Canada is a security threat??

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have no doubt they will reciprocate in some way. It would be a shame if this results in a trade war amongst friends. 

It's all part of getting our allies to negotiate and combine efforts to level the trade deficit with China.
If you had been at the rallies, they explained all that.
Turn off oprah, "you get a tariff...you get a tariff."  Takes time to straighten up what's been going wrong for the last twenty years.

at your rallies they told you we need to hurt our friends to get at our enemies ? Sounds perfectly logical. (I’m glad I missed your rallies) Is Oprah still on TV ?

[signart]

Not my rally, it's for Americans. You know when our president speaks about winning for our country.

If oprah has said anything repugnant or offensive enough to cause her to lose her source of income, I say give her an opportunity to apologize and a second chance to return to TV.

[hubcapsc]

Is Oprah still on TV ?

She's one of the 60 Minutes reporters.

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

"Well, I said I would fix the flaking paint, and I did what I said I would do!"

[signart]

Is Oprah still on TV ?

She's one of the 60 Minutes reporters.

-Mike

Well, what ever it was she did to deserve that, I say let it go and give her job back.

[Patrick]

Hmm, I guess I didn't hear it that way. But, I watch Fox.  I just caught some of it in passing, but, I thought I heard that there wasn't a way figured out to exclude specific countries, it seemed to be an all or nothing kinda thing.  Anyway, thats what I thought I heard.

Trump imposed the steel and aluminum penalties under a 1962 law that gives the president broad power to increase or reduce tariffs on goods deemed critical to national security.

Regarding security threat. it is in our national interest to be able to supply this countries needs for steel and aluminum ourselves in case of war like we did when we saved the world a couple times,
or secure price and availability should there be a shortage. Just like fuel. Manufacturing depends on it to keep the economy going. Just like fuel.

Thus, steps are taken to encourage steel and aluminum production in our country, which also produces jobs and enhances national security. This way the U.S. will be safer, and Canadians can keep their steel and aluminum and build some things to keep themselves safe.
It also gives us leverage to encourage negotiations to level the trade deficit, and bringing countries like Canada and Mexico to the table by joining the U.S. in shrinking the deficit gap with China.

My, how quickly things have changed  Conservatives were all about “free trade” until 16 months ago. Now it’s all about isolationism. You’re hypotheses stands up if these tarrifs were placed on our adversaries, as far as I can tell Canada has been a pretty good partner to us.

That was supposed to be my point, I guess it didn't come out as that.  I was/am under the impression that favoritism can't be played. I think many folks are for 'free-trade', problem is, its not or hasn't been free for us.

[carolinarider09]

Up front - I disagree with this protectionist policy.

Having said that, the way I see it isn't that he's saying Canada is a security threat as in "We can't trust Canadians, they're bad" or even "We can't trust Canada itself" or anything along those lines.

The security threat is that we need to encourage domestic production of the basics.

Look at it this way - your family tries to be self-reliant, you can make all you need except for cloth. You have to barter with your neighbor for cloth.

It would be in your best interest to get the tools and techniques to be able to make cloth yourself if at all possible.

That's not saying your cloth producing neighbors are bad or untrustworthy at all, it's just best that you're able to make it yourself as well...

Once again, I disagree with this policy, just AmericanSplaining it as I see it...

We have a Trade surplus with Canada. Your logic would require them to not buy stuff from us. Again, they have been good Allies for decades. Punish our adversaries, not our friends.

You can find anything on the internet and it might be true or not.  According to this website.

https://www.thebalance.com/trade-deficit-by-county-3306264

We have an $18 Billion deficit with Canada.  Not a lot but still we buy more from them then they buy from us.


Regarding the security threat, I have not heard that mentioned anywhere except here so, I have traveled to Canada in the past and will do so again and, as always Canadian's are always welcome here.

This is about a couple of things, NAFTA, loss of some vital industries, steel is one of them. 

I don't think a one size fits all agreement (NAFTA) is in our (U.S.A.)  best interest.  Given all the information I don't have, I have to believe that President Trump has the U.S.A best interests in mind in what he is doing.

[Beardo]

We are a resource rich country and you have 10x our population. It’s not unreasonable to expect a trade deficit with us. And it isn’t a sign of you being taken advantage of.  It’s a little simplistic to think that a trade deficit=bad trading partner and surplus=good.  Even your own Aluminum manufactures have spoken out against these tariffs. They need our aluminum.

And yes, I’ve seen stats that say we are actually in a trade deficit with the US. But statistics can be interpreted or massaged to support whatever you want.

