Bait and Switch
Dear Chairman Whatley: I am staring at my Sustaining Member card for the Republican National Committee, and I am debating whether to return it to the RNC.
I am dismayed by President Trump’s transparent attempt to fool his electorate into believing he is imposing tariffs on Canadian exports to the USA just to stem the flow of illegal aliens and to stop the production of fentynyl. He revealed his real goal: to balance trade between our two countries.
You well know he announced his tariff plans were contingent upon Canada bearing down on illegal crossings and drug controls. When he was satisfied, the tariffs would go away. Canada responded and is working with US agencies to comply.
Now President Trump is accusing Canadian exporters of “ripping off” the United States over a $68 billion trade deficit. In a $762 billion trade relationship, this is a 9% differential. Never mind he negotiated this trade pact.
The outcome of this capricious and arbitrary action is that we have lost the best friends we could ever have. Canadians are rightfully angry and scalded by this abusive action and language. You will witness that our flag is lowered from Canadian businesses. The national anthem is booed at sports. Provincial governments are canceling contracts with US vendors. American sales people are refused entry to Canadian offices. One wonders how American tourists will ever be welcomed in Canada.
The numbing question over this infamy is whether Americans are even aware, and if so, do they even care? The tariffs have created 40,000,000 enemies without a single shot fired.
I would remind you of an important test for what we say, think and do. It is the operating rule of the Rotary International, here in Evanston, Illinois: The Four Way Test. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
I believe that the President’s treatment of Canada fails this test abysmally.
I am urging you to communicate my anger and disappointment to the President with respect to this ridiculous and deceitful tariff ruling.
Yours truly, Phil Brown, Libertyville, IL USA.
CC: KC Crosbie, CoChair; Kathy Salvi, Illinois State Chair; Dean White, Illinois National Committee Man; Rhonda Belford, Illinois National Committee Woman; Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune.
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Well written, as always from you!!
Thanks for taking the time to express your opinion.
Let me know the response you get.
Happy spring!!
Karen
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you Phil. You eloquently put words to wh
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I agree, totally asinine decisions, but one of many a deranged Trump has made and continues to make.
Canadian are so upset that they have removed Jack Daniels from their shelves along with booing at sporting events.
And now 240,000 Ukranian refugees within our US Borders are subject to eviction. Who could have dreamed a nightmare of US siding with Putin on Ukraine.
We are not all Trumpsters. Every day Americans and Canadians should not be drawn into his wake of lies and deciept.
I can only hope that Congress does not allow a 3rd term possibility for Trump. Enough is enough. 4 Years will seem like an eternity 8, well could end of american democracy.
I have empathy for every Canadian living in America and likewise every American living in Canada while I have fond memories of being a Canadian tourist.
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Thanks Phil. You restored some of my respect. The fact th
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Good letter, Phil. A former resident of Libertyville by the name of Stevenson would applaud you. As I do.
The best to you and Jane.
Sylvia
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you Phil for your scathing letter to Don T regarding his strange ways that are wrecking our world as we know it
I never thought of you as Republican but I think you and I maybe went to a young people’s Conservative Party once.
We went for the free food and the party
I never voted that way but it was fun
Leonard got pulled over for speeding and got away with a warning Chris and Doug went too
Crazy memories but now the crazy man is on the loose
Heaven help us
Pat
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I couldn’t agree more – I apologize to all my Canadian friends. Our political system sucks. Out of 330mm we can’t seem to find any better leaders.
Patrick Sommers
Sent from my iPhone – please excuse typos, as this device has a habit of completing words that I didn’t mean to use
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thank you for writing what many feel. As a naturalized Canadian, I am angry beyond words how this president is treating this wonderful country of ours. I find it difficult to believe that the American people are not standing up and fighting for their reputation. Thanks for the well written words. Hopefully someone will read them and take them to heart and take action.
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Phil,
First of all, in all seriousness, I must apologize… I’m sorry that hockey fans over here in Canada booed The Star Spangled Banner! I thank you for your sentiments on this site of yours. It remains to be seen just how this tariff business is going to play out. No doubt it won’t be a pretty walk in the park.
And if I were our King, I’d lean over to Donald between courses at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace this Spring and tell him, “Keep yer hands off of one of my favourite realms!”
All the best to you and your family from
Jamie (Jim) and Sandy (Westfall) Hill
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Thank you!
things have gone off the rails in the WH
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Vimy Ridge. Somme. Passchendaele.
Juno Beach. Dieppe. Sicily. Netherlands.
Canadian embassy Tehran.
Those are just a few of the reasons that I think the United States owes a debt of honor to Canada. This is not to say that the countries shouldn’t negotiate trade agreements. It is to say that Canada has earned our gratitude and respect.
Thanks Phil. Thank you Canada.
Not to mention the housing of a few thousand Americans on 9-11 in Newfoundland homes when all planes were grounded!
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