Avoiding US goods and services – from tech to whisky to air travel – has forced many to find a new way of living
This week the US imposed 50% tariffs on US$20bn (£15bn) of Canadian goods, and Mark Carney, the country’s prime minister, has vowed to match them “dollar for dollar” after the collapse of trade talks between the two countries last weekend. Donald Trump retaliated on Thursday by ordering the federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America.
Such actions have added fuel to a widespread boycott of US products and services by Canadians that began early last year in response to the president’s trade war and threats to annex his northern neighbour.
More than 3,500 people from across Canada shared with the Guardian via an online callout how they have made changes to their lives in response to the US administration’s political and economic stance. Many expressed deep anger and sadness, but remained resolute that this was now a new way of living.
I don’t hate anyone, but I do have a hard time letting half-truths go unchallenged. And I will call a dumb trollbot a dumb trollbot!
My whole point is, if you’re not happy where you are – Go! Find your happy place! Somehow, me advising people to find their happy place “isn’t fair” or “being rude”. WTF!!! Personally, I 100% intend to return to Malaysia. America isn’t now, or will it ever, say “YOU CAN’T LEAVE HERE!”. All these bots saying “I’m trapped” and then scream bloody murder when I show them they’re not… It’s hilarious.
If you’re not happy where you are, go find a place where you can be! The world does not exist to provide you happiness. You have have to go find it. That’s part of being a grown-up. But some people would rather sit on a screen and complain all day long. What – you think the government is going to come knocking on your door, ask you where you’d like to go, and give you a free plane ticket? Not gonna happen. You gotta get off your butt and make it happen.
One more year here and then I retire to a small hut on a beach near Kuantan!