O Canada, how I hope you’ll take me in when Emperor Baby Fists declares it illegal to be brown in the United States. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau traveled to the White House on Monday for his first face-to-fascist meeting with Donald Trump. Last year, Trudeau’s first state visit to the White House was widely heralded as a new age in the Canadian-US relationship, mostly because Trudeau and President Obama seemed to genuinely like and respect each other. Trudeau looked at Obama like all of his BFF dreams were coming true. But now we have an unhinged sociopath in the White House and Trudeau had to bring it. And he did bring it! The above photo went viral yesterday because of the way Trudeau looked at Trump’s tiny little baby hands. It became a meme. And for what it’s worth, Trudeau did shake Trump’s baby fist in the Oval Office, it’s just the photographers captured that great split-second when Trudeau’s face betrayed him.
This also happened when Trudeau arrived at the White House – Agent Orange tried to do that stupid alpha male handshake thing where he jerks a guy’s hand closer, but Trudeau deflected it like a champ, using his left hand on Trump’s arm to stop Trump’s motion. It was a move which will be studied by all other world leaders. Well done, Trudeau.
President Trump welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House. https://t.co/n7TqA3VDnW pic.twitter.com/5TcpyDfZx5
— ABC News (@ABC) February 13, 2017
After the handshaking and photo-ops, Trudeau did a meeting about female entrepreneurs, which President Trump attended. So did Ivanka, for some reason. Ivanka looked at Trudeau like he was a slab of kosher beefcake. Trudeau also gave Trump a gift – a framed photo of a younger Emperor Baby Fists at the Waldorf-Astoria, speaking at a podium in front of Justin’s father Pierre Trudeau. It’s actually a great historical photo and a good choice for a gift. So, once again, Trudeau nailed it. I wonder what Trump gave Trudeau? Russian nesting dolls, I bet. Trudeau and Trump did a joint press conference in which Trudeau suavely translated himself in French. Sigh… I miss Obama so much.
Some memes:
Trudeau: We continue to welcome refugees.
Trudeau (in French): Canadians understand Trump is a bigoted blithering idiot.
Trump: I agree.— Bill Madden (@activist360) February 13, 2017
seeing Trudeau go from being full of love to full of disappointment is heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/gNduUEwsqd
— thomas a moore (@Thomas_A_Moore) February 13, 2017
The handshake question. Some say Trump didn't try his strong arm jerk & pull. I think he did, but Trudeau is wicked strong. pic.twitter.com/bZxFty84J6
— The Anti-Trump (@IMPL0RABLE) February 13, 2017
Me watching Trudeau translate himself into French. pic.twitter.com/yazecf1Nvj
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 13, 2017
ivanka trump looking at justin trudeau the way her dad wishes she'd look at him pic.twitter.com/6VKu5QXbXs
— Glen Coco (@MrPooni) February 13, 2017
Photos courtesy of Getty.
What made me most mad about this whole thing was Ivanka fing Trump’s tweet of her sitting flanked by Trump and Trudeau. What, officially, is her role in this administration?
Grifter in Chief. I was furious she was there and I sent emails off to the White House, the Speaker of the House, Jason Chaffetz, my rep and both my Senators. She has not divested an of her business interests and she is there promoting them and making business deals for herself and nobody else. #LOCKHERUP
Neither has her husband, and you know that Trump hasn’t really divested himself all his business interests. He’s still running that empire even thou he’s allegedly give it over to his sons.
It will all come out in the wash and it will probably ruin the GOP as they will all have their fingers in the pie.
lightpurple:
i really admire your dedication and that you put in the effort to do something against what is bothering you. Respect.
Agree with Maria.
There should be more of you lightpurple, all over the world.
I feel so upset when I look at his kids milking the presidency – possibly more so than when I see Priebus and Bannon who are, at least, there is an official capacity and therefore theoretically accountable.
Thanks! To the phones! To the emails! To the faxes! To the snail mail! To the Twitter! Persist! Resist!
And where were you when Hillary was accepting foreign monetary donations for her “foundation”?
@saygooodnightgracie – way to go with the false equivalency, troll.
Maybe you could tell us – where are Tr*mp’s TAX RETURNS? You know, you’d expect the person holding the highest office in the land to actually pay his taxes and have proof of it, but apparently not.
I’ve heard they don’t actually read emails. The best way to contact them is to call their local offices, so Chaffetz’s office in Utah (801) 851-2500; second best is calling their offices in DC, so Chaffetz would be (202) 225-7751.
I like to waste as much of the aide’s time as possible. So if I call and read a script expressing a viewpoint, I follow up with questions about any damn topic that comes to mind. Their local offices aren’t staffed as well as those in DC and the aides seem to not be as well equipped to handle calls from people, so it’s more effective to inundate them there if you want word getting back to the politician.
@SayGoodnightGracie Is Ivanka Trump’s brand a non-profit charitable organization or a for-profit corporation?
Respect, Lightpurple! You are walking the walk and talking the talk!!! Great example! We should all do likewise!
What a snake. For someone who denied having any role in his administration, she’s there all the freaking time. She has no official role, ergo no boundaries and responsibilities – she and daddy can just make it up on the go.
Trump must be insanely jealous of Trudeau, he’s everything Trump is not: young, handsome, with an affectionate good looking wife, extremely popular, running a wealthy highly functioning socially stable country. And doesn’t give in to his alpha male bullshit either.
Yes!
