Written By David Gomez
Just a few days ago, I rewatched the magnificent HBO television series “John Adams,” starring Paul Giamatti and directed by Tom Hooper in 2008. This valuable audiovisual piece recounts the life of one of the founding fathers of our southern neighbour. John Adams was a man of his era who, despite this, managed to establish a country under a respectable legal and constitutional system along with other prominent figures. Unfortunately, the United States is living in violent times. American respect and exemplarity have died, or at least they have become a diplomatic zombie that mocks and abuses its allies.
Donald Trump has launched a vicious global trade war, spewing venom against several countries around the world, except, of course, Russia and its ally Belarus. Trump referred to the day he announced all these senseless tariffs as “Liberation Day.” Cleverly, The Economist magazine has dubbed it “Ruination Day” in its latest issue. This specialized magazine describes these tariff policies as a very foolish mechanism. And there is no doubt that they are.
The global response has been swift. The European Union encourages its companies to cut economic and trade relations with the American market; similarly, France and Germany are even proposing to create an autonomous defense where Europe can protect itself from future potential threats.
A general tariff of 20% on the entire European Union, 31% on Switzerland, 26% on India, 46% on Vietnam, 10% on almost all of Latin America, 32% on South Korea, 24% on Japan, and 54% on China. All these crazed tariff measures have caused stock markets in the West and Asia to plummet.
The U.S. government is not recognizing free trade agreements; therefore, it does not believe in legal stability or a constitutional state of law. Trump’s protectionist and authoritarian policies are becoming comparable to dictatorial governments. No country or state that believes in the free market and economic improvement through international trade could defend any of these arbitrary measures. Many economists already believe that an economic recession is imminent.
There are academics and jurists who think that American democracy has broken down and is undeniably beginning to show dictatorial and obscure mechanisms. Let’s not forget that hundreds of illegal immigrants are now being transferred from the United States to prisons in countries like El Salvador and Costa Rica, without due process or communication between the prisoners and their families. I am also talking about children illegally separated from their families. All of this is a terrible symptom of a moment of moral and political decline in the United States.
The threat to Canada is evident, so we must be vigilant about what is happening. Let’s continue to promote buying local, purchasing Canadian products, and supporting our small businesses. The Banner will continue to promote and publish articles about local businesses in this county in all its editions.
Elections also play a crucial role in shaping our future. It is vital that we stay informed and deliberate carefully about our choices at the polls. We need leaders who will stand strong against policies that do not reflect our values. Make your voice heard—your vote has the power to influence real change.
