Close Reading

I never thought that in my lifetime I would see, as I do now, the once might USA become a vassal state of Russia. How the mighty have fallen! What makes it worse is that the (new) US leader is in no way responsible to the US electorate and is a War Criminal as recognised by the International Criminal Court. President Putin is his name.\n\nLuckily, many Americans quite like this state of affairs.

Deterioration of relations? That's an understatement,\nAn increasingly large percentage of Canadians now see the United States as our enemy - 27% a couple of weeks ago. As of today, I expect that's up to at least 50%.\nPrior to November, that number would have been negligible. Pollsters never thought it relevant enough to ask before a few weeks ago.\nYou're running out of allies, America. Soon it will just be you and Russia.\nWhich, I'm sure, will delight Putin and his agent, your Felon in Chief.

I never thought I’d see the day when the President of the United States would launch a trade war against a staunch ally & friend, while sucking up to the murderous Russian dictator Putin. Stand strong Canada, the free world - what’s left of it - support & stand with you! ❤❤❤

Never would I have ever thought that I am happy that world leaders are against America but we are here. I fought for this nation, and we elected a dictator

I'd rather move to Canada. Never thought I would ever say that.

I never thought I’d live long enough to watch the fall of our American democracy. And I don’t say this lightly. When we begin these ill thought out and economically foolish trade wars; when we attempt to hurt our allies and neighbors and distance our self from our Democratic partners in favor of communist Russia, how can you say that our democracy is not in jeopardy. And we now have billionaires who are not responsible to the electorate, dictating policy in order to grow their enormous wealth even more and do so unchallenged with the protection of the government, does that not look like a country that doesn’t have long . And to these Republicans, who are spineless and care more about their job, their position and their pocketbook rather than their duty to their country and the constitution, how dare you. Disgrace.

I never thought this would happen

Him slapping excessive tariffs on many countries will only hurt Americans. He never thought that these countries will do the same to America.

I don't stand with a priminister who takes his peoples guns and freezes their bank accounts. I feel for their people. I've spent a lot of time in Canada, and I can say they never mess around at the border. I thought the tariff wasn't going to be levied against Canada. Not happy about it.

i hope you can stand the eventuality and significant economic and interpersonal effect this will promote. i agree principally with none of this, its unnecessary and extremist in leaning. but i can stand it and saw this ahead of time as eventual. my question is can you stand these economic effects . did they ask you on the campaign trail? well . i also suspect as an independent that we will be both affected and tested. Consider those in power in government and big business who see to these situations becoming realities for American citizens , remember they live in mansions and have generational wealth. they can lose billions and withstand it. They will not now or ever feel the effects of their poorly thought through actions. we will. we will have to. I'll never ask anyone to do something i wont.i suspect our leading majority which i came from formerly up until this point wont balance this situation. keep that in mind.

I thought this mug stood down? Whats he still doing spouting absolute b0llocks on the world stage? Never forgie,never forget, 'Canadian Truckers' - What a eunich - love theway he's banging on about 'what he is doing now', once he was backed into a corner! His 'word', about worth as much as a penny farthing!

I was almost born in Canada but because of an thyroid illness they did not aprove my mom to come to Canada (late 50`s) So my dad and grandfather decided to stay in the Netherlands. I have a soft spot for Canada........ could have been my home country. Good luck to all of us against dictators and bullies in this world. Who would have thought this will happen after 80 years of peace after a terrible world war and now becoming a threath again because of a few, so called wise men but actually todlers that never want to give in.

Little Trump is not a president nor is he a businessman. He’s a scared little rat a draft dodger and think America if he was afraid to fight in the war then what makes us think that he would protect us now he’s a scared rat. He’s afraid of his own shadow. The family kids and the grandchildren are the ones that are going to feel the damage he will do to this country in four years. I feel so sorry for our men and women in the military now and our veterans are taking a pounding very sad . He’s only doing it to benefit for his own greed. Very sad human being. He’s miserable he’s depressed. You can see it in his face. He was a piece of shit to the American people before he ever even thought of being a president he owes contractors millions of dollars through his life no wonder he has a bull’s-eye on his back and they say he can’t sleep at night well, I wonder why he fucked the American people and he will keep fucking American people nobody will stop him He will keep fucking us until he’s done. And after all that damage that he will do to this country, in the four years it will be so damaged. It will never heal.

