Elbows Up

Two weeks ago, I had a conversation I never thought I'd have with my brother: should we start learning to shoot in anticipation of a potential U.S. invasion?

It probably won’t happen. Not because the orange potato to the south isn’t serious about his threats, but rather because his administration lacks the wherewithal to accomplish such a monumental undertaking. Because the U.S. is too busy devouring itself to devour us. Because the U.S. is not actually prepared for decades of insurgency across the world’s largest land border. But Trump’s threats have made me face questions I never thought I would seriously have to consider. Am I prepared to fight for my country? Kill for it? Die for it?

U.S. aggression is changing the way I think about my career as well. As a policy analyst at an economic think-tank, I am one of the few people whose job security may have increased as a result of the U.S.’s aggression. However, this also comes with responsibilities. My work is primarily on supply-chains and trade corridors, and I suddenly find myself in a position where this work matters urgently. I had planned to finish a draft of my book by the end of this year, but now I’m contemplating whether my authorial ambitions may need to be put on hold while I focus on doing my part for Canada.

There is little novel (heh) about what I write here. Canadians across the country are grappling with the brutish reality of the American threat. I write this not to say anything new but as an act of solidarity. A cry of terror. A shout of defiance. I hear the call, and I amplify it.

Elbows up, eh?