Happy TGIF

I'm feeling a bit sour this Friday, so I wanted to share some snark through an editorial cartoon featured in today's Toronto Star. It reflects on past celebrations in the USA, where I've enjoyed time with friends and family, waving the stars and stripes in honour (sorry, honor) of a great nation. Last year, I was along the beautiful and tiny stretch of Indiana coastline of Lake Michigan, and the year before that, I celebrated with my in-laws in Ohio. I've had countless gatherings with loved ones for iconic American events, from Super Bowl parties to Thanksgiving celebrations and editorial cartoon conventions across the country. Over the past five years, I've visited around 15 states.

However, what kind of non-American would want to find themselves in the USA this year—or any year—under the leadership of a movement that seems intent on undoing progress without offering any real solutions? Beyond the risk of encountering border goons and the possibility of detention, why would I want to spend my hard-earned money supporting an economy when so many of us outside the USA are opting to avoid American products? How could I possibly keep a polite demeanour as a visitor by bottling up what I truly want to tell apathetic American friends and family?

Visit the USA? Now? No thanks.

Donald Trump is wielding economic force on Canada, a fact he’s made clear multiple times, even as he incessantly suggests making Canada the 51st state. We are in a trade war, folks. He's imposing 50% tariffs on steel produced in my city of Hamilton, which could devastate our industry, and we’re just expected to shrug it off? Oh well it all?

Yes, we know that half of Americans didn’t vote for this. But let’s not forget that the other half did endorse the ongoing chaos and irresponsibility brought by a buffoon Presidential figure who embodies those traits.

If Americans want to show how they truly feel they can use their votes to remove this movement from power and put an end to this troubling chapter in the history of what was once a great country.

Perhaps one day we can celebrate together again. In the meantime, I’ll use the opportunity to enjoy what we already have in this country. If there is one silver lining to the ugly Americanism MAGA has unleashed, it’s in appreciating one’s own backyard outside of the U.S.

Happy Canada Day Week to all up here! Happy Friday to everyone else.