OPINION:
Before giving more thought to annexing Canada as the 51st state, President Trump should consider the province of Quebec’s historical language and nationalism-related challenges (“Trump’s dream of making Canada a U.S. state would be a political nightmare for Republicans,” Web, Feb. 11).
Since the 16the century the people of Quebec have considered themselves a distinct society, and more recently, a nation within a nation. Forcing them to become American citizens would only cause riots in the streets of Montreal and Quebec City. That’s not a great way to start the 51st state.
Furthermore, President Trump’s paused tariffs on goods from Canada are economic terrorism. I don’t recall him campaigning on a conquer-Canada platform.
Canada exports cheap hydroelectricity to the U.S. We also export high-quality steel and aluminum to allow your country to build ships, automobiles and planes.
Canada is the best neighbor and ally the U.S. could ever ask for; we are not the enemy.
Before moving forward with this plan, President Trump should ask himself whether he really understands (or wants) the cultural problems of Quebec.
JIM MCEWEN
Bowmanville, Ontario
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