Close Reading

Americans obviously didn’t understand what tariffs are, didn’t get that it’s an import tax which they must pay on goods and products they buy from Canada, a tax which tRump collects from Americans and uses to pay for tax-cuts for the richest citizens. But one more thing Americans don’t get is that before this fateful day an unofficial boycott against ALL US goods has been growing since tRump insulted Canada’s Prime Minister and threatened Canada’s sovereignty—whereas Canada’s official countervails ( which only kicked-in today )only target certain US goods, not ALL of them like ordinary Canadians are doing in growing numbers right now—in fact, the imposition of tRump’s tariffs today has only made the unofficial boycott bigger and more organized. It’s heartening that so many nations have solicited Canada, offering alternative sources for common US exports to Canada —citrus fruits, pharmaceuticals, and other manufactures, to name a few.\n\nI don’t think Canadians even realize how big this unofficial boycott is getting because it’s growing so fast. I’ve never seen a surge in Canadian patriotism like this. Never in my seven decades —which includes the two Referenda on Quebec separation. And there’s a federal election approaching when all partisans will be one-upping each other in the patriotism department—which manifests in more boycotts of US goods and hospitality services.\n\n Americans should know that the unofficial boycott is more harmful to US exporters than the official targeted countervails because it features immediate and longterm diminishment of Canadian purchases of US goods—all retailers know it’s very hard to recover lost customers once they’ve found alternatives (and the added patriotic effect only makes it worse). Included is diminishment of Canadian visits to the USA. Indeed, the internet is replete with testimonies of Canadian”snow birds” not only forgoing their annual sojourn in the Florida or Arizona sunshine but also of selling their properties there with the parting shot, “I will never vacation in the US again!” Already Mexico has seen its visits from Canadians (who have had a modest presence in Mexico for years) surge to unprecedented levels. I know from much-welcomed temp Mexican construction workers in BC (where I live) that they view Canadians completely differently from our mutual US neighbours—and now that affection is growing like never before. \n\nI’m continually amazed at how uninformed Americans are about tariffs—and misinformed by tRump and his goofy, preposterous, and ridiculous fantasy of world-domination. When tRump uses the lame excuse to implement emergency powers —that Canada is “allowing” (as Vance puts it) fentanyl to “pour into the USA”—it’s tantamount to saying Ukraine started the war with Russia. The man is a tendentious liar and narcissistic megalomaniac. \n\nI have faith that the great nation of the USA will reject tRump’s crazy policies—we all just have to hang on and let the needless suffering for both our nations (and the world with regard strategic alliances) play out until he either relents, is swamped in legal repercussions, is impeached, or otherwise removed from office!\n\nGood luck my American and Ukrainian friends!

Canada ...I'm so sorry. Please know that Trump does not represent the US citizens. It was a crazy moment that got out of control, and now the country is his hostage. Please help us.

Admire PM Trudeau. Our “president,” not so much! I’m mortified and embarrassed. This is NOT our America! Apologies from the citizens of the US for what we cannot control…b/c our leaders are NOT serving OUR interests. ?

I think Trudeau is resigning though. How sad. We need good leaders like him. I'm a US citizen and I want Trudeau to remain Prime Minister of Canada. I don't understand why he has to go.

I’m a US citizen immigrated from the Philippines and I agree with Canada. We need a leader like Trudeau.

I’m a US citizen who is appalled that Trump is our president.\n\nTrump is doing great harm to the US.\n\nTrump’s street-thug bullying tactics are egregiously inappropriate for the office of the President of the United States. \n\nTrump’s endorsement of a murderous Russian dictator does not reflect American values, and does not represent our interests. \n\nTurning against our allies does NOT benefit the US. \n\nTo Canada citizens: I hope you can see from the comments that most US citizens wish to be good neighbors!

Yes, innocent US citizens r going to suffer from our sick dictators decisions but I'm glad Trudeau is correctly retaliating. ?I'm sorry I don't hav dual citizenship because I would move to Canada for at least 4yrs ?

As a US Citizen, we deserve all of the worst that's coming. Not all of us voted for the Orange Turd, but unfortunately this is the situation we're in. I'm rooting for you Canada.

From a US citizen: I’m sorry. I didn’t vote for him.

I'm sorry world. I didn't vote for this bastard and as a US citizen, I feel like I still have to apologize. This shit is out of control.