I'm usually reasonable enough to realize that while I may disagree with many policy decisions, there's usually a relatively coherent line of thought to back said actions up. The problem here is that there’s no clear logic behind using tariffs as a tool to curb fentanyl trafficking or immigration. I'm not going to speak on the issue of immigration at the Canadian border because there simply is none. Yes, there are illegals from Canada, but almost 100% of them are from overstaying visas rather than crossing the border unlawfully. So let's talk about fentanyl. \n\nMost fentanyl in the US originates from China, often in precursor form, and is then processed in Mexico before being smuggled into the states. But it's typically trafficked in small, high potency quantities, often hidden in legitimate shipments or through mail, and only on very rare occasions is it being brought in by individuals crossing the border. It has _never_ been documented to have shipped in as part of large scale commercial imports, so a 25% tariff on legal trade with Canada and Mexico doesn’t directly target the black market supply chain at all.\n\nIf we take Trump’s reasoning at face value, the argument seems to be that he wants to exert economic pressure on Mexico and Canada as a means of having them crack down harder on drug trafficking networks. But the issue is that fentanyl simply isn’t coming in through mass import channels, so all this looks like is a punitive measure without a clear mechanism to actually achieve its stated goal. And the implications? Drastically higher costs for consumers in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with absolutely nothing to show for it.

As a US citizen, who voted for Trump three times, i never thought id agree with Trudeau. \nThe US cannot win a trade war, the US versus the world. It's simple mathematics, and in the geopolitical realm, What Trump is doing is going to push countries away from US influence. \nI'm all for putting the US first, I'm all for cutting the federal government fat, and I'm all for making sure we the people come first, but I'm also smart enough to know that anytime the US has gone into isolationism, it's led to global conflict.

So trump/america destroys it's friendship/trade with all it's allies to suck up to a Russian dictator?please make it make sense please!!!!also...never thought i would ever agree with anything Justin trudeau said but hey his definitely right on this one?

This breaks my heart. Most Americans voted against this evil man. Elon used his starlink to rob our country of its best friend. Our Candian friend. We are a pariah in the world today. I never in my life thought I would have a Russian asset and a nazi running my country. I'm devastated.

To be honest,as Ukrainian i cought myself at thought ,watching TV at same time while preparing my dinner and listening work of air def on attack drones,and i saw US tv show about some CIA agents and their talk about US principals etc....and i felt strong phisical disgust...well i never have this before.?

It don’t make sense and I’m sorry to the rest of the world cause this man is destroying our continent never in my life I would of thought a Russian news reporter was in the freaking White House, Ronald is rolling in his grave ?

Never thought i'd See trudea as a Hero..!!

Never thought I’d say a wet noodle like Trudeau is better than our president lol

Donald Trump is an accomplice of a war criminal. Russia has kidnapped 70,000 Ukrainian children. Russia invaded a sovereign country. This is the ultimate shame for the USA. I would never have thought that one day. Shame on America.

maga shiteheads: this is how words are formed to make full sentences - quick and easy, to form a clear message. \never heard trump talk like a man? or even a teen? let me ask you.. someone who can barely form a thought and put it into words is, in your opinion, qualified to lead an entire country? because you're in the #FO stage, deservingly.

Mr. Trudeau, don't waste your time to talk to Trump. Trump is that stupid thug who never makes sophisticated thoughts. Trump is playing some PC game, and people are of no worth for him. Neither american, nor any others. Trump is pathetic liar, who will keep doing stupid things. Presedency is just a game for that thug to have some fun in his otherwise senseless life.

Trump has done something id never thought id see. \n\nHe got all of us to agree with Tredeau.

