A case for a 51st state

"BTW - it is estimated there might be quite a bit of Rare Earth resources under Canada's portion of the Artic. Since China is playing games with us right now on how much of their Rare Earth materials they will sell us and for what price, having an alternate friendly source would really help."

Not to sound like a colonialist or expansionist, I am firmly in Donald Trump's camp when it comes to making Canada our 51st state. The only thing I disagree on is who would be the governor. Trump joked that Justin Trudeau might make a good governor. Sorry President Trump - Justin can go back to Cuba as far as I am concerned. He has run his course in Canada and most of the loyalists up north have had their fill of him. Other than that, I am all in on accepting Canada into our union. 

Some might ask, what in the world does Canada have to offer, other than miles and miles of nothing. To that I respond (to quote Bob Dylan), the times they are a changing. Since the Earth is in a warming period right now, much of the Artic which has been frozen and not accessible to most shipping, is now showing more open water. As such, China is showing more interest in those shipping lanes. But here is the rub - 25% of all the global Artic is owned by Canada. About 40% of Canada's landmass is Artic. And besides the strategic importance of having more northern waterways, there is a whole lot of rich minerals and energy resources under that ice.

We have some ties to the Artic by the fact Alaska is part of our union. Our allies in Europe also own some of the Artic. But to keep the Artic free and open from international bullies, Canada might have a hard time with its meager defense forces. To have the full force and fury of the United States protecting the northern front for Canada, it would help to be a part of us - that is US. Canada is rich in resources, and poor in leadership. And one more thing which is important to note - people in the United States and people in Canada are very hard to tell apart. Other than the somewhat odd way Canadians speak some words; we could be like twins.

From a selfish position, I will admit to this - I love Canada. I have served in an exchange program with some folks from the Canadian Forces while I was in the Navy. As a civilian, I have negotiated two separate contracts with the Canadian Navy. It is a beautiful country, loaded with scenery and resources. But it is a vulnerable country. Without the aegis of the United States, Canada would be low fruit on the tree for an invading country. What am I saying? Canada needs us and we need Canada. Could life be better for both countries if we became one? I think so - but that is only me talking right now.

BTW - it is estimated there might be quite a bit of Rare Earth resources under Canada's portion of the Artic. Since China is playing games with us right now on how much of their Rare Earth materials they will sell us and for what price, having an alternate friendly source would really help. Oh, and there is more of the "liquid gold" up there that President Trump keeps talking about. Just saying...