As a US born citizen, I'm so sorry for all of this. I didn't vote for this thing we have as president. It's so embarrassing.

I am a US citizen who does not want trump as president. I don't want these tariffs against Canada or Mexico. I'm so sorry trump is doing these tarrifs. Do what you must for your people. I'll support Canada and the Mexican people. Thank you

As a US citizen, I apologize on behalf of this corrupt administration. I certainly didn't vote for the ??, and I'm not sure how anyone could have... yet, here we are. Half of the US certainly deserves it, and I fully understand the need for extreme measures at this point. What he did to Zelenskyy and what he is doing to our allies...yall do what ya gotta do. Half of us are rooting for Canada, Ukraine, and our allies. Idk what's wrong with the other half, but its shameful to say the least. It was never about fentanyl. Trump doesn't give half of a fuck if people die from fentanyl or otherwise.

?As a USA citizen, I'm ashamed.\nI stand with this message. \nI am part of those who will suffer a homebound SSI disabled poor American. I worked all my life since I was 14 years old. Most times, 2 jobs at a time, for nothing.\n? Godspeed to us all. We need it.

Canada is a leader and raw model of the free world, followed by Mexico, as a former US citizen I’m terrible ashamed for what happened regarding the Tarifs and the shameful behavior in the Oval Office. As a European we support Canada and México,. We will also boycott American products.

This is total Anti US propoganda ! This man is about as sinister as they come, and in bed with billionaire led WEF ! He clearly displayed that in his lock step response to covid and how he treated his citizens ( like caged animals)! This leader is a socialist and has nothing to offer Americans but to leech our tax dollars & use our military defenses for protection without contributing their fare share to support it! We have been the sugar daddy to so many nations with only the consequence of our tax dollars not improving our nation, but every other that we are used by! I’m not a maga but, but this president is using leverage the US still has ( although we’ve suffered greatly under the Biden Admin ). President Trump is trying to balance our budget by smart and fair trade, that puts this country’s legal citizens first! Fair trade hasn’t existed for many years, and while there may be increases felt by these tarrifs, our hope is that long term we manufacture more excellent goods here & use more of our own natural resources! Those commenting about what we are doing to Ukraine need to get their heads out if the sand…the Ukrainian people don’t want Zelinski but cannot get rid of him! He has taken hundreds of billions of dollars from the US and has no plan for peace in his nation…Pres Trump says enough is enough, and he is trying to not only end the war, but recoup massive amounts of money we wrongly gave through a deal for natural resources. Sounds like a plan that’s good for everyone involved, and that’s how you make deals! We cannot give whst we do not have & with our debt , we cannot afford to keep printing money, devaluing the dollar, and giving it away at the expense of hard working N Americans!

As a US citizen, who voted for Trump three times, i never thought id agree with Trudeau. \nThe US cannot win a trade war, the US versus the world. It's simple mathematics, and in the geopolitical realm, What Trump is doing is going to push countries away from US influence. \nI'm all for putting the US first, I'm all for cutting the federal government fat, and I'm all for making sure we the people come first, but I'm also smart enough to know that anytime the US has gone into isolationism, it's led to global conflict.

And nobody's dumb enough to think that this is a short-term fix gas prices are up 70 cents a gallon mostly everywhere let's see who pays for that oh yeah that's right US citizens supposed to fix food prices not up 30% by the way this is all on Trump's watch right oh yeah that's right like I said both sides are liars that's why I'm independent proud of it we put people in office are we take him out of office in the next vote he doesn't care cuz this is his last Rodeo but don't think an impeachment wouldn't be on his record again

As a Marine Corps Veteran, a die hard patriot to the USA, and as a Trump Supporter; I do not support this. We shouldn't Impose tariffs on one of our closest allies. It should also be stated I'm not a fan of Trudeau at all, but I commend him for helping out with the fentanyl situation. Also I don't like how Trump is Siding with Russia. However I do understand his stance on not wanting to continue to send Money to Ukraine to keep the war going on longer, As we have sent them Billions of Dollars in the last three years. However as a US citizen I also have to state the the US has a history of supporting countries that were invaded in the past, which we have done up to this point in Ukraine. Correct me if I'm Wrong, but when have we just stopped supporting the invaded country and sided with the Invading country?

