The era of deep economic, security and military ties between Canada and the United States "is over," Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday, after President Donald Trump announced steep auto tariffs. "The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation is over," Carney said.
Oh, fuck that. Stop making excuses.
Yes, the US electoral system is all kinds of fucked up, but Trump won, and the Republicans won a majority in the house and the senate. And since then, even though he’s dismantling the federal government the level of protesting in the US is minimal.
Look at the protests in Serbia or in Turkey, or even in Israel. The protests in the US aren’t happening because enough Americans either support Trump or are OK with what he’s doing. This isn’t some merely Republican thing. This is Germany in the 1930s, one group driving the process and the vast majority either supporting or just going along.
The protests in Turkey are something I wish Americans would demonstrate. I agree.
I think the reality is that Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, they’re highly individualistic after decades of materialistic conditioning, and younger generations are captured by social media instead of voicing their woes in the streets.
But there is an appetite for action. Look at Bernie’s rallies. People want change, and polls reflect how people have little to no faith in the Democrats.
There needs to be an organizing principle if any political action should be effective. I’m finding the group 50501 to be that, and I try to share their plans on social media and with my friends & family. The next protest I plan on going to is on April 5th.
But you’re right. Americans are distracted with their toys and treats. Make no mistake though. If Trump’s decisions continue to tank the economy, and toys and treats become too expensive, even for the middle and lower class, I believe there will be more action.