Unneighborly squabbles

"Dr. Trump can fix our neighborhood issues, but there might be a smidgen of pain and discomfort to deal with. Or as Chucky Schumer said yesterday - Trump is going to screw up our Super Bowl parties. Our Modero Beer and avocados might cost a bit more this year. Oh, Chuck - cry me a river!"  

This weekend it became "game on" with the major residents of North America. Yes, we are having a squabble. About what? Three things, actually. First, what is up with our most current trade agreement? We are showing big trade deficits with both Canada and Mexico. That needs to be fixed. Next, unchecked immigration. All these foreigners from ALL OVER THE WORLD are getting into our country some way. It seems our southern and northern border are the main culprits. Finally - fentanyl. Mostly a Mexican (and China) issue. Bottom line is Trump wants it stopped, as it is killing thousands of our young people. 

Donald Trump could do one of two things. First, he could follow Biden's status quo and just let all these things happen. Second, he could use some gentle financial warfare against our North American neighbors. Like, a 25% tariff. But wait! What if they retaliate and respond with their own tariffs against us? Go ahead. See how that works out for your countries. Tariffs are a wonderful yet gentle way to get our point across. This "trade war" won't last long. Trust me, Canada will be the first to cave and comply.

Why do I say Canada will be the first? As Trump states, there is nothing Canada has to trade that we also don't have. That is issue one. Issue two is simply this - why are we paying more for Canadian stuff than they are? That is NOT free trade (as in our latest agreement). Canada will feel the pain first and beg to fix what needs to be fixed. Will it come down to Canada becoming our 51st state? Oh, don't I wish.

Canada and Mexico are now dealing with the main actor in the "Art of the Deal". They are no longer dealing with the man who played in the "Art of the Nap". Trump is sharp, experienced and crafty. He knows when a deal is not a good deal, and how to fix that bad deal. What does Trump really want for his legacy? For America to be treated fairly in our trade agreements. Hang on EU - you are next. Plus - he wants these "forever wars" to end. Peace and prosperity. Finally.

Like I said - Canada will be the first to come to terms. Mexico? This will take some more work. Why? How Mexico will react to how we take down the cartels. That might violate this sovereignty issue. We can't fix the fentanyl issue unless we also fix the cartel issue. Sorry, but that is just the way it goes.

When you go to the doctor with something that ails you, and the doctor tells you he can fix it, but there will be some pain and discomfort involved, that is where we are right now. Dr. Trump can fix our neighborhood issues, but there might be a smidgen of pain and discomfort to deal with. Or as Chucky Schumer said yesterday - Trump is going to screw up our Super Bowl parties. Our Modero Beer and avocados might cost a bit more this year. Oh, Chuck - cry me a river!