This is a tough one for me, as was the last article I wrote for the Journal, dealing with addiction and mental health. What is happening in the world at any given time impacts each of us differently. It can be great news, horrific news, or most likely something in between. It may be deeply personal, or a worldwide phenomena like COVID.
For me and many others, this time in history is about both.
I lived my first 35 years in the United States of America. I have lived the last 36 years in Canada. I love them both dearly. I am troubled deeply as Canada struggles and America goes off the rails.
I am embarrassed as an American seeing this story of Trump and Friends unfold.
I have so many family, and friends in the States; good folks who feel trapped, helpless to right the ship. They are as embarrassed as I, but that is not the point. Being embarrassed doesn’t hurt people, doesn’t kill people; bad decisions do.
I can’t help but think of those who struggle with anxiety, struggle with their mental health. The constant stream of social media and news is overwhelming for some, a source of frustration and anger for others.
What started in 2016 when Trump took the Oval Office has spiralled out of control. Unbelievably, Trump was able to hoodwink and bully almost the entire Republican Congress to fulfill an agenda that catered to billionaires, special interests, and — most significantly — to any idea Trump thought was a good one.
As we all try to wrap our heads around the merry-go-round of madness called Trump and Friends, let us be clear: the merry-go-round has four more years, spinning in circles of hate, anger, and revenge powered by the Trump bully pulpit. Should any of the TrumpTeam get tired of the merry-go-round and want to ride the Ferris wheel, they will promptly be shown the door.
America does not have a team to manage, arguably, the most powerful country in the world. This is about “Big Boss Trump” instructing (and I use that word lightly) a bunch of unqualified employees (cabinet appointees), who will be fired without notice and without regret should they piss Trump off. End of story.
The building blocks that have held democracy together in North America are not just tumbling down; they are on fire. This wildfire of chaos, conflict, anger, and angst has engulfed Mexico and Canada, along with the United States, with one simple stroke of a pen by Donald Trump. The tariffs are just a tool to pry loose from America’s allies what Trump wants, pure and simple. There is no strategic plan (if there is any plan at all.) Trump will demand (not ask): succumb to his demand, or else! Sadly, it is the only strategy Trump knows. Greenland beware!
In real time we are witnessing decades of history, and the hard work of dedicated, honourable people who aspired to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion for all, gone in an instant. Freedom of speech? How about a book ban. Freedom of Choice? How about a ban on women’s right to choose. The tireless, hard work of our Green Earth folks who think climate change is not only important, but an urgent issue, gone! The list goes on and on and on!