As an American I am absolute ashamed and disgusted at what is happening to our standing in the world thanks to DJT. And I’m so sorry at the way this is affecting our allied countries and their citizens, our friends. I’m so sorry you have to fight this fight because so many of us failed to stop the fascist oligarchy takeover at home

I'm a US citizen I did not vote for Trump I vote for anybody but Trump. The Canadian leader that is a real leader someone who cares about his people and his neighbors.. I mean why are we picking a fight with Canada?

As an American I am absolute ashamed and disgusted at what is happening to our standing in the world thanks to DJT. And I’m so sorry at the way this is affecting our allied countries and their citizens, our friends. I’m so sorry you have to fight this fight because so many of us failed to stop the fascist oligarchy takeover at home

I'm a US citizen and I'm ? agree with you

I am not a US citizen but I’m ashamed of the Trump administration and I am ashamed of myself that I was one of Trump's supporters ??????\nI hope Americans wake up and take their future into their own hands.

These people are saying that they will support and defend these immigrants because this administration is dividing us? You people should be ashamed of yourselves, because if there’s someone really dividing this nation, it’s not the Trump administration; but you guys who choose to go against your own people, in favor of illegal immigrants. You are clearly the one dividing this nation. We were doing fine, until your party decided to overload us with all these illegal immigrants. \nDon’t get me wrong. I have no objection for any person to enter this country legally, but when you’re hurting our people, disobeying our laws, and even raping and killing US citizens; then I will not support that. If you want someone to blame, then you should blame Biden, George Soros, the U. N., and the far left radical woke party. They’re the ones responsible for this mess. Of course they will deny it, but that’s alright; because Trump it’s going to force the law on the books, and those who oppose them, will find themselves walking in hot coals. You know who I feel bad for? For the unaccounted children, that don’t know any better; and were sent alone by their parents or family members. What kind of parent will do this to a kid? Not a very good person, I’m sure. I pray that we do find these missing children, and that all those that are trying to make it legally into this country; will be accepted.

When did sanctuary laws come into place, where they quietly put in place.\nI’m busy working 56 hours a week.\nI was born in NYC AND LIVE IN CALIFORNIA.\nI would have never voted for sanctuary status.\nThey pull this sh;;/$&@t on us US citizen all the F:(()&@@ng time. \nWe need these policies cover on our news.

Please stay away from Canada I moved here and I regret it every day. I'm a citizen through my parents and getting my certificate took YEARS which stopped me from being able to go to school or work which means years of my adult life wasted that could have been put to much better use for something that wasn't even my fault. I also lost good opportunities too because of it!!!! Not happy especially since I genuinely needed the money. I won't forgive Canada for that. Also everything here is really expensive and the selection is just not very good. Also work opportunities are not as good as in the US. Anyways I finally got my certificate and got my life started up again just over 2 years ago, but I still often think of returning to the US after just being here for 4.5 years. I now warn some of my US friends not to go to Canada just for the hype if they mention it. I also know of a friend who moved here and left after 1 year, they came to hate it here.

What about my US social security? Could I continue to receive checks? I’m a senior citizen and retired.

I'm all for legal immigration but I don't think the US can handle any more people at the moment. I don't know about anyone else, but it's been brutal for me personally to find a job for a couple of months just to get by until my other job is good to go for the season. I've never had to claim unemployment (I always found another job within a week or two), and I've been suffering for the past 6 months. I'm more than qualified for some of the applications I have filled out, but yet I feel like just because I'm a white woman, I get skipped over. I've applied to around 50-70 jobs and only had 2 interviews. Thankfully, I still live at home, but if i didn't, I'd be wayyy more screwed. I believe America needs to take care of it's legal citizens first, then we can worry about others.

Can you blame them. The previous administration offered a premium benefits package to any and everyone who wanted it. It was a literal freeforall. Now that a non globalist, non(I'm just going to say it)ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT administration is handling the border of the US, these people are stunned. They are pissed off that the free ride is over. Chances are, President Trump would love nothing more than to do business with the countries sending these people. He would love to make deals that would strengthen their economy, give people a reason to live there. Maybe these leaders should bring something to the table other than droves of their own citizens complaining about how bad the situation has become in their home countries. We've already got enough of those here as it is. Sorry.

you cannot come here right now, we have people here who are struggling too. I’m sorry that your country isn’t safe or has a lot of problems, but people in the US can’t afford groceries either and the gov doesn’t help the homeless, disabled or elderly enough as it is. No one should be entering the country until every single homeless citizen has been given whatever appropriate help they need and a place to live. Until our own poor citizens have been given sufficient amounts for food. Some elderly US people get $23 in SNAP monthly and are expected to eat and survive on that, while illegals are handed cards with $800 on them to eat with. How is that ever ok? \nSome of us are existing on like $600 per month, we have veterans living on the streets. These things must change before we can help anyone else. I am not unsympathetic to your cause, but I see too many struggling citizens right now that I have to care about first.

