Published in the Toronto Sun, 14 December 2024
Is it just me, or did Justin Trudeau get spanked like the petulant child he is by Donald Trump, during his recent visit to Mar-a-Logo? I honestly don’t believe that Trump wants to impose a 25% tariff. He certainly will if he has to, but I believe only if necessary. Along with being a scare tactic, his opening salvo is right out of Negotiation 101: start high and finish somewhere that works for everyone. Have you noticed all the world leaders recently asking, “How high?” when Trump says, “Jump.” They know he’s serious and in light things like the economy and border and world security, we do need someone to get tough. The status quo obviously isn’t working.
Besides, if threatening at 25% tariff gets Trudeau taking things like border security and national defence seriously, then I say “Thank you, Mr. President and welcome back to the White House. As a token of our appreciation, here’s some maple syrup and real beer, not the coloured water you Americans drink.”
(Trudeau’s response? Criticize the American people for not voting for Kamala Harris. Our current prime minister is not a serious leader)
