TRADE UPS AND DOWNS!

Trump just broke off trade talks with Canada so I went to my personal A.I. SAL-9000 and asked:

Sal, with the current trade deal negotiations between Canada and the U.S., would it be a better idea to remove all trade barriers and tariffs? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of that?

SAL said:

Completely removing all trade barriers and tariffs between Canada and the U.S. would be a bold shift—here’s a nuanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of such a move:

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✅ Advantages of removing all trade barriers

1. Economic efficiency & consumer gains

• Without tariffs, the principle of comparative advantage allows each country to specialize, increasing output and overall welfare heritage.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15m.economictimes.com+15.

• Canadian consumers would benefit from lower prices on U.S. goods (and vice versa), reducing inflation pressures. The Bank of Canada noted that tariff-induced cost increases could significantly feed into consumer prices reuters.com.

2. Boost to trade and growth

• Canada is the U.S.'s second-largest trading partner, responsible for ~75% of Canadian exports barrons.com+15m.economictimes.com+15facebook.com+15. Removing tariffs could increase export volumes, helping GDP and supporting jobs.

• The Bank of Canada estimated U.S. tariffs alone could shave 1.1% off Canada’s GDP; elimination would help avert this downside bankofcanada.ca+15m.economictimes.com+15reuters.com+15.

3. Supply chain stability

• Integrated supply chains—especially in sectors like automobiles, energy, metals—would function more efficiently, boosting competitiveness axios.com+15energypolicy.columbia.edu+15blackbuckinc.com+15.

4. Strengthened bilateral relations

• A barrier-free regime would ease tensions over digital‑tax and dairy conflicts, reducing retaliatory threats and fostering cooperation.

5. Attracting investment

• Predictable, open markets are a magnet for investment. Businesses are more confident planning cross‑border operations without trade frictions.

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⚠️ Disadvantages and challenges

1. Loss of protected sectors

• Industries currently shielded—like Canadian dairy, poultry, and eggs under supply‑management—would face intense competition from U.S. producers ft.com+7ft.com+7wsj.com+7en.wikipedia.org.

• Similarly, U.S. steel, aluminum, and manufacturing sectors could suffer.

2. Adjustment costs

• Freeing trade could cause short‑term dislocation in sensitive industries, requiring job retraining and social support. While in the long run gains offset these effects, the short‑term pain can be politically challenging en.wikipedia.org.

3. Loss of revenue and policy tools

• Tariffs currently provide some government revenue and can be used strategically, for example in negotiating digital‑tax concessions. Removing them limits flexibility.

4. Political backlash

• Sudden liberalization could provoke backlash in regions with vulnerable industries, triggering populist or protectionist pushback (as seen with Trump’s 2025 “Liberation Day” tariffs) theaustralian.com.au+1axios.com+1.

5. Strategic leverage lost

• Tariffs are a bargaining chip in broader negotiations. Without them, it may be harder to secure concessions on issues like digital services taxation.

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🌐 The bigger picture: the USMCA and WTO context

Under USMCA and WTO, most goods already cross tariff-free—exceptions include autos, dairy, steel, and aluminum (where tariffs were imposed in early 2025) ft.com+4apnews.com+4axios.com+4ft.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3. Complete removal would likely require treaty renegotiation (e.g., USMCA review due in 2026). However, full free trade would maximize the economic benefits from integrated markets.

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🧩 Summary

Pros	Cons
Consumer price relief, inflation control	Disruption to protected and strategic industries
GDP growth, trade volume increases	Short-term job losses & adjustment costs
Streamlined cross-border supply chains	Loss of policy flexibility and revenue
Stronger Canada-U.S. partnership	Potential political backlash

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👥 Is it a “better idea”?

Economically, yes—the consensus among economists favours free trade for its efficiency gains and growth benefits. 

Politically and socially, the reality is more complex:

• You’d need transition policies: training programs, targeted support, and phased liberalization to ease industry adjustment.

• Negotiating side agreements could protect genuinely vulnerable sectors (e.g., supply‑managed agriculture) while opening others.