[signart]

We are a resource rich country and you have 10x our population. It’s not unreasonable to expect a trade deficit with us. And it isn’t a sign of you being taken advantage of.  It’s a little simplistic to think that a trade deficit=bad trading partner and surplus=good.  Even your own Aluminum manufactures have spoken out against these tariffs. They need our aluminum.

And yes, I’ve seen stats that say we are actually in a trade deficit with the US. But statistics can be interpreted or massaged to support whatever you want.

You're not paying attention, just let our guy handle it. He's a little busy right now trying to save the planet from nuclear disaster, but he'll get back to it.
What Canada and Mexico need to do meanwhile is join the U.S. in getting all their asses out a sling with the China trade deficit... which is HUUUUGE.

[Savago]

While the current administration is making enemies out of our old friends, China is busy luring Europe on their side: http://time.com/5289739/angela-merkel-china-trade-iran-nuclear-deal/

What I'm afraid that some people don't quite understand is that USA economy was once 38-45% of world GDP just after WWII. Sure, back in the day (like 50 years ago) the world had to bend itself backwards to make USA happy.

Guess what? Times change.

IIRC, today USA GDP is around 12-20% of the world's GDP (or 2-3x smaller comparatively speaking) at around 15.68 trillions.. Europe's combined GDP is actually bigger (16.62 trillions) and China comes close to USA at 10 to 12 trillions.

For details comparing USA x China economies: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2016-us-vs-china-economy/

When you are no longer the only 800lb gorilla in the room, you got play smarter than harder.

Pissing off old and reliable allies is just plain stupid.

[bscrive]

I heard on the radio that there is a growing sentiment for Canada to cancel the NAFTA talks. If they cancel the NAFTA deal than the US will no longer be getting cheap oil from us they would have to buy it at World Market price.  What a lot of people don't know is that we actually sell our oil to the US at a discounted price that is much less than what the going rate is on the world market. If Trump doesn't want to give us a fair deal then I say build the Kinder Morgan Pipeline and sell the oil to anyone who wants it.

[Gryphon Rider]

I heard on the radio that there is a growing sentiment for Canada to cancel the NAFTA talks. If they cancel the NAFTA deal than the US will no longer be getting cheap oil from us they would have to buy it at World Market price.  What a lot of people don't know is that we actually sell our oil to the US at a discounted price that is much less than what the going rate is on the world market. If Trump doesn't want to give us a fair deal then I say build the Kinder Morgan Pipeline and sell the oil to anyone who wants it.

Canada's oil isn't discounted to the US because we're being nice, it's because of lack of access (i.e. transportation of the oil) to other markets.  Also, cancelling NAFTA wouldn't automatically stop all trade between Canada and the US.  We were selling to the US before NAFTA, and will continue after.  The expanded pipeline to the coast will increase our leverage, however, as we'll have more buyers.

[carolinarider09]

Well according to Trump, Canada is a security threat, so he is putting tariffs on steel and aluminum.  We're sorry about being a security threat.
In light of that, we have decided to cancel our trip to the US at the end of this month and stay in Canada.  Wouldn't want to take the chance and spread our 'security threat'.  I guess China and Russia are fine though.
What a joke.

It took me awhile but i finally figured out (thanks to some news programs) what you were talking about.

It appears, in order for President Trump to re-nogtiate the NFTA deal, he needed to bring to light the need to change how trade between Canada and Mexico is being handled (in this case economic security).

As part of his power for National Security issues, he can state that a National Security issue (in this case trade has become a security issue in his opinion) and he can impose tariffs in the name of security. 

I don't think its a joke because we have a trade imbalance with Canada, Mexico, the EU, China, and Japan.  We have had this trade impedance for years and no one has done a thing about it.

Its time to re-negotiate the deal.  This is the first step.

[RP#62]

You guys are right.  How dare the US want to be on an even footing with its trading partners.  How dare they want tariffs to be reciprocal.  Only other countries should be allowed to protect their markets.

-RP

[bscrive]

It's perfectly fine to get a fair deal, but he is going about it the wrong way.  You don't just impose arbitrary tariffs and expect the world to bow to your whims.  The US is a large market, but if countries get fed up then they will take their business elsewhere and the US will be sitting there by themselves. 
Do you think Canada has the best deals with every country.  I am sure some of our trade deals suck, but we don't do arbitrary tariffs.  You sit back at the table and negotiate.  If the US has so many bad deals with the countries of the world then you really do need to get some better negotiators. 

[3fan4life]

If the US has so many bad deals with the countries of the world then you really do need to get some better negotiators. 

Why do you think we elected Trump? 

[Fla. Jim]

If the US has so many bad deals with the countries of the world then you really do need to get some better negotiators. 

Why do you think we elected Trump? 

