When north of the border this summer a few American friends asked what Canadians thought of Trump’s talk about making their country our 51st state. Frankly I hadn’t paid much attention to it and I didn’t hear a lot of talk in the rural area where our cabin is located. The best line I heard was from a friend who said he’d not be sending me an invoice for work he did until they were a part of the US. Then I’d have to pay in US dollars. My response, if asked by locals, was that it made no sense for Trump or the republican party to want an extra state that would vote democrat. Canada is quite left leaning. For whatever reason Trump stirs things up whether it makes sense or not. Over a few weeks I did note subtle comments that indicated some Canadians were more stung by his statehood suggestion. Part of that was the “elbows up” attitude of their national election intended to stand up to Trump.
In any event, as a guest in another country, I do not feel comfortable being critical of their politics. Tariffs and trade represent real issues between our two countries. Canada is a more controlled economy. Certain sectors get protective rules. I don’t understand it but there are also some sort of trade barriers between provinces. Though I try not to be critical, I am surprised how easily citizens of other countries have no issue lambasting the US to one’s face. I found this to be especially true in Europe. Such conversations usually begin with a version of, “Oh, we are so sorry for you Americans.” Then we are told what is wrong with our system, policies or leaders etc. Knowing in my heart of hearts that I live in the best country in the world their attempts fail to get much more from me than a polite smile. I know that there are some American tourists who will join with a woe is us attitude. Not my cup of tea. Much of the world never quite threw off the shackles of the past.
Canada had its chance nearly 250 years ago. I remember a history lecture in which our professor estimated that about 1/3 of Americans were patriots, 1/3 were loyalists and 1/3 neutral or too busy carving out a life to care. Many loyalists went to Canada. A few may have gone back to England if they had the means. In Canada those loyalists faced a divide between Upper and Lower Canada for nearly another 100 years under English rule. Then Canada became part of a Dominion (Confederation) until 1982’s constitution. It’s taken awhile for them to get rid of King/Queen rule. Some chain links are hard to break; the UK Parliament needed to pass legislation in 1982. And, of course the Queen needed to sign off. And, it is not lost on me that King Charles made the trip over to open this year’s session of parliament. Even ceremonial ties are hard to cut.
I love going to Canada. I enjoy every moment spent with its citizens. I do not know why Trump mused what he did about statehood. On paper and in retrospect, it would have made a lot of sense 200 years ago. Choices were made, evolution occurred and nationalism has set in. Now? Not an easy outcome even if Canadians wanted to join the US. Papa does not see a union meshing too well. Their forging process was quite different. Best we just remain really good friends; especially with Cape Breton. (*This post was started in Canada but internet issues thwarted completion. )