whether we have come to perfect accord or not. We will get there. But we will get there sooner if we don’t act and talk to make the situation worse. I am surprised that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith seems to be the only Canadian leader to have figured this out. For my part, I will continue to think highly of Americans, gladly visit the U.S. (especially our great immediate neighbour, Alaska), buy their goods and warmly welcome them when they visit Canada or our equally wonderful territory of Yukon. The only hindrance is the difference in our dollars, now at a 42-per-cent premium (which is also the fault of our federal Liberal government and their gross incompetence and mismanagement of Canada’s affairs and best interests). In a recent interview, Canadian investor and Shark Tank member, Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, described the recent strains between the US and Canada as nothing more than a “tiff between long married partners which will soon be resolved.” I believe he is right and we should act accordingly. Rick Tone Whitehorse
Letter: Bashing and boycotting not the way forward amid trade dispute
