Years ago, it became evident that the ultra-right conservative movement in the U.S. (highlighted by the Tea Party) was creeping into Canadian politics. This was particularly true when the Reform Party of Preston Manning consolidated with the former Progressive Conservative party to create the Conservative party of Stephen Harper. After 9/11, a certain portion of Canadian society adapted many of the same attitudes of American conservatives, especially toward national security, guns and immigration.
The Conservative federal government in Canada displayed a similar position toward guns as the American right does. Indeed, it eliminated the national gun registry and loosened the criteria regulating restricted and prohibited weapons, including numerous semi-automatic assault rifles. Canada even has an equivalent to the American National Rifle Association in the National Firearms Association, which lobbies for reduced gun control measures. Trumpism of course supports the right of every American to carry guns, even into bars.
When it comes to immigration, there is a segment of the Canadian population that believes there is a need to institute greater screening processes. Indeed, one candidate in the current Conservative leadership race, Kellie Leitch, proposed that immigrants and refugees be screened for ‘anti-Canadian values’. This position is similar to that of Americans who support stronger screening of immigrants from countries known to have factions opposed to U.S. interests abroad, including banning immigration from certain countries and groups.
Trumpism excels at the ‘blame game’. Former President Harry S. Truman was iconically quoted as stating: “The buck stops here”. Under Trumpism, the buck appears to always stop elsewhere. Among Canadians, there are those that refuse to accept responsibility for their conditions and actions. Instead, it much easier to blame the so-called ‘establishment’, government, free trade, immigrants, ‘lefties’, the media, the weather, and anything else that irritates them.
Whether one agrees or not, there is little doubt that Trumpism appeals to a segment of a population that screams “I’m mad and I won’t take it anymore”. Everything can be put into simple “black and white” terms, omitting the reality that there are many “grey” areas. Trumpism declares it own truths, even though the facts say otherwise and demonstrate complexities. Instead, slogans replace well constructed policies and fear takes the place of hope, inclusion and collaboration. Hopefully, Canadians won’t succumb to Trumpism.
FROLITICKS 