That sound so good?can’t wait for them to start,Haitians need to go too,get em outta here.I’m a black US senior citizen and these people I just mentioned,walk around can’t speak a lick of English but think they’re better than everybody else

Who cares. The military literally denies people who have legitimate skills, no health issues, and are perfectly mentally stable. Having a simple cannabis charge, 94 Asvab. Qualify for any M.O.S. and the most you can do is clean a shitter or work with oil because you would be a security risk. Which makes no sense to be able to work with oil for vehicles when you could immobilize a shit ton of vehicles... What do you think Im gonna divulge top secret material to the chinese or russians for a joint?\nIf people get denied for something like this.\nWho cares.\nAfter these past 4 years and what society has become in the US. Not a single thing I would fight for in this country.\n\nAt this point the way the LGBTQ Gestapo has harrassed people these past 4 years. You all deserve this shit and I could care less. You maybe would have more people supporting you if you actually represented honesty, fairness, integrity, and acceptance. Yet that was all a front for a hateful, toxic, lying cess pool. Me personally the way I have been harrased and lied about for years since Biden got elected by the LGBTQ Gestapo all because of people lying about me. I could care less. Let this sink in too. I would have stood up for anyone 5 years ago. Now I'd rather leave this country. Once my dog dies, I'm gone. Not because Trump got elected or any politician, because the citizens of this country make it great and well what I've seen the past 4 years is nothing I want to be around anymore. Nothing I'd fight for. \nThe constitution and foundations of this country are awesome. Yet at this point who cares when the people here are pack minded, easily psyop manipulated, sheep, who cant critically think.\nLeaving this dump of a society seems much better than fighting for it.

American citizen here. To all my Canadian comrades, I'm truly sorry that we have such a non sensible person as President. As true allies and partners of the US that you all beautiful and wonderful people have been since the dawn of time, it's embarrassing for me to hear of these horrid tactics from our current administration.

They knew this was coming and they refused to help the US secure the border. I'm sure if the drugs were flowing into these counties from the US, they would want immediate action on our part. Fentanyl is the #1 cause of death between the ages of 18 to 45 in the US. We are losing over 100,000 US citizens to this drug. Where are allies to help the US?

US citizen here … I’m can’t believe a little more than half of my fellow citizens voted for this ?? I apologize for the ignorance of my countrymen ??? please know so many of us did not vote for this. Peace to all ☮️

I’m a proud citizen of the USA and a Republican no less. To the people of Mexico and Canada, please kick us to the curb. Our leadership has lost its way and is in desperate need for realignment. For the sake of all in North America, take care of this now, because apparently my fellow citizens cannot.

I'm a US dual citizen. I live abroad, in Asia, so I'm not affected but this is just so dismaying. There is utterly no reason for starting this chaos. The American people voted for Trump (who knows why) and thus chaos and suffering is what people get.

Cry about it and get your papers I’m so tired of illegals thinking they have the right to break the law and think they have the same rights as US legal or us born citizens it don’t work that way better yet go make your country great ?‍♂️

I’m so happy ! So many people work these jobs and aren’t citizens making it hard for us to get a job.

My wife came to America from Russia over 20 years ago.. It took her 3 1/2 years to get approval to come to America legally… she’s now an American citizen.. it’s people like her that are livid over this mess. I’m sick of these bleeding heart liberals acting like we’re supposed to let everybody in because they want a better life…. Fix your own country. Don’t be a drain on us.

I would be totally fine with them detaining me to verify that I live here and I'm US citizen

Together let’s do something about it instead of leaving. Canada isn’t a country like China where no changes can be made by its citizens. I’m an immigrant, first arrived here in Canada in 2014. Once I heard the US wants to annex us I asked myself what can I do to help prevent this. I think the quickest way is we need a stronger military. I looked up the Canadian military website and found out me as a permanent resident can also be qualified to apply. Although the compensation isn’t that great, if the US really start being unwise I will definitely apply.