Ivanka Trump is Kathryn Merteuil…
We have a programme here in Oz on our national broadcaster called “(The) Gruen Planet”. It’s a panel show discussing ads and advertising, and, as well as being insightful and informative, with four advertising specialists on the panel each week, it’s also very funny. Each week, they have a segment in which they discuss a “problem” ad, or an ad/brand with a problem, and then ask, “What Would Justin Do?” Then a clip of Mr Trudeau is played – nothing to do with the ad/brand, but oh-so-appropriate – it’s hilarious! You might find clips or even full episodes on YouTube. It’s well worth a look. I can’t wait for the new season to start – they’ll definitely service up some sliced tRump!
Ivanka is proving herself as repulsive as fat assed baby fists.
Drumfps ass is fat! It is Yuge bigly yuge, I know people tell me! Ha Ha
Take heart in how truly unflattering the photo of her gazing at Trudeau is- she’s like a Monet- lovely(ish) from a distance, but an unattractive mess up close.
@NotSoSocialButterfly – Ivanka Trump is a classic example of how blondeness often fools people into thinking someone is more attractive than they actually are.
To paraphrase the old snark – you could remove 90 percent of her “beauty” with one dye job. She looks like a rodent. A grasping rodent.
Spot on! I love your comment, and I love tea cakes!
Yeah, it was gross, “a great discussion…about the importance of women having a seat at the table!” There was a great Tweet back to her that said “of the four women in your dad’s cabinet, two are major donors and one is married to Mitch McConnell.” Ha.
Isn’t she, like her husband, suppose to be an advisor to Trump and they weren’t suppose to get paid (IIRC).
I don’t understand how this works at all. So she has no official role? Is she at least “advisor to the emperor” or something? If not, are there any rules as to how she has to conduct herself regarding her businesses etc.?
We really do need a new word for this form of corruption. Because this doesn’t even qualify anymore. It’s a new level.
It should be noted that Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland was there with Trudeau. Foreign Affairs is one of the most powerful portfolios in the Cabinet, similar to Secretary of State in the US. Meanwhile Cheeto has not assigned any significant portfolio to women.
Her title is Unofficial First Lady. Melania has to be given the title, but we all know who the real First Lady is. LOL
Crown Princess.
Trump has really gained weight since he won the election.
“He gained a massive amount of weight, he gained 200-300 pounds…..”
Just wanted to see how that would look in Trump Hyperbole Language.
Well done.
If he’s not careful, he’ll look like one of those 400 lbs guys sitting in his basement hacking the “cyber”.
lol I love that.
To your first statement: yeah, it’s called a Bannon.
Morbidly obese! Sad!
I think it’s more that he’s been convinced to wear better suits instead of the ridiculous, oversized and sloppy suits he wore during the campaign.
Now his suits are more tailored and it’s easier to see all the areas he’s carrying excess weight.
He’s been quite overweight for almost a decade now. Even early on on The Apprentice they’d film him in the weirdest ways to try and make him look slimmer. It was like how they’d film a heavily pregnant actress.
Yet he blunders along, fat-shaming women. The fact that he insults women about their weight while being obviously overweight himself is a clear window into his lack of awareness of reality. How tragic that his supporters were themselves unable to see what was clearly in front of them, and voted to give the keys to the kingdom to a thug bull in a china shop.
But I am encouraged by the Resistance, and for the first time, I don’t think everyone is going to stand by while he pulls the whole country down.
“It was a move which will be studied by all other world leaders.” LOL!
I know. Trudeau did a great job sidestepping Trump’s attempts at little power moves and highlighting just how unpresidential he is.
I came across this satirical artical this morning. It’s hilarious and well worth the read if you have time. Some of the language is NSFW.
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/the-definitive-analysis-of-the-handshake-between-donald-trump-and-justin-trudeau?utm_source=vicefbca&utm_campaign=Global
@Dodes,
That was quite funny, thanks for posting.
The Irish Taoiseach will be visiting for St. Patrick’s day next month and I’m already cringing from how hard the spineless snot weasel will suck to him.
“I’m already cringing from how hard the spineless snot weasel will suck to him.”
I don’t think he can be worse than Theresa May…
It was great!
Trudeau is the first world leader I have ever had such naughty thoughts about. His wife is beautiful and compassionate and works hard for social causes, so I can’t even be serious about it.
But look here, he’s just strong like a maple.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/like-father-like-son-photo-of-trudeau-doing-yoga-pose-mirrors-his-father-1.2838119
I love that he’s a low key yogi! What he’s doing on that table is technically a yoga pose and I’m so here for it.
Definitely, his dad was too, and it’s a mimic of his dads peacock pose on a beach many years before.
Sophie is a natural beauty with brains and heart.
In comparison, Ivanka looks extremely plastic with her over the top cosmetic surgery giving her a kind of desperate, sad porn star persona. Her clothing line always struck me as a vanity project reflecting the Drumps’ tacky taste.
It’s true that Ivanka doesn’t have a bit of easy, natural style, it is plastic and fake looking. But I think she’s praised simply because she’s not a gross orange mess like her dad. The Trump bar is very low.
While I’m glad Harper’s gone (scientists unite!) and the Libs definitely ran a campaing that was more on the left than the NDP’s let’s not make Trudeau a hero. He’s not that bright, he’s all about Keystone XL and he recently talked about “cleaner” tar sands (there’s nothing clean about tar sands), it’s pretty hard to get sponsored refugees into the country and he hasn’t done much about making life better for the Natives. Oh and of course he decided to cancel his promise of an electoral reform! Why change the system that gave you a majority?!
But I love how Baby Fists is pissed standing next to him! It’s all about looks for him and Trudeau is everything he’s not: young, a head full of (real) hair with a great, fitted suit. Trudeau is a bit of a dimwit but he looks like a stateman.
“Dimwit” is a stretch.
Thank you @Arpeggi for writing this!!
I am giving you all of the up votes.
There is this strange thing I have noticed where primarily non Canadians make Trudeau into this hero and he and his party are not…
And he is a bit of a dimwit and not very representative of the Canada I grew up in and know…
But he is miles better than Harper and I agree Baby Fist looked totally pissed!!
