Candidly Canada: Trump opinions, influence extends beyond U.S. borders
My study abroad excursion conveniently coincides with the inauguration of America’s new president. While the decision was unintentional, I can jokingly say that I decided to go to Canada to escape the changing administration.
I still stand along the sidelines as a United States citizen, watching the torch of leadership passed from Obama to Trump. Hopefully the country doesn’t burn.
While the event is American-oriented, this shift in power is crucial for every person, no matter their opinion, citizenship or ethnicity,
to understand.
As Trump toted in his speech, our voices will define our American destiny. They also define our global destiny.
With an ever-increasingly globalized society, actions in one country reverberate in others. Especially for students leading the upcoming generation, people must make sure the ideas they share define a beneficial destiny for all.
Despite little influence in the election itself, Canadian citizens still possess their own opinions regarding President Trump.
After all, according to the Guardian, the Canadian immigration website crashed on election night as key battleground states
glowed red.
For Canadians, their government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is virtually a complete opposite from Trump’s proposed plans. The Washington Post went so far as to call Trudeau the “anti-Trump.”
The two politicians do have some similarities: Trudeau’s rise to power was described by opponents as inexperienced and solely based on family legacy. Each candidate won through expert branding and loyal voters, especially on social media platforms. However, that’s where their similarities end.
Canada exudes a clear example of what it means to show tolerance and respect to every single person, championing concerns for human rights and the environment. Prime Minister Trudeau is focused on peace-making efforts with the United Nations and even fulfilling goals like welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees into the country.
The key points of political variance from this day forward are not just an American challenge, but a global one. Policy areas for Canada are at risk if key players like America aren’t on board.
The Huffington Post adds that other nations like the United Kingdom, especially after Brexit, have left citizens and administrators questioning the fundamental shift in values in an effort to find common ground.
When it comes to trade, security and international relations, Canada and America have a crucial relationship at stake, one that is only as strong as its weakest link.
Inside or outside American borders, the strict partisan divisions have become a determining factor in everyday interaction, but as long as a shared goal of cooperation and respect maintain top priority, we can stand together and fight for what is right.
As citizens of our respective countries and the world, that is our responsibility, more important now more
than ever.
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