Editor,
Donald Trump may fear appearing impotent by NOT unilaterally intimidating and/or exploiting via absurdly unjust 25%-across-the-board tariffs against the relatively weak(er) nation, notably Canada, that resists his skewed concept of equality, the one typically giving him the lion’s share.
Meanwhile, in a survey discussed on CBC radio in mid-January, most of the Americans polled who said they support Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods (albeit a minority opinion) suddenly change their minds if that tariff ends up costing them that much more for Canadian exports. The Only If It’s In My Own Back Yard mindset is depressingly alive and well, even between supposedly good neighbours.
The school-bully analogy once again is warranted and befitting. Such a bully is especially angered by the relative weakling who in the least stands up to him.
And, for Canada at least, this unfortunately goes beyond the U.S.
There's been a particular irritation noticeably expressed by China's government, and lately even India's, when our government — unlike with, say, mighty American assertiveness — dared to anger/embarrass them, even when on reasonable and/or just grounds.
Frank Sterle Jr., White Rock