Yes to all Arpeggi said.
Yeah, I’m not pleased with everything.
I’m pleased that he mostly says the right words, I just wish his actions would be stronger.
Electoral reform is no longer on the agenda, and while the tar sands are important for the economic advancement of certain portions of the population, they are devastating to the environment.
I have a friend who worked at an arms length agency that did environmental evaluations for oil companies in Alberta. They had such significant pressure to doctor reports to be favourable for the oil companies, that she finally left.
I enjoy him superficially, but I don’t trust any politician to have my long-term best interest at heart. They have to service the public on such short terms that it becomes politically unviable to have a long term goal.
co-sign, and thanks.
he isn’t terrible, but he certainly ain’t all that either.
(yes he is attractive, but that wasn’t what i was voting for, personally).
This Canadian is a die hard Liberal and happy with Trudeau. He has to walk a fine balance between protecting the environment and protecting and creating jobs. Every conservative is screaming in the comments section about the Paris accord, and the carbon tax, and how Alberta needs jobs. Sadly, jobs in AB only come at the cost of the environment – for now. Whose fault is it that the economy is not diversified?? Justin’s?? Yes, I would like all of us to have solar power, geothermal heating, a Tesla in the driveway and zero dependence on oil. But we’re not there yet.
And as far as the electoral reform – again, they did studies and polls in every province. Most people do not care. They have other priorities. Jobs, healthcare, childcare etc.
I applaud his stance on women’s rights, on taking in Syrian immigrants (again, Cons are screaming that we should be taking care of our own… you need a balance. I am an immigrant myself, I am happy to welcome refugees but you can’t take in everyone unfortunately…)
I don’t care about his looks. I don’t care if he is privately sleeping with other women – although I have never seen or heard of any reliable proof that it is true. Rumours are like #alternativefacts. show me proof or I don’t believe you. What matters is what he does as a leader. So far I’m happy with him and even if he – and the party – will do some things I disagree with, what matters to me is the overall effect. It’s impossible to please everybody all the time.
My feelings exactly.
From what I heard from a very reliable source in the Ottawa press corps, it’s well known that Trudeau hasn’t always been that loyal to his his wife. So, if that appeals, you might have a chance.
Yeah… Cheating men are significantly less attractive than single men, or attentive husbands.
I hadn’t heard those rumours, long time ago? always? I need more info.
I love the underground Ottawa rumors. There’s some awful stuff about the Ex PM Robot floating around too.
I love that Trudeau resisted the handshake grab-n-jerk. I assume Trump does this because when he can’t grab a pussy, he grabs a palm.
Also, can we talk about how Trump’s cabinet is already falling apart? It looks like it doesn’t even matter that his nominees/appointees made it through, because they’re all just going to have to resign eventually. None of those fools are clean.
Lastly, YAAAS to Alyssa Milano serving up some Phoebe Halliwell realness. Phoebe and Cole were my favorite.
Flynn threw himself under the bus but Putin still owns several other Cabinet members, Trump, and probably Mitch McConnell as well.
I love that they’re still acting like Flynn lied to Mike Pence, as if he didn’t know.
Shambles, I know the whole thing is such a fu&king farce. I hate how the press is “normalizing” this, it feels like the corrupt elephant in the room just looms over everything they say.
I know. He’s this administration’s Scooter Libby.
Apparently it was pressure from the Times and Post that pushed this, so keep supporting real journalism.
Holy sh!t! Ivanka have something in common, because that man … mmmmm
I feel so shallow saying this when there are real issues to be discussed, but he is yummy.
That first picture…HOT and not!
Also Trudeau said Canadians would be disappointed if he came here and tried to tell another country how to govern themselves.
Translation: baby fists, you’re doing it wrong.
My daughter and I watched together, and we said “zing” every time Trudeau made his point with such class and ease.
My emotions were so high I can barely, even now, put words t how I felt listening to PM Trudeau.
Grateful tops the list.
I’m going home tonight to bask in it. Because god knows my beloved (let me make it very clear that I’m being sarcastic here) Angela will not be able to pull this off. I dread their first meeting. It could go either way. I’m not sure Angie still has the energy to do this anymore.
@littlemissnaughty-
I don’t know, I think Angela could be fully prepared for (R) WH creeps after 43 attempted to rub her shoulders. Maybe she’s packing a mean karate chop.
I saw that quote and was mildly annoyed, but I like your read. It’s generous to Trudeau and shady.
I thought it was deflection because there was a large petition, over 100 000 signatures, asking Trudeau to stand up to Trump regarding the Muslim ban, and to remove the safe third nation agreement that doesn’t allow Canada to accept refugees from the states.
He can’t just tell trump off. He told us why he couldn’t, and he’s right. We are so closely connected Trudeau has to work with trump. It is in Canada’s best interest to keep communication open and NAFTA in place.
But make no mistake, Trudeau once again was very clearly setting limits, guidelines and goalposts. He clearly was telling Canadians that he is on our side, is protecting us and will not be railroaded by trump. He was masterful with his speech and replies to questions.
It was a study in contrast that I hope trump supporters can see, at some point anyway. The openness of Trudeau with the press, the willingness to be there and work together, the well thought out and articulated responses.
Not once did Trudeau deflect. He was very cunning in his replies and sent so many zingers at trump, though I doubt trump understood.
I found my words! LOL!
That comment about not telling another country how it should be run is exactly why so many are enjoying and laughing at America right now. The US has told so many how superior they are (leader of the free world, greatest country ever., etc). Boy has that backfired.
