Well I thought the joke was funny: “Cut the power on Superbowl Sunday.” Clever too. What do Americans like more than politics? Sports, and especially the Superbowl. Gather the neighbours; whip up some snacks; set up the video in case someone gets stuck in traffic; fresh batteries in the TV controller. Watch on Netflix? Let the game begin. A good time will be had by all.
Not that I know about such things. I’m a recent baseball enthusiast, glued to Google News every early morning to digest the latest pre-season trade rumours. The Blue Jays have nabbed Santander and Scherzer. If they can land Alonso and sign Vladdy to a contract extension they will finally have a contending team. Thoughts and prayers. But baseball, even the World Series, is not the Superbowl.
Football is the true religion of the United States and the Superbowl is the cathedral event. In terms of television viewership — economic might, competitive grit, and of course the half time show — the Superbowl has it all, annually, in spades. So why not fire a northern grumble, complaint, or plea directly at this most visible southern stage? All eyes on that screen now. What an audience!
In a lively Facebook conversation (yes, I’m still there, for now) some have suggested that folks south of us are nice and that most Americans did not elect the draconian White House horror show. Commenters suggest that most Americans do not support this cage-match attack on their northern neighbour. Such a generous estimation of American kindness reminds me of the late Alan Fotheringham whose column closed Macleans Magazine for decades. At one time he suggested that individual Americans are the nicest people walking the face of the earth. Collectively however, they are bullies.
Now, now, no more mudslinging please Ken, but I think he has a point. Yes, I have many respectful, insightful, thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate American friends and colleagues. These people wish me and our country no ill will. Many are horrified by the actions of Trump 2.0.. Six months ago, they were hopeful, but as Andrew Coyne has noted, “nothing mattered in the end.”
During the 2024 election campaign we all imagined a Democratic victory which would usher in the first black, female president with a warm-hearted midwestern VP. When I saw Ms. Harris glamourous picture in the front cover of Vogue I thought that she would take it all. Boy was I wrong, and so were Democrats who had simply lost touch with American workers. I now understand why Bernie Sanders sits as an independent.
I was moved by Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau’s address last Saturday. He was calm, careful, strategic, respectful, and well informed. His summary of Canada’s relationship with the US begins with words from John F Kennedy: “Geography has made us neighbours, history has made us friends, economics has made us partners and necessity has made us allies.”
[Trudeau continues:] “From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of the Korean Peninsula, from the fields of Flanders to the streets of Kandahar, we have fought and died alongside you during your darkest hours.
“During the Iranian hostage crisis, those 444 days, we worked around the clock from our embassy to get your innocent compatriots home. During the summer of 2005, when Hurricane Katrina ravaged your great city of New Orleans, or mere weeks ago, when we sent water bombers to tackle the wildfires in California, during the day the world stood still.
“And Sept. 11, 2001 — when we provided refuge to stranded passengers and planes, we were always there, standing with you, grieving with you, the American people.”
[KJG] To my mind, the bi-lateral compassion equation seems rather one-sided. Soon to relinquish his Prime Ministership, Trudeau’s response to Trump’s punishing tariffs should be remembered well by history, as will his calm reassurances during COVID. Saturday was one of his finest ministerial moments. He was focused, firm, and still friendly to our southern neighbour, even as our friendship lies in tatters.
Admittedly, I am in a “fight fire with fire” mode right now. To my mind hitting back via sports is strategically brilliant. I wonder what the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, thinks about the idea — he has threatened to interrupt energy exports to the US. He has already pushed back against Elon Musk. I am no fan of Doug Ford, but when dealing with a bully like Trump an opposing bully is a helpful ally.
The record shows that a majority of those who voted in 2024 elected Trump as President; they further restored a GOP majority in the senate and enabled a modest majority in the House of Representatives. Such an outcome does not mean that a majority of Americans support this attack on their northern neighbour (along with Mexico, China, Columbia, and the EU so far). I suspect however that a larger number of Americans than I imagine continue to support MAGAmania. The Munroe Doctrine still inspires, if not informs, foreign policy protectionist decisions. So-called American Exceptionalism has a new champion. I further appreciate that many Americans are terrified of retaliation from MAGA enthusiasts to resist these initiatives. That said, resistance must come from somewhere.
Democrats are trying to re-order their approach and re-assess connection with traditionally affiliated workers. A few governors from swing states have already “come out swinging,” notably Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan. Ally building will take a lot of time, energy, and strong leadership. Meanwhile pestilence is the order of the day in Washington, as a blitzkrieg attack running madly off in all directions continues unabated.
Many folks on both sides of the border hope things will settle down in months or maybe in a year or two. Surely “these things shall pass.” I don’t see that happening without some kind of countering intervention. Structures of resistance must be struck and organized now. People will need training in active and non-violent resistance. We will all need to learn how to speak up. Whether through neighbourhood associations, unions, faith communities, or gatherings of those seeking to promote the common good. We can embrace and articulate those virtues which St. Paul names as noble, right, and true” (Philippians 4:8).
The late Robert Schuller opined: “When the going is tough, the tough get going.” That time is now.
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
His worst enemy he faces is his Sharpie. He can’t take low approval ratings. He has no patience for anything that takes longer than putting together his Family Meal. He inflicts pain but can’t handle any himself. Girding our loins and being united in letting his adolescent self be the ultimate villain will build strength here at home while letting those 25% tariffs work their magic to bite him in the ass. That man is about to learn what happens once ‘O Canada’ has played and the puck has hit the ice.
And it just hit the ice.
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