We are Americans.
We are the most powerful nation on the planet.
What defines us is not our power to dominate the weak.
What demonstrates our character is not our capacity to traumatize the afflicted.
What speaks our truth is not how we taunt, deride or belittle the embattled, broken or battered.
We are:
The country of the Marshall Plan
The nation of The Berlin Airlift
The nation whose leader said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
We are at our best when we are resolute against evil -- not when we kowtow to those who perpetrate it.
We tell our truth when we defend the weak -- not when we do it only if we get protection money.
We are America when our leaders call the dictators dictators and those who fight to defend democracy against tyranny what they are: heroes.
Donald Trump and JD Vance didn't show strength today -- they showed weakness.
They belittled a giant and showed just how small they are.
They have the most vaunted titles in the world: President and Vice President of The United States of America. But the title doesn't make the man. And today both men brought shame to their titles.
A weary warrior was before them. A beleaguered man who has lost thousands of his friends and comrades to the unjust and illegal aggression of an authoritarian leader.
They showed no grace; no magnanimity of spirit; no diplomatic acumen. They were small bullies with big titles and they disrespected the history and legacy of the nation they lead.
Today, Donald Trump acted more like Russia's Putin than America's President.
Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine.
For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.
Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.
There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.
Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.
I get where you’re coming from—Trump’s rhetoric can be polarizing. But if we look beyond the tone, the U.S.-Canada partnership does exist and has worked well for decades. Our economies are intertwined: $2 billion crosses the border in trade daily, and industries like auto manufacturing and energy rely on seamless cooperation.
Sure, Trump’s approach might feel aggressive, but big ideas often spark strong reactions. The challenge—and opportunity—is to channel this moment into something that strengthens both nations without compromising Canada’s values or autonomy. A true partnership is about finding common ground, not just accepting demands.
How do you think Canada can best assert its own interests while keeping the benefits of cross-border trade?
NEW: U.S. President-elect Trump says he wants to use "economic force" to "get rid of that artificially drawn line" between Canada and the U.S.
Trump also says the U.S. doesn't need Canadian vehicle exports and says he would "rather make them in Detroit."
#onpoli#cdnpoli
@NurseNicoletta@JackSlipperyEel@jen_keesmaat How about we stop subsidizing autos. Much larger subsidization than transit. The efforts being discussed are simply trying to make the city better and fairer.
@JackSlipperyEel@jen_keesmaat No it’s not babe. People have children, responsibilities, work, etc. Don’t have time to spend 4 hours on transit everyday. How about we stop subsidizing public transit and see how much it costs then hmmm. Let me guess you live in DT.
@chzy also shares what it was like discussing with @WoodyZuill and @LlewellynFalco and reflects on the transformative role mob programming has played in his career.
Hey #RailsWorld we're hiring a product manager. In fact our first ever dedicated product manager. It's not a "code in rails every day" job but you'll be working with the team that does. If you're interested in talking or know someone who is @ me.
A bunch of my friends are at Rails World. Since you're in the shithole that is Toronto (sorry, for you Americans, the lovely example of what a city _could_ be), you should go to good places.
Please visit Au Pain Doré, 81 Front St. East. Cheezy will be there from 4pm - 8pm, and he will agree with you when you tell him how much you hate me.
@chzy The w Toronto on e bloor. Tonight I'm headed to some casino to see the drop kick Murphy's. Tomorrow the conference goes until 530 then there's some after party thing from 630-10 but I'm happy to be fashionably late to that if your free to catch up