• Both governments must manage domestic political pressures to avoid backlash.

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🔄 Bottom line

Removing all trade barriers could unlock significant economic benefits, including stronger growth, lower prices, and deeper integration. But success hinges on managing the inevitable disruptions and crafting compensatory policies to support affected sectors. If both countries are willing to negotiate thoughtfully, a phased, strategic removal could ultimately be a win-win

LET'S INVADE SOME PLACES!!!!

Or at least have a referendum on them joining Canada!

And if Drumpf doesn't behave... we will take Michigan's 'Upper Peninsula...' and Pt. Roberts too!

It's time to take the gloves off!

It’s Time for Canada to Play Hardball on Trade – Starting with Our Natural Resources... Because Trump is Playing Us!!!!

By Allan W. Janssen

As Donald Trump floats back into the political spotlight with talk of a renegotiated U.S.-Canada trade deal "within 30 days," Canadians would be wise not to hold their breath. We've been here before—empty deadlines, bluster at the podium, and a looming threat of tariffs aimed at our industries, jobs, and sovereignty.

But what if—for once—Canada were the one to lay down the terms?

Let me be clear: Canada is not a vassal state. We are a resource superpower. Our hydroelectric dams light up American cities. Our oil keeps U.S. refineries humming. Our lumber frames their homes. Our potash grows their food. And our rare earth minerals will one day power their electric vehicles and smart bombs.

If Trump and his entourage of economic nationalists want to weaponize trade again, it's time Canada responded in kind—with something they can't ignore.

The Power We Hold

Imagine a 50% export tariff on Canadian oil, gas, electricity, potash, lumber, and rare metals headed south. Overnight, fuel prices rise, construction slows, and Midwestern farmers feel the pinch. The American supply chain, already fragile from global shocks, would be hit squarely where it hurts: inputs.

This isn't about starting a trade war. It’s about defending ourselves in one that Trump has already signaled he's willing to reignite.

Canada has long played the polite partner. We've endured steel and aluminum tariffs, Buy America schemes, softwood lumber disputes, and thinly veiled threats to our dairy sector. We’ve met these provocations with reason and compromise—sometimes too much of it.

But what if we flipped the script?

Retaliation Isn't Reckless—It's Rational

The World Trade Organization may frown on unilateral export tariffs. Fine. Let’s build strategic pricing mechanisms, carbon border adjustments, or export quotas that achieve the same goal. Let’s use climate goals, energy security, and market stability as the rationale—because they are.

And let’s not just prepare these measures quietly behind the scenes. Let’s signal them publicly. Because the mere threat of retaliation—when backed by real economic muscle—can be more effective than the act itself.

This isn’t economic brinkmanship. It’s economic realism.

Diversify, But Don't Disarm

Yes, we must accelerate LNG terminals to Asia. Yes, we must strengthen our internal east-west pipelines and transmission infrastructure. Yes, we must decouple from American overdependence wherever possible. But we must also be prepared to use the power we already have—now, not 20 years from now.

Let the Americans know: if no trade deal is reached within 30 days, Canada is prepared to impose strategic export controls. We are not begging for fairness. We are demanding it.

A Sovereign Country Acts Like One

To be a serious country in today’s world, you need more than resources—you need the courage to use them. Just as the U.S. uses its dollar, military, and markets to enforce its interests, Canada must be prepared to use its natural resource dominance to protect its own.

Let’s stop being polite. Let’s start being powerful.

Will Tariffs Hurt Boeing and Help Airbus?

By Allan W. Janssen

The global aviation market isn’t just about wings, engines, and aerodynamics—it’s also about politics, protectionism, and power. With all the recent “crap about tariffs” in the air again, we’re left wondering: could these trade wars seriously hurt Boeing, while giving Airbus a free ride?

How Tariffs Damage Boeing

1. Increased Production Costs

Boeing relies on a global supply chain. Tariffs on imported aluminum, titanium, semiconductors, or sub-assemblies raise production costs. When tariffs hit suppliers in countries like China, Canada, or the EU, Boeing eats the costs—or passes them on to customers, weakening its competitiveness.

