LETTER TO THE EDITOR: U.S. threats unite Canada

Re: “Can we weather the economic storm”, a letter to the editor by Meinrad Signer, March 20 edition of The Carillon.

It was refreshing to read the thoughts of Mr. Signer on the current political affairs and the storm we are facing right now. If more Canadians could read his letter, it would be enlightening and possibly a wake-up call for many. The letter was clear and to the point and no clarification needed in my view.

I would like to express a few of my own thoughts. When democracy is under attack, we as Canadians choose to stand up and push back without fear and trembling. Surrendering is not a viable option.

I found the thought of being a Canadian by choice instead being born Canadian interesting. Like Mr. Signer, I am a Canadian by choice and have never regretted that choice. It is a great privilege to be a Canadian. Not all immigrants are of the same mindset. Over a number of years, I worked with immigrants and always tried to understand them in their ways of thinking. There were different motivations for coming to Canada. Some of them very much appreciated the privilege to become Canadians, others had a harder time adjusting to the Canadian way of life. Some were not spared from the influence of the right-wing culture wars coming from the south. When that happens then life becomes bleak. Government is bad, schools are not good, the abortion issue brings doom and gloom because the government wants to stay out church issues. The culture wars are never ending when church and state get mixed up.

I know a lot of my former clients who have become successful in financial matters thanks to Canadas generosity and fairness. I am happy for them and wish them further success. After this you would think that they would celebrate with thanksgiving. To turn around and hang up a U.S. flag to celebrate the one man who wants to destroy the Canadian way of life seems strange to me. Does this flag mean a sign of surrender to a convicted felon and fraudster or is there truly a belief that he is the God-sent saviour to America? Character matters and Canadians see him for what he represents. Project 2025 will have its devastating effect and will hurt millions of people. The poor and people in general will suffer from those actions. The billionaires and oligarchs will benefit. I am a very proud Canadian and will always stand up for Canadian democracy and values.

The threat from the U.S. seems to have united Canada more than we could have imagined. We are not looking for bulldozer diplomacy. It does not serve us well. Go Canada. Go without fear or hesitation.