The political machinations wracking North America over the last several months have given me plenty to ponder over.
I was stunned when Donald Trump, a convicted felon, outran his legal problems and was voted back into the White House.
With the drama happening federally in Canada, I was less surprised when Justin Trudeau announced his resignation; I firmly believe he was already past his best-before date by several years.
The problem is, that Trudeau has effectively set the curtains on fire on his way out the door.
With Parliament prorogued until the end of March, Canada has little functioning government.
While Trudeau and the ministers can negotiate on behalf of Canada, without parliament, no new legislation can be passed.
Speaking of the Liberals, those who aren't negotiating are climbing over each other to see who is going to pick up the crown once Trudeau departs, and Singh and the NDP, no longer seeing their alliance advantageous, are cutting ties with the Liberals and abandoning ship as well.
While this drama is unfolding before our eyes, Trump is threatening 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods heading into the United States.
Further complicating matters is our premier, Danielle Smith, instead of responding to Trump's threats united with the rest of Canada's Premiers is instead freelancing. She's been spending time down at Mar-A-Lago putting in face time with Trump and his transition team.
Smith also refused to sign on to a united First Ministers response after a meeting was held on Jan. 15.
“I had a constructive discussion with my fellow Premiers on how best to deal with the threat of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration. We agreed on several strategies and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this critical issue," writes Smith, in a release.
“However, federal government officials continue to publicly and privately float the idea of cutting off energy supply to the U.S. and imposing export tariffs on Alberta energy and other products to the United States. Until these threats cease, Alberta will not be able to fully support the federal government’s plan to deal with the threatened tariffs.
“Alberta will simply not agree to export tariffs on our energy or other products, nor do we support a ban on exports of these same products. We will take whatever actions are needed to protect the livelihoods of Albertans from such destructive federal policies."
I'm not a fan of Trump. Can't say I ever have been.
However, with the turmoil in Canada right now, I can understand his actions. Trump smells blood in the water at all levels and is ready to pounce when he is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
I've written before that I try to remain non-partisan, and the more polarized things are getting, the more I believe in that stance.
The left decries the right. The right decries the left.
Things best left in the bedroom have become political wedge issues.
The world has gone crazy.
Where is the compassion? Where is the willingness to help others?
Instead, people have gotten to the point where they are more and more willing to trample over everyone else's rights.
Politicians play to their bases, damn everyone else.
I grew up in a conservative household, and I have to admit that today, I see little resemblance between the Conservatives of today with the Conservatives of the times before.
I believe in fiscal prudence, but not on the backs of those who can least afford it. I believe everyone deserves respect, no matter how they identify.
These wedge issues need to go away. Our leaders need to all work together and face the issues facing the nation as a whole head-on.
We may not be all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm.
We all need help.
All our leaders need to do better.
-Kevin Sabo is the editor of the Stettler Independent and a journalist for Black Press Media
