Good column. It is also worth noting that the NYT amplified and distorted Carney's remark in an effort to pursue their own political agenda regarding the Trump administration (Trump so bad even the peaceful cousin to the north has to fear an American invasion). But their amplification does not excuse the political opposition from their own distortion. And I echo the comment about the absence of any BC election commentary.
You are right to mention that PM Carney answered the question about US invasion scenarios honestly and reasonably. It would be nice if he used some of that honesty when dealing with his own subjects. This isn’t the first time he has used US Media to communicate. Perhaps he’s honest because US media and commentators -,even the NY Times - do not tolerate obfuscation and word salads as much as the bought and paid for Canadian media and her majesty’s loyal opposition.
Having said that, to my knowledge almost all such interviews are based on agreed upon questions in advance. So raising anew the topic of a US invasion gives the PM a perfect opportunity to wrap himself and his party in the Maple Leaf flag and also benefit the Quebec federalist parties. What’s not to like. His recent hirings of American Democratic advisers seem to be paying off quite nicely.
Oh, for heaven's sake. Carney knew perfectly well that saying what he said would frighten and rile up a lot of clueless boomers (half his base) and generate more anti-American sentiment, as it in fact did. A responsible PM would behave the way that American senior officer recently did, and compare true idea of an American invasion to an alien invasion - which is also an extreme tail risk.
Of course, he also knew that presenting it that way would enable sycophantic media (the other half of his base) to blame the Conservatives rather than him. As, evidently, they are doing.
Matt, I think it's time for an electronic pillory, a sort of town square "stocks" where we can name the names of purveyors of stupidity for ridicule by all. A sort of "Rotten Tomatoes" evaluation of written rot.
Good coverage of Trump and the Quebec election. But not a word about the election in BC. Just last night my wife and I met a very nice senior couple from Montreal. When we said we are from Vancouver Island, the lady said, "Where is that?" (It's that big lump, 500kms long housing approaching a million Canadians just west of Vancouver). Yes, Canada does extend beyond the Ontario/Manitoba border. (Jen: We need your voice to represent us.)
Good point Bob. Canadians seem to be aware of their own neighborhoods but a lot less about other parts of the country. I have to admit I’m not that knowledgeable about parts outside of Ontario.
My understanding is that the Canadian military have had contingency plans, in case of U.S. invasion, since the time of the War of 1812. Early days included forts, which we can still visit, at Prescott and Kingston. The town of Perth, midway between the U,S, border at Ogdensburg and Ottawa, was originally also a military fort across the likeliest invasion route, up the Old Perth Road. I currently live about two kilometers east of Highway 416, the modern version of that invasion route. If they do invade, the Americans better not try it at rush hour.
So yes, Canada has a contingency plan in case of U.S. invasion, and no, it's not a threat, it is an extremely low risk. But then they probably have contingency plans in case of flying saucers.
Good column. It is also worth noting that the NYT amplified and distorted Carney's remark in an effort to pursue their own political agenda regarding the Trump administration (Trump so bad even the peaceful cousin to the north has to fear an American invasion). But their amplification does not excuse the political opposition from their own distortion. And I echo the comment about the absence of any BC election commentary.
You are right to mention that PM Carney answered the question about US invasion scenarios honestly and reasonably. It would be nice if he used some of that honesty when dealing with his own subjects. This isn’t the first time he has used US Media to communicate. Perhaps he’s honest because US media and commentators -,even the NY Times - do not tolerate obfuscation and word salads as much as the bought and paid for Canadian media and her majesty’s loyal opposition.
Having said that, to my knowledge almost all such interviews are based on agreed upon questions in advance. So raising anew the topic of a US invasion gives the PM a perfect opportunity to wrap himself and his party in the Maple Leaf flag and also benefit the Quebec federalist parties. What’s not to like. His recent hirings of American Democratic advisers seem to be paying off quite nicely.
Oh, for heaven's sake. Carney knew perfectly well that saying what he said would frighten and rile up a lot of clueless boomers (half his base) and generate more anti-American sentiment, as it in fact did. A responsible PM would behave the way that American senior officer recently did, and compare true idea of an American invasion to an alien invasion - which is also an extreme tail risk.
Of course, he also knew that presenting it that way would enable sycophantic media (the other half of his base) to blame the Conservatives rather than him. As, evidently, they are doing.
Drones have changed warfare the same way the machine gun and the aircraft carrier did.....it's a whole new ballgame.
Matt, I think it's time for an electronic pillory, a sort of town square "stocks" where we can name the names of purveyors of stupidity for ridicule by all. A sort of "Rotten Tomatoes" evaluation of written rot.
Good coverage of Trump and the Quebec election. But not a word about the election in BC. Just last night my wife and I met a very nice senior couple from Montreal. When we said we are from Vancouver Island, the lady said, "Where is that?" (It's that big lump, 500kms long housing approaching a million Canadians just west of Vancouver). Yes, Canada does extend beyond the Ontario/Manitoba border. (Jen: We need your voice to represent us.)
We just ran a long primer on it by a real-life B.C.-er just a few days ago.
Good point Bob. Canadians seem to be aware of their own neighborhoods but a lot less about other parts of the country. I have to admit I’m not that knowledgeable about parts outside of Ontario.
Bob, with the turmoil in BC politics these days, being "unknown" isn't always a bad thing.
My understanding is that the Canadian military have had contingency plans, in case of U.S. invasion, since the time of the War of 1812. Early days included forts, which we can still visit, at Prescott and Kingston. The town of Perth, midway between the U,S, border at Ogdensburg and Ottawa, was originally also a military fort across the likeliest invasion route, up the Old Perth Road. I currently live about two kilometers east of Highway 416, the modern version of that invasion route. If they do invade, the Americans better not try it at rush hour.
So yes, Canada has a contingency plan in case of U.S. invasion, and no, it's not a threat, it is an extremely low risk. But then they probably have contingency plans in case of flying saucers.