The breakdown in US-Canada talks on trade affects far more than Canadian whiskey and hockey sticks. It affects farmers in our Midwest who rely on Canadian potash, a source of sustainable soluble fertilizer containing potassium, one of three essential ingredients in growing a healthy crop.
There’s a breaking point in accepting Trump’s tariff demands, and the Canadians found it. The President seems to have forgotten that half a dozen border states need Canadian hydropower and the rest of us need Canadian crude oil to keep gas prices low, not to mention the fact that a so-called deal means both sides need to give a little, not just everyone else giving into US tariff demands.
Trade is not the only arena where presidential intransigence will leave the US high and dry. While puttering about Greenland, China has been making inroads into counties in South America by building roads and helping with infrastructure projects. While Rubio denies visas to officially appointed ambassadors and other people he doesn’t like, China has encouraged students to study with generous stipends. Bluster is no way to run a foreign policy or a domestic one at that.
Prayer for the Day
Lord, you know we are concerned about our future,
So help us think about what it is we do and why;
In this world nothing has a straight line from cause to effect,
But everything seems such a jumble at times.
Grant us wisdom and understanding so our actions
Have consequences only as intended.
In the name of the One who is our guide,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Without reflection, we go blindly on our way creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything.
Margaret J. Wheatley, American writer, teacher, organizer
The point is, the "best" technology or idea doesn't always prevail. Sometimes chance and the law of unintended consequences win out.
Eric Weiner, writer, from The Geography of Genius
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
And my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9