The news that Canada and the European Union are considering an “associate status” for the decidedly not European country suggests that efforts at moving beyond US hegemony are under way. Whether such an arrangement would benefit Canada, the EU, both or neither is separate from the directional soundness of the effort: trying to leave the US behind, or at least minimizing contact with it, is a good idea.
Trump responded to the news by declaring that the US would consider a new Canada-EU relationship a “hostile act” and threatened to cut off trade with Europe. This reaction is a masterclass in proving the wrong point – and another instance of foolish tactics. By protesting too much, Trump betrays that he does care a great deal. Unwise. Unsound. Pathetic.
We can’t ignore the stupidity of the Trump administration and its true believers, but nor should we assume it’s a new, inevitable normal. Ultimately, there are more people who want a return to a saner world than there are those who wish to live in idiocy; we should band together and do the work to get ourselves there. Thankfully, that work has already begun.
Category: Health
Thousands of containers filled with food, medicine and other goods bound for Cuba have been stranded throughout the Caribbean since two shipping giants stopped deliveries to avoid tough U.S. sanctions, according to diplomats, Cuban officials, merchants and others involved in the imports.
The containers stranded in various ports include humanitarian aid, from solar panels to medication to colostomy bags. Dozens of containers of aid purchased by different United Nations agencies are among them.
U.S. sanctions have also hobbled shipments by air, and forced the World Health Organization to scrap planned deliveries of cancer drugs.
NY Times: Trump’s Economic Vise Leaves Cubans Desperate for Food and Medicine (Archived)
Canada’s enthusiasm for closer EU ties is real, and so is the EU’s need for allies beyond America.
Anand Sundar, European Council on Foreign Relations:
As the United States estranges its allies, the EU has an opportunity to position itself as an alternative geopolitical anchor. New forms of association could help the EU build the capacity to act as a genuine world power. But to succeed, “associate EU membership” must be narrow but deep. Narrow in that it stops short of single market access or freedom of movement (not because it is undesirable but because it is currently unworkable); deep in that it can provide the basis for a unique alliance on security, defence and resilience—and offer a template for co-operation with other allies.
“We heard from Manitobans loud and clear – no more changing the clocks in Manitoba,” announced Premier Wab Kinew.
Permanent daylight saving time is good for our health, good for business and good for parents. For families, especially those with young kids, that one-hour shift can disrupt sleep and routines for days. This change means one less adjustment families have to deal with each spring and fall. That’s why this November, your clocks won’t be changing.