The thing is, I don’t want Trudeau to tell the US how they should do things. I want him to run Canada, to be focused on us. And he is. He is protecting us, representing us, working for us, and setting the example on a global level that 1. he won’t stoop to trumps’s level, 2. he will not capitulate to pressures from trump about refugees 3. he will lead by example and cement Canada as a world power, and not a fake power like trump.
I want to be Canadian. 😞
I see your points, and I very much agree that he was excellent. Incredibly diplomatic, focusing on our strengths as partners, and building a future. I don’t think he needs to tell Trump how to run the states, I’m sure there are many American politicians to do so, but I think he needed to bring these important matters up. I think the Ban needed to be discussed, and the Safe Third Party agreement removed.
Canada, as a nation, is celebrating diversity as our strength, celebrating our Muslim communities are part of this strength and the future of Canada. I believe there is a way between diplomacy and Trumps inability to grasp large words, where something could have been said and that in the current climate, this agreement in particular, needs to go.
Refugees on the way here were sent home by American officials, there are people fleeing across the border to Canada. Our citizens are scared. Trump shouldn’t just get to piss everyone off and we just roll with it because we used to be friends. I don’t want to be friends with a bully, even if he is rich.
I want to be Canadian too!!
“I don’t want to be friends with a bully, even if he is rich.”
What a beautiful world that would be….but it’s not this one.
Unfortunately we are too deeply economically intertwined with the Americans not to exercise some diplomacy. Without a strong economy? Bye bye refugee program, let alone any expanded role. But the point was made, too subtly for Cheeto Mussolini (who would have just spend the night wailing on Twitter and not listened anyway), but it was made.
Trudeau didn’t translate himself – that would make his remarks twice as long. He just did his speech in both languages. The press that covers Parliament Hill is bilingual.
Second, (and I’m not a diehard liberal) do you reaaally expect him to directly criticize our biggest trading partner? We buy and export billions from the U.S., want concessions on softwood lumber, etc. Trudeau campaigned on improving the economy and Trump is a vindictive little-handed bastard. Trudeau isn’t going to risk our economic relationship by directly criticizing Trump as much as we want to.
uh oh Mazzie, you didn’t watch the entire conference.
Trudeau indeed responded to questions in both english and french, and did so while smiling, getting his point across, and refusing to be trump’s puppet.
@sullivan-
You can! Cape Breton is accepting all US expats who wish to move there. http://cbiftrumpwins.com
original kay,
I did. I said he didn’t translate his remarks. I didn’t say he didn’t translate his answers.
ok Mazzie
*walks away bewildered ***
*joins Original Kay on the bewildered stroll* 😏
Trudeau was well prepated to deflect the slimy handshake and every other personal contaminant baby fists plans to foist on world leaders. Ivanka can’t contain her awe while in the presence of a charismatic man.
Why can’t my brain move past the association between baby fists and Hitler?
F*ck off.
Yep, I am that disgusted by this comment. F*cking google why the PM of Canada spoke French.
I googled but am still not sure. Help out a Yank? I assumed it was because both are official Canadian languages. Was it to show up Trump and make him put in his earpiece for translation? Instead of Trump doing the nod and smile thing without the earpiece like he did with the Japanese Prime Minister?
OMG I am so sorry.
This was in response to a comment that was deleted.
Yes, it’s because we are bilingual and our PM addresses the entire nation, not the the portion he thinks is superior.
Haha! Thanks! I was wondering. 🙂
Trump looked annoyed when Trudeau started speaking French!
The Canadian press always asks the PM questions in French and English. Harper did this as well when he would travel. While Harper wasn’t a native French speaker he took course to improve because he knows it’s important. Sadly some of the current CPC leaders seem to think they are above knowing both official languages.
So really this isn’t a special shot against Cheeto, but just a typical Canadian press conference with the PM.
Okay now I really want to read the comment that inspired this response. 😉
Me too!
It was someone named Daisy, I don’t recall the exact wording and it probably wasn’t that bad, it just got me the wrong way. Something about the big deal about speaking french.
LMAO!
No link in the post to the French-speaking? Mais, pourquois pas? *hurriedly googling so I can swoon the rest of the day*
Je ne sais pas! Si vous le trouvez, dites-moi, s’il vous plait!
It’s all over the place, of course! It would’ve been nice to have a good link here. C’est dommage.
That picture of Trudeau’s “Bish, pls” expression at the attempted power hand grab by 45 is everything. Hearts in eyes.
@Diana
My thoughts exactly!!! Trudeau, please be our leader. Love how he handled Trump, and yes, Ivanka was totally crushing on him.
I can almost see the balloon over Trudeau’s head saying…”WOW, his hands really are small.”
Can’t we declare Trudeau leader of all of North America and call it day? Side note: Trudeau is sexy as hell.
To put it in CEO speak, can we merge? Let orangey go home and Justin can handle it all.
I’m not sure if those are deliberate double entendres but they set off a chain of thought similar to Alyssa’s…
KING IN THE NORTH!!!
YOU WIN!! lol
This is too perfect. You rule. 🙂
Brilliant. 🙂
And like an old-time king, at this point our PM’s main task is just keeping his entire people alive through this administration. Daunting.
Russian nesting dolls! Ha ha ha ha ha! I die.
There is a graphic floating around of nesting dolls with various administration faces on them (the largest being the orange one, of course).
i spit out some coffee.. LOLOLOLOL
Kaiser – you can come to Canada anytime. We would love to have you!
Just came to say the exact same thing! All are welcome here, but ESPECIALLY Kaiser.
Recent tweets on Rogue Potus:
“Trudeau overheard expressing offense to his cabinet members @ POTUS handshake games. Finds it “disrespectful and tasteless.””
” “This guy is an idiot. He has no idea what he’s doing.” Overheard by Trudeau to Freeland.”