Yes indeed that was one of his promises to US. So we said why not ! After all the best and brightest Dems and past Repubs got us here . It was get an outsider or expect more of the same BS. So we elected the only running Businessman. And lo and behold he is honoring his pledges to US. Unlike any other President in my lifetime. And I first voted for Nixon. And Wa-La here we be, Happy and Content in the Land of the Free!

[bludragon]

I live in Canada and spend on average about six weeks a year travelling to my southern neighbor. Donald Trump is living up to his promises made during his campaign " America First". Keeps his promises, more than I can say about our famous leader.  See ya at Inzane.

[Mapper]

Since Canada hasn't been hostile with us since the 90's...   







I would put the bad politics aside and consider this: are there places left in Canada that you either haven't seen yet and would want to, or would like to see again?  If so, why not go there instead?  If not, come visit USA --- in my world travels I have learned that you cannot judge a people by their politicians. 

It is your freedom to either be deterred or unswayed.

[Trynt]

Up front - I disagree with this protectionist policy.

Having said that, the way I see it isn't that he's saying Canada is a security threat as in "We can't trust Canadians, they're bad" or even "We can't trust Canada itself" or anything along those lines.

The security threat is that we need to encourage domestic production of the basics.

Look at it this way - your family tries to be self-reliant, you can make all you need except for cloth. You have to barter with your neighbor for cloth.

It would be in your best interest to get the tools and techniques to be able to make cloth yourself if at all possible.

That's not saying your cloth producing neighbors are bad or untrustworthy at all, it's just best that you're able to make it yourself as well...

Once again, I disagree with this policy, just AmericanSplaining it as I see it...

+1

[Alberta Patriot]

Trudeau got up on a podium and Whined and Pissed and Moaned about Nafta when Eastern Industries(Steel/Aluminum/Autos) were the target of Trump's Nafta comments.

Here in Alberta(and Sakatchewan) as a landlocked Province(s), our oil...and there is a cursed lot of it(170 Billion Barrels available right now)(3 Trillion More Down There but needs new technology to get at it)...is sitting in the ground because Trudeau has no balls to stand up to the Anti-Pipeline, Anti Human Population Activists. The 15 Trillion Dollars locked in the ground here makes Steel/Aluminum almost irrelevant if we had a leader with balls, a brain, and a plan.

Re: Canada as a security threat...Trudeau is certainly a risk to us here with his unvetted immigration policy...not sure how many will trickle across the border, but Mexico's border issues make our's look insignificant IMHO.

[bludragon]

Mapper,
So you know, the C....indicated at bottom of sleeve is NOT the Samantha Bee special lol.

[¿spoom]

Lots of good comments here. Very civilized considering the original premise & title. I would gently say that President Trump has never claimed Canada is a threat to America. Perhaps just semantics, but the reality is that America has been a threat to herself unless one is of the belief that America needs to be an autonomous part of a one world type structure. The US enjoyed a diverse set of circumstances to come out of WW2 damaged, but like Canada we were virtually untouched compared to much of the World. Canada's merchant marine almost single-handedly kept England alive before the isolationist leadership of the US finally began to support them with real numbers of food and war materiel, prior to Japan making our decision for us. Every countries' industries and economies constitute their homeland security, nations with no wealth or military get no say in what happens in the World, (or even to themselves) so it was easy and convenient for the President to use that particular power granted to him to "make it legal". Since the '50s, the US has both enjoyed and squandered a position of industrial and financial strength to the point where even the inability to make the interest payments on our debt without borrowing more went ignored when we continued to ship money to other countries to  "help them" even if they hated us or could support themselves. Little by little we exported our manufacturing jobs, raw and refined materials and even the ability to produce those materials to other countries, including our enemies. No, Canada is not a threat in sense of North vs South Korea, but the US cannot currently pay it's debt, fix it's healthcare system, produce competitive steel and aluminum in the amounts needed, because we have not had the will to do so. As far as "trade wars" goes, the EU currently has a tariff of 25% on cars coming from the US, and we have one of 10% on theirs coming here. If ending that and similar long term inequities is going to "force" them to slap tariffs on bourbon, Harleys and blue jeans, and force a trade war then let's roll up our sleeves and get it on. In the short run, it may harm the US population but I am OK with that. My generation has absolutely screwed the pooch for their own grandchildren with our debt, perhaps we can at least have the courage to take on a little pain right now to apologize and start getting the Country able to right itself in the next 50-100 years.    

