Trump’s Tariffs And Sanctions
By Richard Dowson Opinion/Commentary
This week the Trump Administration of the United States will impose ‘economic sanctions’ on two countries they hate – Iran and Canada.
Although Tariffs are slightly different than ‘Sanctions’, the objective is the same. Destroy the country’s economy.
American ‘Sanctions’ are intended to destroy the economy of Iran.
American ‘Tariffs’ are intended to destroy the economy of Canada.
In the case of Iran, Trump wants Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz so commerce can resume in the Persian Gulf.
In the case of Canada, Trump wants to take over Canada and make Canada (and Greenland) a ‘Territory’ of the United States.
Trump has joked about Canada being the ‘Fifty-First State’. In reality, Trump wants to make Canada an Unincorporated Territory of the United States. Just like Guam, Puerto Rico, the Marshal Islands and other Territories.
Photo Credit - USA Today
Is There Proof?
Yes. The Canadian Press reports; Canadian negotiator said, “… the U.S. (negotiators were) trying to introduce last-minute measures which could have restricted Canada's ability to do deals with other countries.”
Restricting “… Canada’s ability to deal with other countries…” means limiting and controlling Canadian sovereignty and making Canada a Territory of the United States.
What is an American Territory?
Under the U.S. ‘Territorial Clause’ the U.S. Congress manages and controls all Territories. Congress decides what parts of the U.S. Constitution apply to Territories. Territories belong to the United States but are not part of the United States.
People in the Territories become citizens of the United States but they do not have all the same Constitutional rights and guarantees provided to ‘mainland’ Americans.
The President of the Unted States is the President of the Territory but people in the Territory cannot voter for the President.
If Canada became an American Territory, Donald J. Trump would be the President of Canada.
Territories have local governments, but they are supervised by the Government in Washington.
Territories cannot make Treaties or Trade Agreements without the consent of the Government in Washington. This is what U.S. Trade Negotiators added at the last minute.
The Future
Expect to pay more for stuff like coffee that is processed in the United States. Buy Canadian or Southeast Asian goods or Chinese goods.
Just because Saskatchewan doesn’t make automobiles doesn’t mean we abandon Ontario. We pull together.
Be kind to our American cousins. They have always been our friends. They will always be our friends. Don’t boo the American anthem. Don’t threaten to cut off electricity or oil or potash exports. We are Canadians. We don’t fight dirty. We don’t stoop to the level of the Trump Administration.
You will disagree with 30% of Americans. Let it pass.
Holiday in Southeast Asia, China, Europe or Australia. Avoid American booze and avoid travel to the U.S.
Most of all, be Polite and Carry-On. We are Canadian and intend to remain Canadian.
Writer Richard Dowson is a retired educator.
He is known for his frequenting local coffee shops and other places seniors gather.
In a previous life he wrote comedy for CHED in Edmonton.
His views may or may not reflect the views of this publication.