Letter

Canada: The loon or the ostrich

 

As we watch, the USA seems to be moving in directions contravening  their own Constitution and traditions as leaders of the "Free World".   This is not new, especially after Trump's leadership: the January 6 attempt to seize control of the election process and the stacking of their Supreme Court with people clearly opposed to a free and democratic government. That this court is about to kill off Americans' rights to abortion should make it obvious the threat that they pose. The threat posed by these Rightwingers is not aimed only at American citizens and institutions; it is an ideological war they seek.
    With Ukraine we see a big, nuclear-armed nation brutalizing its smaller neighbour -- a situation that Canada would possibly see itself it in, too, especially if Trump returns to office and his Nazi-like allies continue winning as governors and state officials.
    Although Canada has always been an ally (except in the Vietnam and Iraq invasions), it is conceivable that this new wave of religious fundamentalist leaders there turn northward. It's not impossible to imagine that Jason Kenney in Alberta could invite them in to protect the tarsands, gas fields and pipelines -- or even to create a land bridge to Alaska. Who would come to our aid, as we are now aiding the Ukrainians?  The Chinese? 
    It is hard to see this ever happening (just ask the Ukrainians!), but are we ignoring all this because it's "not our business"?  Don't we have a powerful evangelical movement here, especially out West?  Quebec may fear a rise of fundamentalism, eg Law 21,  but shouldn't we at least wonder or question what could be coming towards us quicker than we expect.
    Or should we just ask the Ukrainians?
Roland Bastos
Mansfield