- cross-posted to:
- world@lemmy.world
- cross-posted to:
- world@lemmy.world
Trudeau said Canada would deploy new technology and personnel along its border with the United States to stop the flow of fentanyl.
And from the NYT:
Mr. Trudeau, in his own social media post, described measures that were already being enacted under its $1.3 billion border plan, including the deployment of additional technology and personnel to “ensure 24/7 eyes on the border." He said the two countries would also establish a joint strike force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering.
So basically Trump got nothing but we all know that he and the Republicans will be crowing how Trump’s genius tariffs plan worked.
No, they blinked.
This right here. Is it meaningless fluff that will never amount to a thing? Absolutely. Will it give Trump something to go home and brag about to the rubes? Absolutely.
But more importantly, will it embolden Trump to go after Canada again in a month when he decides he wants more concessions? Also, absolutely.
Remember, Canada has already given Trump a $1.3 billion concession and committed to wasting that money to address a nonexistent “border crisis”. Now you’ve added “Joint Strike Force” to that list. What are you going to next month when Trump once again changes his mind and decides that’s not enough, or that you haven’t enacted this joint strike force fast enough? You’ve already shown you’ll blink twice. What’s to stop Trump from pulling this stunt a third time?
The one and only acceptable response to Trump’s threats is this: “We expect the US to honor all previously agreed-upon trade deals. Any newly enacted tariffs will be responded to with equivalent retaliatory tariffs, and they will not be rescinded until such time as the US agrees to honor its previously agreed upon trade deals. Canada will make no further actual or symbolic concessions.” And stick to it.
Anything else – even the most meaningless, symbolic gesture – will be construed by Trump as an open invitation to come back for more the next time he decides Canada owes him something, and embolden him to pull this shit not only on Canada, but other trade partners as well.
Do not give this man a millimeter. Not even a symbolic one. He won’t take a yard; he’ll demand a light year. Then he’ll renege anyway once he gets it.