[Alberta Patriot]

All Very good comments ¿spoom.
Re: Canada and WW2...Over the course of the war, more than 1.1 million Canadians served in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and in forces across the Commonwealth. A very significant number of the total population of 11 million.... More than 44,000 lost their lives and 54,000 were wounded.(Wikipedia)
Wars were not fought in the "Progressive Anti-War Press" in those days...soldiers were not commanded to wait for the enemy to shoot first.
Re: Debt...Canada is carrying a debt load of about $650B CDA($490B US) and enjoy a massive 10 fold  friendly market just to the South of us...We are blessed with that fact...much of the world should be so fortunate. We also benefit from protection of US Military Might.

[Raider]

It's perfectly fine to get a fair deal, but he is going about it the wrong way.  You don't just impose arbitrary tariffs and expect the world to bow to your whims.  The US is a large market, but if countries get fed up then they will take their business elsewhere and the US will be sitting there by themselves. 
Do you think Canada has the best deals with every country.  I am sure some of our trade deals suck, but we don't do arbitrary tariffs.  You sit back at the table and negotiate.  If the US has so many bad deals with the countries of the world then you really do need to get some better negotiators. 

You do realize that he first attempted to renegotiate NAFTA to re-balance the trade and make it more fair, right?  This wasn't simply a whim.

[Rams]

I heard on the radio that there is a growing sentiment for Canada to cancel the NAFTA talks. If they cancel the NAFTA deal than the US will no longer be getting cheap oil from us they would have to buy it at World Market price.  What a lot of people don't know is that we actually sell our oil to the US at a discounted price that is much less than what the going rate is on the world market. If Trump doesn't want to give us a fair deal then I say build the Kinder Morgan Pipeline and sell the oil to anyone who wants it.

Canada's oil isn't discounted to the US because we're being nice, it's because of lack of access (i.e. transportation of the oil) to other markets.  Also, cancelling NAFTA wouldn't automatically stop all trade between Canada and the US.  We were selling to the US before NAFTA, and will continue after.  The expanded pipeline to the coast will increase our leverage, however, as we'll have more buyers.

Agreed.   

Let us also not forget that the US also has huge untapped sources of crude oil, mostly due to the lessor cost of other sources for crude than tapping our own sources.  Things will even out in the long run, the goal is not to punish Canada but to level the playing field with China and a few other countries.  Unfortunately, the "security" thing includes all and did not allow to protect our friends as I understand it.

Rams

[Robert]

We find out a couple of more particulars of the relationship between Canada and the US. Plus while other countries have been able to grasp the financial blessings and been able to build a better life for their people it was the US that helped financially and technically and set standards for the rest of the world to come up to.

 Today we are still the most resource rich country in the world and now is a major oil exporting country. As for technology much has come from the US and improved living conditions in the whole world. We really dont need to get oil from anywhere else we just need to stop the crooks and the stock exchange from reaping a profit at the cost of the average man. While the EU may have combined GDP of (16.62 trillions) and China comes close to USA at 10 to 12 trillions. That is all of Europe and not one country. China is the actually the elephant in the room that no one is talking about.

Another benefit of being on the same body of land is the US protects North America and South America and the fact that Canada, Mexico spend much less protecting their people because the US spends on defense is also a factor in the economy of these countries. No country on this continent besides the US has the ability to have this type of military innovation and contribution to the world as a whole. What is the cost savings to Canada and Mexico to rely on the US strength and might to protect this side of the world. Yet Canada has tariffs on the US why, isn't that a little like having your cake and eating it too?

The G7 summit has changed radically with Trump and he will be under much pressure from the other leaders that have sold out to each other to build a world without walls. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this resistance. This is the true resistance and not the false fight the Dems put up as affront to the people of the US. Canada is and always will be a very close ally, close with proximity and close in most ideals but the truth needs to be told. The false indignation of some needs to stop this is about finances and not the people.

 Canadians need to hope Trump succeeds where others and their PM will not and have not. Because if he fails we can look to Canada as an even more open boarder society with the problems associated with it.

Donald J. Trump
‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump

Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the U.S. and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn’t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy — hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!


Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump

Why isn’t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the U.S. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!

Tomorrow's G7, or rather G6+1 meeting, is shaping up to be one for the ages.

As we reported previously, chancellor Merkel already was setting the ground for the Toronto showdown among the world's top political leaders, vowing to challenge Donald Trump on virtually every issue, from trade to climate, and warning that the lack of room for compromise means leaders may fail to agree on a final statement, an unprecedented event at a summit of the world's 7 most advanced nations.

Then, earlier today, in comments made alongside Canada PM Justin Trudeau in Ottawa, French President Emmanuel Macron said that no head of state is "eternal” and that he stands ready to work with the six other Group of Seven members if U.S. wants to stand alone.

[northernvalk]

"Today we are still the most resource rich country in the world"........This must be turning a blind eye to WATER....? And the Russians may have us beat also, but the data is sparse.