At times I struggle with words, not because I don’t have them, but because I’m so surprised and exasperated at some of the things I hear. My instant reaction is often that of disbelief. “Surely they didn’t just say that.” Or “Surely they jest, right?” Because if what they say is to be taken seriously (which it often is) there are just no words available in my lexicon to describe my disbelief.
Yesterday, during the Liberal Leadership English “Debate” (we all know what’s going on here), Chrystia Freeland offered up some solutions to our “Trump problem.” What did she suggest? That we distance ourselves from the United States (essentially treat them as a hostile country) and look for allies in Europe. Who, exactly? Denmark. Yes, Denmark. And then to top off the utter absurdity, she mentions, deliberately, nuclear bomb-possessing countries like the UK and France. She didn’t just mention the countries, but specifically pointed out their nuclear capabilities.
I’ve been trying hard to think of any non-obvious reason for her bringing up nukes, and for the life of me, I cannot. Just what is she suggesting? Nuclear arms from Europe as a deterrent to prevent the US from doing what? Invading? Trump has never mentioned invasion. In fact, he outright denied the possibility, knowing full well that Canada, as a nation, can be sunk economically. They don’t have to fire a shot to cripple us. Everyone knows this, so what in the world is she talking about?
Across the world, representatives from countries, including our own here in Canada, are up in arms over the rhetoric of President Trump. Why? Because as the US pulls back on funding every gay pride parade and drag queen puppet show across the world, the gravy train is coming to an abrupt end. For years I’ve heard the question, “Where is the money coming from to fund all these tiny activist groups who disrupt our society and tear down statues and corrupt young children’s minds?” Little did we realize that it wasn’t all coming from George Soros, but from the American taxpayer. America loves funding its own destruction.
But it’s not just socially destructive parades they’ve been funding—they’ve also funded the vast majority of international security via their mighty military that others have lived under for decades, without so much as a ‘by-your-leave’ from anyone else, especially Canada. Our military has been next to useless for decades. We rely heavily on American protection, and instead of thanking our neighbours to the south, we spit in their eye and call them names.
Scripture warns against biting the hand that feeds us. Proverbs 17:13 states, “If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” Canada’s ongoing antagonism toward the US while benefiting from its protection and economy is the height of ingratitude. Moreover, Luke 6:31 reminds us, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Do we wish to be treated with the same disdain that we so often hurl southward?
It has become apparent to many in the US that we Canadians aren’t nearly as ‘nice’ as we claim to be. I have been saying for years that it bothers me to no end that we Canadians look down our collective noses at the US all the while living under their security blanket. We are a most ungrateful, spiteful people, and the US has every right to call us out on our hypocrisy.
And threatening the US with nuclear war? That is beyond daft. Scripture speaks of the dangers of reckless speech. Proverbs 10:19 warns, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” In an age of political posturing, reckless words have real consequences. Freeland’s comments are not merely political theatre; they are irresponsible and dangerous.
It is high time Canada reckons with its attitude toward its southern neighbour. Instead of condescension and ingratitude, we should pursue humility and wisdom. Ecclesiastes 10:2 reminds us, “A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.” If we continue down the road of arrogance and folly, we may find ourselves without the very security we take for granted.
Seriously, I don’t have the words—but Scripture does, and they warn us well.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 