2. Retaliation from Trading Partners

When the U.S. enacts tariffs, trading partners retaliate. In the past, Europe and China have both slapped duties on U.S. aircraft, making Boeing jets more expensive overseas. Airbus, being European, sidesteps that problem in its home markets—and sometimes even in foreign markets angry at the U.S.

3. Risk to Export Sales

Boeing’s business model depends on exports—over 70% of its aircraft go to non-U.S. buyers. Trade friction makes international governments and airlines think twice about big orders, especially when the political risk seems high. Airbus looks safer by comparison.

4. Fallout from the U.S.-China Trade War

China is one of Boeing’s biggest markets. But when U.S.-China relations go cold, China uses aircraft orders as leverage. It delays or cancels Boeing orders—and often rewards Airbus instead. The bigger the tension, the bigger the win for Airbus.

5. WTO Disputes and Global Blowback

Boeing and Airbus have spent decades fighting at the WTO over government subsidies. Tariff escalation gives the EU an excuse to re-engage legally and economically—putting Boeing in the crosshairs while Airbus continues to receive broad political and financial support from European governments.

Why Airbus Wins in a Tariff War

1. Diversified European Supply Chain

Airbus spreads its manufacturing across France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. This makes it less exposed to any one country's economic shocks or tariffs. While Boeing may face steel or tech tariffs from multiple countries, Airbus keeps flying under the radar.

2. Political Support and Stability

The EU backs Airbus as a strategic industrial champion. In a trade war, European governments double down on supporting Airbus through loans, subsidies, and procurement preferences. That keeps Airbus stable even in choppy international waters.

3. Orders from Countries Tired of U.S. Politics

In today’s geopolitical climate, many countries want to reduce dependence on the U.S. Airbus becomes the natural alternative: apolitical, diversified, and reliable. Nations like India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia have recently shifted new orders toward Airbus for this very reason.

The Bottom Line

If the United States pursues more aggressive tariffs and protectionist policies—especially under a second Trump administration—Boeing could find itself caught in the jet wash of politics. Every retaliatory measure from China or the EU makes Airbus look like a safer, smarter option.

It’s not just about who makes the better plane. It’s about who can sell more of them in a world where politics and trade matter as much as engineering.

And right now, Airbus has the advantage.

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This post originally appeared on Allan’s Canadian Perspective and is syndicated on Children of the Divine. To support independent analysis and creative philosophy, follow Allan’s work on Medium and Substack.

HEY... Let's all join the United States!!!!!!!!!!

Canada has a lot of issues as a nation. Is the solution to join the United States and form an even stronger nation?

Joining a failing republic is hardly the road to strength. The biggest ‘issue’ Canada has is that its closest ally is suddenly turning against it like a mad dog. So, you think Canadians would give up their universal healthcare and embrace being ass-deep in guns and paranoia like the Americans? Sending their kids to school with bulletproof backpacks, subjecting them to the trauma of shooter drills as if school is a warzone? When the US right-wingers have just elected their first openly fascist Hitler-quoting president? Pfft, as if.

Tolerate unlimited anonymous political donations so the government can be bought and corrupted? That's wacko. I'm over 60, and in my lifetime, I've only met two people who wanted to be American. One was a crazy Russian immigrant, and one was a far-right extremist nutcase. I have NEVER encountered a single normal Canadian who wanted to join the rotten 19th century backwater shitshow to the south that blithely buries shredded schoolchildren and does nothing about guns, where hundreds of thousands go medically bankrupt every year, where countless thousands die of treatable ailments, where people would happily starve a hundred just to avoid feeding one freeloader, where women are dragged back into the dark ages. Uncivil and uncivilized.

The US is loud and full of itself, but not viewed as the ‘strongest’ anymore. It doesn't even rank in the top 20 when it comes to health, longevity or freedoms. It's become just a degraded plutocracy, existing only to enrich its 1%. The Trump Reich will accelerate its decline. The fact that Diapered Donald thinks he can just absorb sovereign nations because the United States wants them is insulting and megalomaniacal. (Although he'll likely drop the idea when someone finally gets around to telling him that most Canadians would be Democrats.)

