In Washington D.C, the bleachers and the bunting will soon be put away for another four years, and many are saying that ‘The Nightmare at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’ is now becoming all too real.
The richest most powerful nation on earth, which also happens to be Canada’s largest and most important trading partner, is now headed by 70 year old Donald J. Trump. It appears to have the potential to be the biggest political shift than any of us have seen in decades.
Trump is a true maverick ‘outsider’ who is almost impossible to pin down on anything. Will he indeed order that work begin on a wall between the U.S. and Mexico? Will he start a bonfire in the West Wing, using the NAFTA agreement and Obama Care as kindling? The best advice might be to take things ‘one day at a time’ and pay close attention.
Unlike traditional politicians who have at least some core values and beliefs that they’re prepared to support and defend, the agenda of the 45th President doesn’t seem to go much further than his latest encounter with Twitter. Despite all that, and not withstanding what some hackers in Russia might have contributed to the outcome, the Donald was elected in accordance with rules that were laid down by America’s founding fathers well over 200 years ago.
Thanks to their constitution, our neighbours to the south have the right to protest, and burn the stars and stripes, and make all manner of strange noises. Like it or not, Mr. Trump is the person who has been chosen, and he must be given a chance to implement his ‘program’, whatever that happens to be on any given day.
When he’s not looking for his next private island vacation, this has been Justin Trudeau’s response to the dawning of Trumpland, and I think he’s on the right track.
In the immortal words of Margo Channing, “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night”. It certainly won’t be boring.
I’m Roger Currie