Surely he won’t still be there by the end of the year ….?
I’m reading that account daily. I think it’s legit, but even if it’s not, a girl can dream.
Me too, Lucy. & when things get really, really bad, I visit Trump Draws – cheers me up every time.
I have serious doubts that Trudeau said any of those things, while in another country on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan…
No ok, seriously, I don’t think he would be that disrespectful, to say something like that in public where he could be overhead and it be reported. Not that I think he doesn’t think it, or say it in private, but not at the WH.
Nothing about him screams incompetent, disrespectful or clueless.
Are you referring to @roguepotusstaff? I checked a couple days ago and it was tweet- protected (i don’t have an acct)- I have to trot back over there to read!!!!!
I’m pretty sure that account is fake, but it’s good fan-fiction.
Inviting Ivanka was a clever way of managing her dad by giving his benighted baby girl a chance to shine. Apparently the forum was a Canadian idea…safe, non controversial and politically effective.
Trudeau is making Canada seem better and better everyday!!! I think I might look away at the cold temps and go for a vacation, say for like four years…. LOL
I shovelled a 20′ by 5′ foot path through waist high snow to get to my car last night.
In the summer, I get 10 or more days in a row of above 100F temps, and a couple of months of 90+. I’m surrounded by vineyards and orchards where I live in BC. West coast had a significant snowfall last week, and in one day ICBC insurance received over 3000 claims, but that is really rare. BC also has desert and rain forest conditions. On the coast it is quite temperate. Come to BC, you will love it here. I should add it did get bitterly cold here for awhile (incredible ice wines from here) but most of the year is great. Geez, I sound like a commercial.
I had the opportunity to visit Canada once, and it was without doubt the best place I ever visited due to such nice, considerate people. And I am from the southern US, which is supposedly known for hospitality.
One of my closest friends is moving to Canada today. Lucky bitch.
Ah, but you get to come up and visit. Make plans!
That was NOT a good pic of Ivanka. I’m sorry for the superficial comment (my way to cope today) but she does not look attractive. I guess evil is seeping through her face.
She looks like a reptile in a blonde wig.
So THAT’S what she was reminding me of!
I just can’t unsee her plastic surgery and enhanced boobs.
And it repulses me when people call her classy. Dude it is really bizarro world.
I made a similar comment, that she is like a Monet piece, lol.
From the profile shot where Trudeau and Trump at the press conference, Trudeau, as he ages, is really starting to look more like his father.
It’s the nose and mouth.
That handshake sure looked tense
Im Canadian, and Justin Trudeau is faaaar from perfect. But boy DO I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!
Agreed. He’s a great looking, seasoned, well spoken and kind man. He has done some good things. However, him deciding to not work on voter reform, because apparently it’s not something Canadians care about, despite promising it during his campaign took him down a notch for me.
Putting his actions up against Trump’s however, I am very proud of him and his comments regarding refugees.
Why do you want more refugees? Our middle class is seeing their standard of living go down. Wages are not meeting the cost of living. You do realize we have to support these refugees with housing, medical care, education etc. I fully support legal immigration for those who have been waiting for years but sorry the guys crossing the border illegally get a big no! Just because Trudeau is more diplomatic doesnt mean he’s going to change our immigration policies.
because, joannie, when a number of foreign governments are bombing cities, it kinda destorys houses and hospitals and schools. your goverment is part of it. my government is part of it.
but, hey, too bad for them, eh? they should’ve been smart enough to be born on the right continents.
and why should we clean up the mess we are making in other peoples yards, amirite?
i never thought i would see this level of blindness, callousness and outright obstinance coming from humans in 2017. sheesh.
@ Joannie : your scorn is misdirected.
The issue is not “who will pay for refugees”. it’s “why in the world do politicians make SO MUCH MONEY?!! and pay so little tax?! ”
so like, you know? tell them to take a f*cking pay cut when in reality, they do sh*t.
That’s where the problem is, not the absolutely devastatingly poor coming from countries where there is literally nothing. You think they want to come here? Leave their homes, their families, what they know, to travel across the world and start new knowing that some don’t want them, don’t want to help, can’t be bothered, don’t f*cking have an ounce of compassion?
THEY DON’T
Now get your head out of your ass, it’s not a hat.
wow the Kay’s answer was much nicer than mine.
Kay- the nice Kay
Original kay- can no longer contain the rage she (I) feel about this situation and decided she (I) just won’t.
lol orginal kay…i rewrote that five times before i was able to submit because i today i am trying to keep my tongue firmly between my teeth.
and yes to what you said as well.
there are so many factors involved, but not a single one of them is that the refugees WANT to leave their homes, so thank you for pointing that out.
i have a dearly beloved sister, who i would dearly love to lovingly kick hard, who cannot wrap her head around the fact that these folk don’t want to be here, that they have no choice…she really thinks they are risking their lives to “rip off welfare”…sure, jan. sure.
sigh.
No they dont want to come here. They want to stay home and be safe and go about their lives. I’m sorry for what is happening to them. However, I struggle every day to put a roof over my head, food on my table, clothes on my back and pay my taxes. We have a surging healthcare problem, we have FN kids killing themselves, we have people living on the street who are sick and homeless, we have people in the north who dont have clean drinking water or decent housing. I could go on and on but you get my drift. I am not willing to see my standard of living consistently go down and my taxes go up. I’m only saying what many others are thinking and dont dare say. Answer me honestly. How much are you willing to sacrifice? Look what’s happening in Europe. Instead of blowing a gasket and being a jerk why not discuss it calmly. This is a very serious problem and its heartbreaking to see but we cannot help refugees by financially supporting them in an ongoing basis. It’s impossible!! Where is all the funding coming from?