I never thought I would see the day that the USA would be the only country in the free world without a president, and our identity as a trusted ally has been completely and irreparably destroyed

I am USA citizen! We stand with Canada! Please adopt me?. I’m truly saddened with what we are living now. I never thought in my lifetime. I will see my country regress in time it is hurtful.

Dear Mr. President Trump, would you please reconsider welcoming these wonderful fellow North Americans living in these TEN Canadian Provinces, not as the 51st State, but as TEN States, when being invited into the United States of America? These Canadian Provinces being Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.\n\nSuggested is to make Canada’s existing 10 Provinces into 10 individual United States States. Canada will benefit with a strong 10 State influence within 60 United States governance affairs. Benefits are 10 more States on a balanced display welcomed as 10 white stars within the beautiful United States of America field of Blue of our Flag. Other countries will see North America’s Great Power when 60 glorious States, when combined, and working well together, communicating best when communicating with each other only in English, when English is the United States official National Language. No more Government waste of having multi language signage. Another geologically considered North American country, Greenland, with 4 more territories may wish to add four more States, as well as the many existing United States Territories across the globe may desire Statehood. The Sun will never set on the United States. As for 10 Canadian States, think of the  benefit of 20 mostly conservative thinking U.S. Senators which equals a larger majority of conservative votes in the larger U.S. Senate when composed of 120 Senatorial political leaders. 120 U.S. Senators keep the Filibuster procedure balanced. 10 Canadian Provinces converted into 10 United States States equals many more conservative House of Representatives votes enhancing the conservative majority of political leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives. So many good reasons why Canada’s 10 Provinces, with a mostly conservative thinking population of thinkers, should be transformed into 10 new United States States, not just one United States. Yes....10 more States that is the helpful way forward for the United States to have a very dominant conservative thinking population of United States Congress Political Leaders, resulting in a long term more stable United States Congress representing 60 United States, thinking more conservative, thinking more logical, thinking more common sense thoughts, thinking more capitalist job creation thoughts, thinking more tax cut thoughts, are just some of the benefits of having 60 United States of America States on  display, and functioning efficiently going forward for all the World’s Countries to marvel at.

I’m American and never thought our despicable president would be so low as to alienate our dear friends to the north! Shame on maga and Trump supporters that gave him this power god bless Canada and god please don’t forsake our country we are not our leader!

The THING never thought it wil backfire , but he must keep his campaign alive. The tariffs will not impact on his millions , obtained from the ordinary Americans

Europe stands with Canada, we are all astonished by learning that the ones whom we thought to be our biggest friends have betrayed us and made friends with a russian dictator. We will never forget this nor forgive this betrayal.... it will be written in history books.

I never thought I would agree with Trudeau 1 to 1

Finally someone not just screaming doom and gloom, but actually explaining ins and outs, and showcasing that there is a solution. Especially, I really like the idea that the brain drain and worker drain could be replaced with more smart automation to support the aging population. Interesting perspective I have never thought of.

Huh, I guess I never put a lot of thought into the Canadian border. Grew up near El Paso, so all I saw was the southern border crisis.

I did my tour in the early 80’s and I can promise you the subordinates in today’s Navy only followed this Officer her/it/he because of fear of being reprimanded. The visual alone is something that will never fly in military readiness. Her/it/he would have never made it back when strength mattered. Geeeez the thought of my taxes paying for his surgery is nauseating!

Wow, as a Canadian woman i never thought i would side with a Saudi Arabian man OVER The President of The United States of America!!!! .... i mean, WT actual F!!!

????I couldn’t resist answering this. , married an American , moved and lived there for 9 years, ran for the border with wings on my feet , appalled at the guns. , school shootings and everyone packing a gun,, , prejudice against anyone of colour ,,lack off decent healthcare, so uneducated about the rest of the world , , and thinking they were better than any other country. ,, how wrong they are ,, why we NEVER WANT TO BE A 51 st STATE,, SO PERISH THE THOUGHT AMERICANS…WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY , NOT PRFECT BUT,,,,,BETTER THAN THE USA. ,,,THE TRUTH ??????❤️❤️❤️❤️?

