Dear Editor,

Some thoughts on the decisions each of us will be making due to the current iteration of the United States.

Mr. Trump, as deranged as he seems to be to most of us, has pointed out where Canada could be seen by some as a version of an American state.

History tells that this is not the first time the Americans have attempted although failed to annex Canada. Thankfully we had the support of the British back then.

Today, we find ourselves looking at that prospect with, if I can use the hockey analogy, a 鈥榣ackluster defense and no offence鈥�.

While we leave it up to our elected officials to try and determine how to deal with a neighbour to whom we have become linked despite being one that we never really trusted, and which is now being mean.

How this will really affect me directly, I am not sure. I surmise it is going to cost more no matter what. As a 77-year-old on a fixed federal income and diminishing savings, I plan to continue to live within my means.

I am also of an age when, a label stating Made in USA meant well-made and reliable while Made in Canada meant the same thing but also carried Canadian pride. We don鈥檛 see either much anymore.

How about we try something like this? Once the inter-provincial trade border issues are resolved, we put say, a 15% tariff on imports grown or manufactured in the 50 United States. Items grown in Canada, coming back into Canada, would be tariffs free. I would be surprised if the Americans even noticed.

How much more are you willing and able to spend to not become the 51st state? This is a financial incentive to do something i.e. to 鈥淏uy Canadian鈥� or like the price on Carbon is 鈥渏ust to make you aware鈥�.

My fear is that we will react to this threat similarly to how we do with Climate Change; 鈥淚 am all for doing my part, as long as I don鈥檛 have to give up what I have!鈥�

Bob Bowen

Comox