Juliette I am a Canadian and I too was disappointed when Trudeau went back on his promise of reforming the first past the post system. Then I decided that there must be a greater reason than that because as recently as this past December, Trudeau was still publicly saying that he wanted election reform.
What changed?!
Then I realized Trudeau had made those promises before a fascist Trump had taken power in America; before far right and neo nazi political movements saw a resurgence in Europe; before we got our own wannabe Trumps in Canada, Kelli Leitch and Kevin “Je ne sais pas francaise” O’Leary, gunning for the leadership of the federal Conservative party. A proportional government and voting system, while being more fair, risks giving rise to populist and fanatical government figures getting a greater share of political
Decision making (guess what only those ISIS aren’t religious and political fanatics here).
When Trudeau recently said as much in his tour of the Far North, my
Suspicions were confirmed. Really because of the dangerous political climate giving in to right of Center and further right populist governments that hate any and all
Non-Whites and non hetero normative people, it would be a dangerous idea to have the likes of Leitch and O’Leary having a seat in government.
@joanie Studies have shown that in the long run, most refuges and immigrants actually add much their adopted country. They money they receive is a loan that is supposed to be paid back over time and is. Many of them go on to run their own businesses which employ other people and others get jobs and start contributing.
I have a girlfriend who fled Chile with her family when Pinochet was in power. Her father was tortured and beaten in prison. When they came here as refugees they had nothing. It took some time but her dad went on to start a business that hired well over 100 people. Her mother went on to become a nurses aid and my GF is now an HR professional, helping people settle into jobs.
To this day he talks about how without Canada, he and his family would likely be dead. He has spent the better part of his life giving back to the country that saved him. This is just one example of which i am sure there are many as to why we need to help those in need.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Not here to argue, I can see your side and your valid points but I respectfully disagree.
@joannie
Let them die. If you are going to say what you think everyone else wants to say, then have the balls to say it.
Let them die.
Go on, say it out loud while looking in a mirror. Look at yourself.
Let them die
And now tell what you are willing to sacrifice
@Joannie- You say, “I am not willing to see my standard of living consistently go down and my taxes go up.” This is the most ridiculous excuse against immigrants and refugees ever.
Your standard of living is going down while taxes are going up because those in charge mismanage our money. Those in charge pay themselves outrageous salaries and golden benefit packages to work half a year and get virtually nothing accomplished because they are partisan a-holes. Those in charge care more about profit than people and don’t want to pay fair wages and benefits cause it cuts into their million dollar bonuses, etc. And every second you blame immigrants and refugees for this, you are just letting them (those in charge) line their own pockets while fleecing yours. They want you to blame these people. They want you not to care about them. They want you to only care about yourself, like they only care about themselves. That ensures they stay in power, and rich.
This doesn’t particularly apply to you, Joannie, but it’s amazing that those most angry at the money spent on immigrants and refugees seem to have no problem with the wasteful money being spent on Trump’s lazy ass wife, who won’t do her job by moving to the white house. Or have no problem with Trump wasting money on a stupid wall that won’t accomplish anything, a repeal of Obamacare that won’t lead to anything, and deportations and incarcerations of folks who contribute to our economy.
Joannie, and everyone like her: Get educated. Get real. Get compassionate. And get mad at the right damn folks. Your anger is totally misplaced and you are ensuring the world never improves by being blind to the real problem, which is not what those in charge want you to believe.
Oh, and if that doesn’t work, I hope you are forced to become a refugee and when you try to get into another country they deny you, saying “I am not willing to see my standard of living consistently go down and my taxes go up.”
Did anyone read or comprehend what I said in my original comment? Im all for legal immigration. Im not referring to the Syrian refugees. Maybe I didnt make myself clear. Im referring to the illegal refugees coming across the Manitoba border. They are already safe! Of course the politicians want immigration. Who is going to support our tax base for the baby boomers?? As well it keeps the corporations happy as they can continue to pay low wages. Refugees will take those jobs. It’s just another form of slavery really. We need to stop wars and destabilizing the governments of those countries. And yes we need to elect politicians that aren’t part of the elite or corrupt. Why should illegal immigrants get precedence over those that have waited years to get in legally? By the way my dad was an immigrant. He immigrated legally. I dont need the lecture. I have an opinion and I am educated. Im not from the US by the way.
@Joanie. Are they really safe though? Sure, they’re safe from being killed but they’re not safe from being deported back to the country they fled from. If they stayed in the USA, the chances of them being sent back to a war zone are higher than if they crossed into Canada. USA has been ramping up ICE raids lately, I don’t blame them for trying everything they can to keep themselves and their families from harm.
As for illegal vs. legal immigrant. Obviously, if someone can take the time to immigrate legally (paperwork etc.) they aren’t in immediate danger of death and still have a home to live in. Illegal immigrants are literally running for their lives with nothing but the clothes on their back.
Not lecturing you at all, just another perspective.
@Joannie- we understand you loud and clear. And for a so called “educated” person, you are spouting stuff and nonsense.
You say, “I’m all for legal immigration.” Good for you.
Then you say, “I’m not referring to the Syrian refugees. Maybe I didn’t make myself clear. I’m referring to the illegal refugees coming across the Manitoba border.” No, you aren’t making yourself clear… so I’ll try and clarify: If I’m understanding this correctly, You’re okay with Syrian refugees (or other refugees) coming into America, you just don’t want them in your country, where you have to pay for them? How humanitarian.
“They are already safe! “- No, they aren’t cause they’re in danger of going back.
“Of course the politicians want immigration. Who is going to support our tax base for the baby boomers??” – How about the Boomers?