People don't understand we have too many immigrants, and many are criminals doing bad to our country. Many don't even like to work. I'm so sorry, but first, Us USA citizens. It's like entering a strangers house without his consent. You can't do that by force. You can get hurt. Try fighting for your rights in your country.

I’m not even mad at Trump only thing I agree with him on is immigration I stay in LA and I’ve been homeless for like three weeks I went to the LA mission they do not take single individuals they only take families that are illegal immigrants how is that fair Most of the people are from Venezuela and I know they need help but what about me a US citizen One of the ladies who work there Also was Telling me they are helping them with housing low income housing I’m like man

If these counties refuse to take back their citizens then completely stop the migration from those countries. Trump is 100% correct. Everyone is taking advantage of the US. Stop this nonsense. I’m Swedish by the way but this is common sense.

I’m not a financial expert but it strikes me that placing a tariff on every country of the world (especially major trading partners like china and Canada) will only harm the US and therefore US citizens.

So, I don't like DT and didn't vote for him... but those were Columbian nationals that were sent back to their home country. Columbia has an obligation to take back their own citizens and the US does not have an obligation to keep illegal migrants on its soil. I'm an immigrant and it took me 12 years to become a citizen. I didn't just slip through the border and call myself home.

If white people are so evil and racist, why do you insist on coming to live in our homes?\nindian immigration has destroyed this country, it will never be fixed. These ‘people’ behave like utter animals, destroying nature, poisoning the water, using beaches as bathrooms. They are extremely nepotistic and will only hire other indians and family, it’s next to impossible for young native born Canadians to get even basic level entry jobs if the person hiring is indian. \nindians have abused the goodwill of our citizens and our social assistance programs. For the first time in nearly a hundred years our local food banks had to shutter and turn people away because INDIANS were using it as a free grocery store when they had FULL TIME JOBS and brand new bmws, then they post videos on social media saying ‘how to get free food in canada’, while some poor emaciated bastard gets turned away. What makes it worse, a lot of these Indians, especially in the prairies, already have their groceries subsidized by federal government, and they STILL abuse the food bank. It’s not just food bank either, they all apply for welfare and immediately get assistance even though it takes months to get as a natural born citizen, and that’s even if you get it. I was shocked to find out the federal government was paying indians to move out of Ontario and BC into Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba because the coastal cities infrastructure was about to implode in certain areas. So they they told these people to move inland, and if they do and stay there for 18-24 months, they get $3300 dollars a month every month for that duration. My disability cheque, that I paid into for 40 years of hard work, comes out to 950 dollars a month. This is absurd. These people get literally everything handed to them, and STILL abuse the programs meant for those who are struggling. I have never in my life met such an arrogant and utterly dishonest and disgusting group of peoples in my life. This isn’t just one or two bad apples, this is happening in every city around here. They also get first dibs on any and all medical treatment and specialists. Many local residents who have already been on waiting lists for years to get treatment are getting bumped in order to accommodate the new invaders. It’s basically impossible to find a doctors or dentists office accepting new patients. ER rooms are full constantly of these people coming just for runny noses and coughs, clogging up the already strained healthcare system. The prairies hospitals (at least where I live) were barely holding together before this nonsense. Yet somehow, this is all just white people being racist huh? \nWell I’ll tell you what, I’m not white, my people were on this land long before anyone else can claim to be, and while I’ll admit there’s often still a lot of animosity between natives and whites, youd be quite surprised to see how many of us are in agreement towards the current behaviour of these people.

Thank you so much for this. In spite of being born in Ontario, I learned a lot about Canada! My entire family was born and grew up either in Toronto or in the then-small towns closeby. My father moved us to upstate NY in 1957 when I was 9 years old, me kicking and screaming all the way. I was devastated to be leaving Canada, and now at 77, I've decided this life-long yearning to return to my birthplace has to become reality. I've started the process, hoping I may gain some points because I'm a former citizen :) . I still have lots of family in several provinces; people I haven't seen since we were children, and some of us are great-grandparents now. I feel strongly that I need to leave this world in the place where I began :) Thanks again for the great video!