If it ever did happen, I would be a hardcore resistance member and fight to the death to avoid becoming American. 🇨🇦

***

Let Canada Fix the United States of America!

Fixing America: 10 Bold Reforms to Heal a Broken Democracy

By Allan W. Janssen | Allan's Canadian Perspective

It’s no secret that America is struggling to recover from the political and institutional chaos of the Trump era. But Donald Trump didn’t cause this crisis alone—he simply exposed the cracks that were already there: money in politics, broken representation, rampant misinformation, and growing inequality. If the United States wants to reclaim its promise, it needs a bold, comprehensive roadmap to repair the damage and reimagine a more resilient democracy.

1. Restore the Rule of Law and Institutional Integrity

• Hold bad actors accountable: Prosecute proven crimes—no more immunity for elites.
• Protect the DOJ and courts: Shield the justice system from political interference.

2. Overturn Citizens United and End Dark Money

• Reverse the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision, which allowed unlimited corporate money to flood the political system under the guise of “free speech.”
• Enact full campaign finance reform, including real-time transparency and strict donation limits.

3. Eliminate Lobbyist Control and Legalized Bribery

• Ban corporate PACs and lobbying by former officials, especially ex-members of Congress and cabinet members.
• Institute lifetime bans on lobbying for federal regulators and senior government advisors.

4. Break the Two-Party Monopoly

• Adopt ranked-choice voting and open primaries to allow third parties to thrive without becoming spoilers.
• Support fusion voting to allow coalition-building across ideological lines.

5. Deliver Universal Healthcare

• Implement Medicare-for-All or a public option to guarantee healthcare as a human right.
• Lower prescription drug prices by giving the government negotiating power.

6. Reform Elections and Representation

• End partisan gerrymandering through independent redistricting commissions.
• Abolish the Electoral College and shift to a national popular vote.
• Grant statehood to DC and Puerto Rico to fix representation disparities.

7. Make Voting Easy and Universal

• Automatic voter registration and national vote-by-mail systems.
• Election Day as a national holiday to ensure everyone can participate.

8. End Political Polarization with Civic Renewal

• Invest in civic education to fight disinformation and empower critical thinking.
• Create a national public service program for youth to serve and learn together across political lines.

9. Tackle Economic Inequality

• Raise the minimum wage and protect labor unions.
• Tax wealth fairly by closing loopholes and implementing a billionaire tax.

10. Rebuild Global Credibility Through Values

• Rejoin international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.
• Lead with diplomacy and democracy, not brute force or autocratic alliances.

Conclusion: The Time for Boldness is Now

This isn't about politics anymore—it's about democracy itself. If America wants to survive and thrive, it must overhaul the systems that led it to the brink. The Trump era wasn’t a fluke—it was a symptom. But symptoms can be treated, systems can be reformed, and a better future can still be written.

Let’s not waste the warning.

Published on Allan’s Canadian Perspective. For more essays on politics, democracy, and reform, subscribe to the blog or follow Allan on social media.

Why is Maine not a part of Canada?

 ALLAN:

When you look at the Maine / New Brunswick / Quebec border, one of the things that becomes immediately obvious is that there’s hardly anything there, even now. 

They all have thriving lumber industries in an area that has hosted timber harvesting for over 200 years.

Maine was originally part of the Massachusetts Colony and when the United States formed in 1787, it was still a part of the state of Massachusetts. 

It didn’t become a state on its own until 1820. 

At that point, it still had a population of only 298,000.

Both Maine and New Brunswick largely developed along their respective coasts. 

In early days, before the highways were built, residents largely got around by boat.

And along that part of the coast, that was problematic. 

The coast of Maine is very uneven. 

Although that means “lots of harbors” it also means “it’s tough to get from one community to another”

In addition, the current border area similarly separates one colony from the other. New Brunswick starts at the Bay of Fundy, where 15 meter tides are the norm... That’s a wild ride in the 18th century..