I never thought Indians can protest in America and complain about anything I never thought they even cared about the issues in America I’m really surprised they are even deporting them never knew Indias are even illegal immigrated ?? ???

I never thought I'd see a time when criminals are in shackles....i'm appalled!

Never thought that id be watching a main news program where the guest and the presenter are both pretending to be women???

I always viewed Canada and US as brothers, elder being a bully and the younger just going about its business. I never ever thought it will come to this... and If he occupies Greenland it will also loose the EU. What if BRICS and EU goes against US? Initially it might bring more jobs and money to US but this will be the last nail in the coffin, for some reasons I feel the beginning of the end for US has begun.

Should have thought that one through and actually negotiated with the businessman instead of causing his country more problems.....but we are talking about the dummy who used a mass shooting to ban more guns even though all the weapons used in that mass shooting were already banned. Have never seen any item that said made in Canada so all he's doing is hurting his own country....same with Mexico that lets itself be used as a highway.

When since you Americans are barely surviving?..the way you are boasting about America we thought you all are rich...this is why those people wants to come there and experience some of the 'good' life you all claim to be having. America is not a nice place to live because the people there have no class morals, behavior and are crude and crass to other humans. I am Jamaican and would never live in THAT RAT HOLE called America ????

Somalia is the land of pirates. Just saying! They all got to go! God Bless Donald Trump for finally turning things back in American taxpayer's favor placing American family safety as a priority. Democrats are a complete disgrace for what they have done to America! They all thought this would never happen with them taking total control of America, just dumb! MAGA is the beat!

I never would have thought I would LIKE a CNN produced video.

My lord ….why people don’t understand about rules . Did everyone are forgetting about 911 !?!?? Do the right thing for better future nature. But !?The problem this society social media, make people jealous about life things, materials things, make people do bad things . For that !? We are destroying the world ? . I remember when the dollar was less than 2 reais, Brazilian currency . The time was the President George W. Bush family . I never forget the tragedy on the 911 . I remember The US , send Military to find the responsible the 911 , lots money was involved to support the soldiers .Lots country the time was not involved in the 911 . But did get the chance pays all the bills too “ because the money was going down quickly , gave one good opportunity to payback he United States money ?. Then thought The Americans never get back after, 911 !? Americans are amazing people, because they’re responsible pay for their own taxes , to support the country . Resume :::::::1= pays the bills to the United States of America, so the people from another country don’t live , to come to America ??. 2= make the money universal : if don’t “ the war will getting worse . The president the United States of America , Trump deserves respect ?? if you don’t . Bad times come true , to kip the American save . So much things to do with this planet ?, but people’s always want burn ? petroleum, for not being productive enough to care about the environment planet ?. We must use more Electric ⚡️ cars , to have better chance future rainy . ?

Visa rejection rate has always been high, the interview process is highly arbitrary. There is no logic to the rejection, it's dependent on on perception of the person interviewing and therefore can be highly biased. It's not right to assume and generalize that Indians are a nation of people where most have bad behaviour - this thought process is itself wrong. As an individual do any of us think that we travel just to indulge in reckless behavior? That is never a first thought - let's not generalize and have a better opinion of fellow citizens. We will be respected by outsiders if we first have respect and a positive opinion as regards each other.

I never thought he was

Germany as a society never bothered to learn what is like to live with foreiners. The society doesnt think or care about learning or teaching reapect towards different culture. At first i thought its just a matter of time, but after over 10 yrs here i realised that they dont really 'intend' to accept this new segment of tax payers. They just 'try' to 'tolerate' AT BEST. Germany is so culturally behind. Missed entire 90s when other countries learn about globalisation and all, because the mighty Germany doesnt need anything other than glorious themselves who has everything and can provide everything themselves. I was never intend to settle down in Germany so i didnt bother so much, but seems to me they are missing out for those who came with intention of staying.. shame.

i never thought i’d be a right winger as a gay canadian who is not even 30 but it’s actually insane seeing the sheer number of brown people everywhere. barely working, not speaking english, nothing