My previous post centred around that loud-mouthed 'diplomat', Pete Hoekstra, and his incessant nattering which, I guess, is supposed to put us in our place. When Uncle Sam's emissaries speak, we are supposed to listen and click our heels, no matter how much threatening, bellicose nonsense they may spew.
Well, many take issue with both the content and the tone of Hoekstra's delivery when talking to Canada. Here is a measure of their displeasure.
It’s time to stop giving U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra a platform and a voice to malign and threaten his host country. He is not living up to his post as Ambassador which includes promoting his nation’s interests through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange. Not “f-bombs” and schoolyard bullying.
In any other circumstances and from any other country, this man would be declared “persona-non-grata” and thrown out for his egregious behaviour. But of course, since we’re walking on the eggshells that U.S. President Donald Trump has strewn before us, our politicians have to be the adults in the room and behave with tact and clearer heads.
The only thing we can do, and should do, is shut him up by ignoring him completely and not inviting him to ever address another audience in Canada again.
Bonnie Beaudry, Burlington, ON
U.S. wants us to buy American arms, not defend ourselves
Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s insistence on Canada buying U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets confirms a suspicion I’ve had for some time. U.S. President Donald Trump wants us to massively increase our military budget, not so we can defend ourselves, but so that we’ll spend lots of money on American arms.
Elizabeth Block, Toronto
Let’s renew CUSMA before we buy any jets
Here’s the deal Ambassador Hoekstra: No decision regarding further purchases of your F-35 fighter jets until AFTER the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement is renewed.
Robert Woodcock, North York
Canadians traditionally have been a very reasonable, accommodating people. Clearly, Mr. Hoekstra and the mad king he works for have misinterpreted that national characteristic as a weakness inviting rampant abuse. One hopes the unfolding of events ultimately convinces them otherwise.
