The term snowflake has traditionally been used by the right to denigrate progressives; it is a pejorative suggesting that the left is too easily offended by things the right represents. However, during the tenure of Herr Trump's second presidency, it seems to be a more apt description of the right.
We now know how easily offended they have become; for example, anything less than a full-throated endorsement of the late Charlie Kirk sends them into paroxysms of indignation and rage. Indeed, that inability to tolerate any criticism or alternative view led to the removal of Jimmy Kimmel (now reinstated), threats of retaliation, firing of professors, etc. And, of course, Trump's thin skin is legendary, prompting him to go after those he feels have wronged him, i.e. criticized him in any manner.
The entire regime sings from the same hymn book. One of the more recent examples is to be found in the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, clutching his pearls over what he feels is an insufficient deference to and adulation of his benighted country by Canadians.
“I’m disappointed that I came to Canada, a Canada (where) it is very, very difficult to find Canadians who are passionate about the American-Canadian relationship,” said Hoekstra during a luncheon with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
While we undoubtedly grieve over Hoekstra's hurt feelings, we are not about to embrace him and his values.
"When you kick the dog, you can't blame it for snarling back," said Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association and member of the prime minister's Canada-U.S. relations council.
"It's gaslighting 101," Volpe added. "You probably should get someone to tell him a little bit more about how to properly do Canada-U.S. diplomacy, but I'm not sure he'd listen."
In an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that airs Sunday morning, Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer said any time a foreign country slaps tariffs or raises the idea of annexation, "of course Canadians are going to react negatively to that."
One would think that would be obvious to everyone, but perhaps the American hubris and arrogance is so great they cannot conceive of anyone thinking ill of them.
Perhaps, too, the delicate Mr. Hoekstra should be shielded from this fact: Canadians are continuing to shun travel to the U.S.
That big reduction amounted to a 32.4 per cent drop in the number of Canadian-resident return trips from the United States in July. About 2.6 million trips meeting that criteria were made, Statistics Canada said.
The animus toward the U.S. is widespread and deeply felt by Canadians. Consider these two letters from The Star:
Canadians are passionate, just not about the tire fire south of the border
Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, is disappointed we are not passionate about the American-Canadian relationship.
Is he not paying attention?
I believe Canadians are passionate about peace, order and good governance. And good governance means good for all citizens, not just those who agree with you. The majority of us still aspire to a more just, equitable and inclusive society. “Elbows up” is not just about tariffs. It’s also about values. We are not passionate about our relationship with Russia or China. Those countries and the U.S. can govern themselves however they see fit. That is their prerogative. But we don’t have to agree or like it.
I am passionate about our relationship with the U.S. and am very concerned. I am sure many other Canadians are as well. I am concerned their democracy is in trouble.
It disappoints me ambassador Hoekstra doesn’t seem to understand that.
Stan Spicker, Midland, Ont.
Ambassador not thrilled with Canada’s ‘elbows up’ attitude. Too bad
U.S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra doesn’t like the idea the Canadian elbow is in the eye of their economic interest . Tough!
Canada is not your 51st state and freedom of speech and ‘elbows up’ is a Canadian democratic right.
The U.S. ambassador may believe the unjust tariffs imposed on Canada are a goodwill gesture, and the fascist state of mind of the United States is something to which Canadians should acquiesce. But Canadians would be wise to remind him he is a guest here in this country and we don’t appreciate being lectured to by a foreign government who turns a blind eye to the genocide that is taking place in Gaza.
We as Canadians want a good relationship with our neighbour from the south, but we are well-educated adults and we are quite capable of conducting our affairs without joining United States or accepting their propaganda.
Elbows up is a slogan of importance and Mr. Ambassador should feel lucky it’s not the middle finger.
Cran Campbell, Langley, B.C.
The sun is rapidly setting on the American empire, leaving its citizens in a darkness that seems to be both impenetrable and irreversible.
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