Righteous Indignation!

Let's just start right in, shall we?

Whether you have ever traveled north of the U.S. border into Canada, or been an armchair travelever, or a rabid hockey fan on either side, let's just say things have changed dramatically and forever between these two countries sharing the North American continent, along with Mexico. Let me explain why I make such an unequivocal statement:

In French Canadian family life and in Franco American households in which I grew up close to "Little Canada" where my grandparents lived, anger was slow to rise, but once it did, no manner of cajoling or placating or backtracking could sway one from the position of righteous indignation! If you don't know what I mean, it was on full display when Prime Minister Mark Carney stepped before a microphone to condemn the proposed "trade agreement" while swinging above his head was Damocles' sword. Yet, with all the composure of a diplomat and power of a steam locomotive, his hazel-brown eyes conveyed his righteous indignation while his words were clear and resolute. Mark my words, he will not change his mind. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/24/canada-trade-deal-trump-mark-carney-french-language

Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast have stood behind his resolute "NO" with the same righteous indignation, and who can blame them? Their government will not have to convince them to refrain from buying American alcohol or products, or to go elsewhere for winter vacation--this has been the case for over a year now and it is hurting tourism not only in border states, but as far south as Florida. Losing a friend hurts, we all know that, but seeing a friend stand tall and speak truth to power is to be cheered on with a loud, Bravo!https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/markcarney-canada-us-failed-trade-deal.htm

There will be many news reports about this ongoing saga because it is in part what this shenanigan is meant to do. We all know the drill by now: look away from the mess in progress to a new one over here. That's exactly how to distract a toddler--but the American public is way beyond the toddler phase--and like our counterparts in the Great White North we are full of righteous indignation and love of neighbor.

I wish I had stayed in Quebec a few more days to be there when Prime Minister Carney visited to reassure the French province of its "right" to be French Canadian. I heard echoes of my own grandparents standing for the "survivance" of heritage--their own righteous indignation long-held to protect what was rightfully theirs from birth in Nouvelle France.

The U.S. will know soon enough that it comes naturally for Canadians to look the other way--to shun--anyone who threatens their own sovereignty--inspiring solidarity that is solid as a frozen St. Lawrence River in January.