New Brunswick was, instead, more closely tied to Nova Scotia on the other side of the bay. Going to Maine meant crossing open ocean.

So, when the 13 colonies split, that part that’s now Maine went with the United States... and Britain was just fine with that. (But not Canada!!!)

It held onto its New Brunswick colony, which was too far away for the Americans to influence to any great degree. 

However, since Maine was already part of Massachusetts, which was tied to the United States, there were lots of ties there already.

BUT NOW.. BECAUSE OF TRUMP... MAINE (AND POSSIBLY ALASKA) SHOULD BE INVITED TO JOIN CANADA AS OUR ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH PROVINCES!!!

(Plus Greenland and the Turks and Caicos Islands should come aboard as TERRITORIES!)

MEANWHILE... IF DRUMPF CAN'T TAKE OVER ALL OF CANADA... HE WANTS SOUTHERN ONTARIO... BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE ALL THE MONEY IS!!!!!

Hey... that would make me an AMERICAN... no fucking way!

BUT... THERE'S A LOT OF OTHER AMERICANS WHO WANT OUT!

Straight Talk From Lewis Black!

I have never met Lewis Black, but if I did... we would probably be friends!

 

Lewis commented that when he was talking to a Toronto or Montreal audience, they were right on top of the conversation... which was an absolute joy... because when he was in Florida... he had to set up and explain every situation before they even understood what he was talking about! 

 ***Now... Canadians will instantly recognize why this is happening! 

 We're a lot smarter than your average bear!

P.S. Yogi Bear is CANADIAN!

Sunday Morning not so Funny! An open letter to the American people!

 ALLAN:

Canadians claimed to be America's closest friend and ally, yet days before tariffs were set to begin, they were already booing America's anthem at sporting events. 

Will they stop pretending... and admit they were never our friends to begin with?                               

***

Let's let Cate answer this one:

Did you actually expect Canadians to respond positively to Trump disregarding a trade agreement (that HE negotiated btw) and put 25% tariffs on Canadian imports? 

What about stating outright that “Canada meant to be our 51st state”. 

Let’s not forget disrespecting our Prime Minister by repeatedly calling him governor. 

Then, of course, there is saying Canada is one of the nastiest countries to deal with. Lies about Canada charging 250% tariffs (sometimes more depending on the day he’s speaking) on American dairy products. 

What about his incessant lies about “subsidizing Canada”? 

Oh, and what about threatening to redraw the border between our two countries??

You say Canada should admit we were never a friend to the US. 

Let me put this simply for you. 

We have viewed you as our closest friend and ally for a century. 

We thought of you as brothers and sisters. 

We answered the call, again and again, for any support you needed from us. 

This isn't a joke to us. 

We're not overreacting. 

We don't think he's just spouting these lies to cause chaos or negotiate a deal. 

We wholeheartedly believe that our closest ally and friend is about to bring violence across our border, economically destroy us, and eliminate our way of life.

Jesse Watters on Fox News said he was personally offended that Canadians did not want to become American. 

Well, guess what? 

Most Canadians are personally offended that Americans have such little respect for Canada as a country that they would assume we would be “honoured” to be taken over by the United States. 

Yes, I said taken over. 

Let’s call it like it is. 

Stop softening it by using the word annexation. 

What Trump is suggesting by “annexing Canada” and “redrawing” the border between our two countries is an act of WAR! 

Is that how friends treat each other?

We won’t even discuss the disrespect Trump showed our PM. 

One can only imagine what Trump would do if we consistently referred to him as Premier Trump. 

His arrogance and intentional disrespect towards the Canadian Prime Minister was disgraceful and unfitting of the office of the President.

Let’s discuss those dairy tariffs, shall we? 

The reality is the Canadian Dairy Industry runs under supply management, so it’s all about managing the supply for the Canadian market... BUT there is an 18% allowance for imports and most of that 18% comes from the US. 

That is tariff-free. 

