In social media and on the news, I hear the same rhetoric over and over—the world doesn’t hate Americans; they hate what the U.S. president is doing. But it seems more personal than that. Americans—my family, my friends, people I’ve worked with—voted for him twice.
I know, I know, not everyone voted for him, but the majority did. Americans chose a billionaire who sent the international economic markets into a tailspin because no one can guess what tariffs he'll slap on next or take off or what ludicrous reasons he'll give for doing so.
He's already made abortion a crime in 19 states, denying women agency over their bodies. He mocks and berates victims of war. He placed his other unhinged billionaire buddies in positions of power that they abuse. He's currently rolling back federal protections for transgender people. He's cutting funding to healthcare and education. He's muzzling the media and stamping out any voices of dissent including the courts. He disseminates misinformation, flat-out lies, and spreads fear and propaganda. Sound familiar? Because it reminds me of another couple of leaders whose names rhyme with shootin' and shitler.
You re-elected a tyrant.
All empires fall. This regime will too. I can't stop what's already happened. I can't rewind injustices already committed, but I won’t be silent. Where I can use my voice, I will. Where I can buy products and services that are Canadian, Mexican, Scandinavian, British, European, Australian, South American, African, Asian, and from anywhere other than the U.S., I will. No more trips south of the border.
I'm just one person, but I'm not alone. Canada is a sovereign nation; together we are millions. And to those Americans fighting back (I'm looking at you Wisconsin), you're not alone either. We've got your back.
Elbows up.
Photo provided by Unsplash.