“As well it keeps the corporations happy as they can continue to pay low wages. Refugees will take those jobs. It’s just another form of slavery really.” -WTF?? Okay, first of all, this form of slavery is often a better life for these refugees. Second, many of these refugees are highly educated individuals who won’t be doing menial jobs– that’s uneducated, undocumented immigrants who will more likely take those jobs. Third, if you don’t like Corporations making refugees “slaves”, then take it up with the corporations!! Don’t take it out on the innocent refugees just trying to survive.
” We need to stop wars and destabilizing the governments of those countries.”- True, but that’s no excuse for turning our backs on them. In fact, it’s more reason for helping them, since we got them into this mess.
“And yes we need to elect politicians that aren’t part of the elite or corrupt.”- And what are you doing to help make that happen? What are you doing aside from resenting “illegals”?
“Why should illegal immigrants get precedence over those that have waited years to get in legally?”- Okay, you’re conflating immigrants and refugees. Refugees always get priority over those waiting for legal immigration because they are escaping dangerous, unstable countries. It’s the triage principle at work- their cases are emergencies. Those who come in as immigrants illegally are a different story. And they do NOT receive any precedence over those waiting years to get in legally. Nor should they. But they contribute to your society and economy as much as you do, if not more, and they deserve to not be treated as the scum of the earth. They are not ruining your country or life just by existing. That is a ridiculous right wing myth.
“By the way my dad was an immigrant. He immigrated legally.”- He’s lucky he could afford that luxury. Some people can’t.
“I dont need the lecture.”- yes, you do, cause you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.
“I have an opinion and I am educated.”- Maybe, but your opinion is an uneducated one, as you are oversimplifying things to justify your outrage, and aren’t even capable of understanding the differences between refugees and immigrants and how these things work.
@Rapunzel, you’re obviously looking for an argument. I suggest you read about “Rankism”. And really, get off your high moral horse. People have a right to an opinion. You don’t speak for me. You don’t know me. You don’t know my life experiences. And you need an education. Look at what’s happening in Europe! Ask yourself what you’ve done for immigrants and refugees that makes you so righteous! Oh and by the way we need a tax base for the boomers who have contributed to their CPP all of their working lives which went into general revenue and the politicians have pissed away.
Joannie
You’re a great big crybaby and whiner. Your life is freaking good. I’m Canadian, I have struggled for years, I pay my taxes and I welcome refugees. We’ll all struggle together. Bitch about the rich not the desperate. Life is good here, and will remain good as long as the self-absorbed me first entitled types don’t take over. Grow up.
I didn’t expect my very innocent post to have this response… But let’s just say : Im 30, and when i heard about the Trudeaumania Pierre Eliott Trudeau inspired in the 70’s, I was always baffled. The old weirdo looking dude? Charismatic? Are you kidding me? Well, I guess I get it now…
Maybe, in 30 years from now, people will say : What? That nerdy attention seeker?Hot? 😀
@Rapunzel, ugh. Chill out! I stand by what I said. I dont care if you dont like it.
@maggie, you are incorrect. CPP goes into a pension plan which the government then invests on our behalf.
@hmmm, your comment doesnt deserve a reply.
@maggie- Rankism? “Moral high horse”? SInce when is asking for others to have empathy some sort of elitist ethics? And don’t scream to me about Europe. That’s not what this is about. And no, I don’t need to know anything else about Joannie, or receieve any additional education to know that Joannie’s anger is directed at the wrong people. Much like yours is. But I guess asking people to really place blame where it belongs, instead of on innocent people trying to make their lives better, is condescending in 2017.
@Joannie- Chill out? So nice you’re able to say that. The people you’re judging as drains on your finances don’t have that luxury. You don’t care if I don’t like what you said? Whatever, you don’t have to. You can just keep drowning in denial. And villifying the wrong folks.
It’s easy to sit comfortably on the internet and complain about immigration, but have you ever met a refugee? Ever worked with a child who recently lost a parent, sibling or their home? I work everyday with students who are scared to death of the fire alarm because it reminds them of their homes being blown up. Yes, the education system is stretched thin in Canada. Yes, we need to provide care and resources. Why do we do it? BECAUSE THEY ARE SAFER HERE
hi joannie! you DID respond to hmmm…just sayin’
i stopped taking anything you said seriously the minute you name called. “jerk”. name calling is really helpful. your defensiveness is telling. YEP.
geez maggie, people have a right to an opinion huh? like rapunzel shared? or is it only people who agree with you that have a right to an opinion?
sad. bigly.
@discodancer I never thought about that at all. Thank you for that perspective, it makes sense when you explain it. If that is what’s going on then I thank him for protecting us from the likes of Trumps 2.0 (Leitch and O’Leary). I like Trudeau and do trust that he is trying to do what;s best for us all rather than himself (hello Harper?).
Leitch is one scary politician. My opinion of her was solidified when she floated that idea of a phone number to report on “anti-Canadian” values. Kevin O’Leary is just a jerk.
@Juliette: you are most welcome. And thank you also for taking in and hearing out a different perspective.
Some thoughts .Warning I am in a snarky mood.
Ivanka Trump America’s secret weapon for diplomacy.
Justin/Ivanka make a good looking couple don’t they?
Where is the Flotus? Is she locked up in the gold tower again?
Ivanka looks like she dressed up for a date.
If Ivanka was there ,it was a fluff meeting.
Trump probably didn’t want Melania anywhere near Trudeau’s yoga-toned body.
It makes me sad that Trudeau and Obama didn’t have a lot of time to work together, but I am really glad Trudeau is there now, to try to balance out some of the garbage Trump is doing.
Me too. We suffered through harper, while you guys got Obama. Then we had just a year of peace, and now this.
Yay Justin – so proud and happy to be Canadian!
A split second dose of reality about how most really feel about so-called president Trump strangely caught by the camera. Funny and sad all at the same time.