IF more than 18% is imported into Canada THEN there is a surcharge on CERTAIN dairy products and in SOME CASES that is 250%. 

Even the US Dairy industry has said that has never actually happened. 

In many categories, notably including milk, the U.S. is not even at half of the zero-tariff maximum. 

Trump also made another claim that is simply false. 

He told reporters that the situation with Canadian dairy tariffs was “well taken care of” at the time his first presidency ended, “but under Biden, they just kept raising it.” 

In reality, Canada did not raise its dairy tariffs under then-U.S. President Joe Biden. 

Simply put, Trump’s assertion that Canada kept hiking its dairy tariffs when Biden was in charge is, as usual, a LIE! 

Trump just has his knickers in a twist because we have supply management policies in place that support Canadian farmers and protect its dairy, egg and poultry industries from foreign competition. 

So yes, there is a 250% tariff after the quota has been exceeded, BUT it has never actually been exceeded, so that tariff has never actually been used. 

Lastly, the tariffs Trump is so busy denouncing were negotiated by Trump himself in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA/CUSMA. 

The agreement Trump touted as “the best trade deal ever made”. 

PS: The US have exactly the same over tariffs in place.

Canada (and PM Trudeau’s associates) nasty?? 

That is laughable. 

Those that Trump considers "nice" are doormats that roll over and agree with everything he says. 

The minute someone says no, Trump reacts like a petulant child and has a tantrum; he threatens tariffs and spouts misinformation hoping they will bend to his will. 

Guess what? 

Canada will not. 

Canada considers it a compliment that we are considered “nasty”. 

It means we have self-respect. 

Trump has directly threatened Canada’s sovereignty and the Canadian economy. 

Trump has ridiculed Canadian leaders and insulted the Canadian people, all without provocation. 

Canada has been a staunch ally and the largest trading partner for the US. 

In return we are directly threatened by the US President. 

Many Americans downplay Trump’s rhetoric, but Canadians don’t. 

Canadians also know the people of the US put that racist, xenophobe in office and actions have consequences. 

His lies, appeals to patriotism, and incitement of violence must be stopped before it is too late. 

If you don’t the consequences are on you, the American people, and no one else!

And as for this nonsense about the U.S. “subsidizing” Canada because we run a trade surplus with it. This claim explains why Trump has gone bankrupt so many times. 

He has no clue how economics works. 

Subsidizing means giving something for nothing. 

A trade deficit is not a subsidy. 

We sell more to the US than we buy from the US. 

That is a trade deficit. 

Claiming it is a subsidy is like like claiming that you subsidize McDonald’s when you buy and eat a burger. 

Did McDonald’s buy anything back from you? 

Do you stand in the parking lot afterwards and scream that you should own the McDonalds because you have been subsidizing them every time you buy a Happy Meal?

Canada has never been your friend you say? 

Canada sends firefighters, waterbombers and linesman every time there is a natural disaster in the US. 

Canada has a history of offering financial aid and providing food and other relief supplies to the United States following natural disasters, often working through organizations like FEMA (which Drumpf is closing) and the Canadian Red Cross. 

For example, in 2017, after Hurricane Harvey, Canada delivered over 27,000 pounds of relief goods to FEMA and thus to American citizens. 

In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, the Canadian Forces participated in a relief operation named Operation UNISON, dispatching ships carrying humanitarian supplies to the Gulf Coast. 

Canada hosted thousands of Americans when planes weren’t allowed to land in the US on 9/11. 

Canada spent billions and lost hundreds of soldiers supporting the US in Afghanistan. 

Canada rescued US Teheran embassy staff and smuggled them out … the list goes on. 

As a thank you Canada gets threatened with 51st state and redraw the border nonsense. 

Who is not being the friend here?

So your little feelings are hurt because Canada is booing the American national anthem at sporting events and you don’t think we are your friend. 

Canadians are not booing the American people, their teams or their players (except those who put our flag on their dressing room floor and/accuse us of cheating), we are booing your government and their unjustified policies. 

Pull your head out of your ass and see what’s really happening!

Cate McEachern