First, let me be ice-crystal clear: it would be a cold day in ABSOLUTE ZERO HELL before it would ever happen.

Second, if it were, in some alternate universe of stupidity and abject negligence, to happen, it would create the biggest, most disgruntled, most fired-up mass of ultra-democratic, axe-to-grind voters around. To put it in the over-used and cringeworthy parlance of some, “the likes of which you’ve never seen.”

Third, just no. No. Period. Full stop. Not doing it. You can’t make me.

I did some rough math recently. All in – food items, clothes and other goods, services, etc. – our household spent 10-12 thousand dollars on U.S. things directly last year. Multiply that by 25 million or so households, and you quickly get in the neighbourhood of a quarter of a trillion (yes, with a ‘T’) dollars. That’s a fair bit.

As one who had the great fortune of having been born in this country, and who has lived here for more than half a century, I can confirm that there are only two other times when I’ve felt so chillingly haunted by such an existential threat: the early 80s fear of nuclear annihilation, and 9/11.

Never before has there been such unity in national pride, patriotism, and steadfast commitment to stand on guard for thee, Canada, and also spend on guard for thee, too.

And by the way, you can grow a whole lot of things, including oranges, in greenhouses. Year-round. There’s an investment opportunity.

Our country is also quite well-educated, formally and informally, and we are, generally, highly aware of current events. My own somewhat unusual combination of an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master’s Degree in Criminology has been highly relevant throughout my adult life. Particularly of late.

I suggest we all keep the strong coffee (or tea – your preference) coming to stay sharp and frosty, and steel ourselves against repetitive rhetoric.

Let’s continue to stand on guard and united in protecting our Already Great True North Strong and Free.