May I just say I love your writing. “Face-to-fascist meeting.” “Slice of kosher beefcake.” Love it!
He’s looking at trumps hands and is amazed and grossed out that a grown man can have such tiny hands
So incredibly proud to be Canadian.
By Canadian I mean – British born.
Ethnic background is from Bangladesh.
Immigrated to Canada when I was 8. I’m 43 now. Canada is home and have always been proud to be here. Proud of our PM. He’s not perfect but he’s wonderful!
Trudeau is like the ivanka of Canada… they get each other… he is basically PM because people loved his dad. He’s done nothing here but increase my taxes.
he is PM because this country rejected harper and the conservative government, period.
I don’t totally agree,
yes we Canadians hated Harper, but the Liberals are not much better, let’s not pretend that they are.
He got here because of first past the post, low voter turn out and fear votes causing good MP’s to lose their posts ( ala Peggy Nash).
Not only has there been a tax increase, the pipelines have all been approved( under the Harper admin guidelines) and voter reform is not happening.
Look clearly I didn’t vote for the liberals, they have always been skeevy in my books, but that is neither here nor there, I am just saying not all Canadians voted for this to happen.
We wanted change, just given better campaigning it might have been real change and not just a reversion back to the mediocre wolf in sheep clothing government we had prior to Harper.
I will say well done on handling the cheetoh AND I love all the Canadians on here!
scotchy, i never said the liberals were better.
i responded to the charge that he won because of his dad.
the liberals won because of an intense reaction against the cons. like the cons win as intense reaction against the liberals. rinse and repeat.
@Kay, there were 4 other candidates thag election night, 2015. That simplistic explanation doesn’t explain why Canada didn’t pick any of the other 4.
Pipeline approval is a good thing. People don’t seem to get that the oil goes no matter what. If you block pipelines it goes by rail and trucks both of which have a WAY higher carbon footprint and are more likely to cause spills.
I don’t understand the pipeline-hate. It doesn’t make sense to attack the delivery of a supply. If you want to make effective change, you need to attack the DEMAND for oil. As long as there is DEMAND then there will be SUPPLY. Lowering demand for oil will lower the need for oil.
But as it stands now, demand is not going down, and pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to move oil.
Scotchy, over 68% of Canada voted in our last federal election. Not exactly low voter turnout.
canadian becks: yes, i am aware of the number of parties in canada, thanks.
and your useful and interesting explanation as to why lib/con flip flopping is NOT IN FACT the reason the libs won was so helpful. bigly.
thanks for contributing! 🙂
I wasn’t living in Canada when Pierre was PM. I am a first generation immigrant and have voted Liberal since I first became a citizen – always will. I understand that higher taxes are the price we pay for protecting the environment, maintains a (mostly) free healthcare system, being able and willing to take in the refugees, etc. I didn’t vote for Justin because of his dad, or his hair, or the promise for electoral reform – which given the studies and polls not enough Canadians cared enough about. I voted for him because I like having a cabinet that represents ALL Canadians, I like – or at least understand – the need to balance carbon taxes with new pipelines, and so on.
I never complained about our high taxes until our health care went to shit and now our education is too! It’s ridiculous.
Yeah… Not really (as in, not at all). The West didn’t like PET, Quebecers aren’t fans either and yet, the Libs managed to do well in both regions. Justin has been the MP of one of the poorest ridings in the country and had to be seating in the opposition for 10 years before becoming Prime Minister, so we can’t really say that it’s all because of his dad. Besides, many of those who voted for Trudeau weren’t alive/old enough to care when his dad was in power.
Truth is, he won because people were tired and disgusted by Harper, most millennials (myself included) couldn’t stand him. The NDP ran a crappy campaing that was way too much on the center and displeased its base (that and Mulcair is not representing the NDP values) while the Libs ran more on the left than they usually do, acknowledging that deficits would happen in order to make things better for the working and middle classes. It seemed honest and humane (two things rarely said about Justin’s dad) and Justin worked his a$$ off and hustled. I’m not a fan but I can recognize that. And he brought a great team of people into his cabinet (except for Melanie Joly; what a tool!) Ivanka, he has been working his whole life independently from his dad, he only started in politics after his father’s death.
I’m in the top 1% (not humble-bragging just the facts) and while my taxes will be raised the most, I voted for and fully support the current government. The increase in my taxes doesn’t change my standard of living, but may positively affect others. That works for me.
And we all owe PET a huge debt of gratitude. Whatever else his sins, the repatriation of the Consitution means we will never be exposed, regardless of any change in government, to what is happening south of the border. Every single day since the US election, I have been thankful for that. Canada rocks.
Waiting for all caps anouncement about the wall between US and Canada. And Canada will pay for it!
Great article from Canada’s Globe & Mail on the meeting, worth reading:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/when-trudeau-met-trump-canadian-exceptionalism-american-envy/article34011537/
Exactly, why is she there? Absolutely no reason for her presence except for self serving reasons.
That side eye of his hand is hilarious though, lol
“Joe” Trudeau
Yeah, heard that too. Let’s see if SNL this weekend makes fun of it. BTW- I’m guessing Spicer’s notes read J. Trudeau and he thought he could remember the name Justin.
Spicer is really self-conscious now….Trump is really on the war path now concerning absolute loyalty to him and the entire family.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/joe-trudeau-trump-s-press-secretary-flubs-pm-s-name-at-briefing-1.3285209?autoPlay=true
I’m a Canadian and American dual citizen living in the US, and after that handshake, all I could say was You’re Welcome, America. That was amazing.
I’d love to barter trump for Trudeau and have Justin for President in the U.S. How refreshing that would be!
If only Trudeau had offered Trump a Shawinigan Handshake…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawinigan_Handshake