An uncomfortable feeling

Never before have I felt as uncomfortable as I do now about the difference between being American or Canadian.  This is not to suggest there are not differences. Those differences are historically both expected and tolerated, as well they should be in different countries. But a peculiar shard of indifference has come between us, an unforeseen detachment. When I was a child living in Washington DC my family enjoyed an enviable experience there. When I was 14 years old at boarding school I recall boys being summoned by the Headmaster to assemble in chapel to mourn news of the assassination of JFK.  When I began practicing law and learned the horror of the collapse of the World Trade Centre, I was speechless with remorse.  When I retired and for the next decade spent 6 months each year in the United States of America I cherished those experiences and the people there whom I met and befriended. Throughout that time, covering a breadth of 70 years, I have always felt that the United States of America and Canada were collaborative neighbours much the way members of a family unite even in moments of disagreement.

That unqualified alliance changed upon the election of Donald J. Trump as governor. His oft-handed remarks about Canada and Canadians, propelled by his minions on FOX NEWS and his oligarchical political nominees, have succeeded to create a division similar to that which he and his parasites have created within their own country.

Fortunately I can avoid entire disassociation by reminding myself that half of Americans did not vote for Trump; and, that the opposition was strong and loud. I always maintain my unqualified affection for the Americans whom I have befriended over my lifetime. On a more abstract level, I further acknowledge the utility of a two-party electoral system and the consequent need to accept the outcome of the vote. But Trump’s seemingly boundless narcissism and related possessory illness have struck a new chord in that erstwhile relationship. Sadly it is the same chord he employs when addressing matters within his jurisdiction; namely, fear.

Fear, being as it is a belief only, is characterized and aroused by the most elemental animal instincts; namely, protection of territorial invasion, personal safety and danger, anxiety and unrest. And, in the most extenuated versions, panic. The resulting rage and reaction give a higher position to aggressive responses.  Those fears however do not translate to authenticity; fear is by nature an unintelligent and unreasoned response.  Fear is strictly visceral.

Listening today to Trump speak at his inauguration and rally afterwards echoed his mandate of fear. Scattered within his words were references to patriot, immigrants, gender, race history and religion, all of which he clearly advanced upon the indisputable theme of MAGA which has become code for Naziism. The battle cry is one of defeat and isolation not unity or tolerance. I find it particularly remarkable and paradoxical that Trump with his seemingly popular motives ends attacking the same category of disadvantaged people within his own sphere.  Surely the preoccupation of the government of the United States of America should be more directed to universal health care, education and infrastructure.  There was not once mention of any of that throughout Trump’s re-telling of his recent electoral victory.  Yet the audience responded with equal bravado and gusto to each moment he trounced upon his rival candidates or anyone whom he disparaged.

Even if Trump cannot imagine ways to improve the middle and lower classes in tangible ways, it is an unparalleled admission of weakness that the United States of America is unable to resolve its allegedly critical and more pragmatic difficulties. From what I have seen of America, the problems are within not without. To persist in the advancement of fear and division is more than a red herring; it is a palpable deceit and manipulation, the author of illogical response. But he has had his moment.  Now we’ll await to see what if anything he accomplishes.

This, upon the eve of our departure to the United States of America for the remainder of the winter, has left an uncomfortable feeling.