Neighbors

  Since Canada is a national security risk to the United States....yup apparently that is true....and new tariffs have been imposed on us, average Canadians have stopped buying products made in the U.S. While to some that might seem like a grain of sand in the ocean, don't we always tell our kids that one person can make a difference?

  Over the past week or so both the President and some of his mouthpieces have attacked Canada and our Prime Minister. One going so far as to say there is "a special place in hell" for leaders who go against Trump. Talk about a complex. But let's look at what their neighbor to the north has done to them in the past. Besides burning down the White House.....

  Well, we've fought beside them in World War 2 and the Korean Conflict. Not to mention Afghanistan. Our soldiers have died together fighting for democracy and freedom. That's not something your enemy normally does.

  The days after 9/11 we took in thousands of American citizens who couldn't return home for security reasons. We fed them, housed them and gave them access to our computers and phones to keep in contact with their loved ones. One couple even had their wedding during those fear-filled days. Did we send you a bill? Nope. Would we do it again? Absolutely.

  When there is a major storm our linesmen get in their trucks, cross the border and help restore power to your citizens. They work long hours in awful conditions to help because well that's who we are. Bad year for farmers and there isn't enough hay for the winter? Different trucks ship food for your cattle. Why? Because that's what good neighbors do.

  We share our water, lumber, and maple syrup. Our fisheries, electricity and prescription drugs. We eat your produce, watch your tv shows and visit your theme parks. And yes we defend our dairy industry but one thing out of thousands...how can that make us a threat?

  Most importantly we know that this isn't the thought pattern of the citizens of the United States. This is your government. And not even all of them. This sits squarely on the shoulders of your leader. The schoolyard bully who writes a narrative filled with "alternate facts" and "fake news". A president who leads with his mouth, not his brain.

  Like all good neighbors, we will be here to help the next time you need us. In spite of your leader.