Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to rule on trade relations with other countries, including the tariffs deemed essential to the economic well-being of America. Seeking to escape such congressional control in his approach to Canada, Donald Trump declared a national emergency, suggesting this country to be primarily responsible for the devastating flow of fentanyl into the U.S.. Yet the facts clearly show that a far greater percentage of that drug is entering via the Mexican border. Another aspect of his rationale, of course, is his country’s trade deficit with its northern neighbor. But while the U.S., having 10 times the population of Canada, clearly buys more Canadian products than we do theirs, the fact is Canada is its greatest customer, buying more of its goods than China, Japan and the U.K. together! Clearly Trump’s invocation of Emergency Powers was rooted not in Reason but in his own personal proclivities!
Naively, Trump has openly admitted to being a Bully, describing his approach to negotiations with others as “The Mad Man Theory,” based on the notion that if you can terrify them with insane threats, they will succumb to your wishes. That this is a despicably uncivilized way of dealing with others would seem to be self-evident. But that Trump has in fact misdiagnosed the nature of America’s economic ties with Canada would seem to have rendered his threats utterly futile. Indeed, America’s House of Representatives validated this opinion just a few days ago!
On Wed., Feb 11, The House voted 219 to 211 to approve a motion nullifying Trump’s invocation of a National Emergency vis a vis Canada. Six Republicans led the resolution to victory which, lacking a 2/3 majority, was not binding. Simple Senatorial approval of the decision will also not apparently nullify the President’s right to continue on in his agenda. Yet a Supreme Court decision is pending which very well might do so. As I am no Constitutional Scholar, I am in no position to pontificate on the complexities of this issue. But what seems inarguably self-evident is that Trump’s arrogant faith in his bullying tactics has been rendered futile by the simple economic facts of the Real World!
While some of the information currently flooding the internet may be the product of Trump-hating Leftists, certain facts pertaining to his attack on Canada seem unequivocally true. Carney, we are told, has made Canada part of a mutually beneficial economic plan which includes the European Union as well as other countries around the world, a plan which specifically excludes U.S. participation! Further validating the fact that Trump’s tariff threats might have devastating results in his own country, a letter was recently sent to Senate Majority leader John Thune by 3 auto manufacturers and 5 energy companies which insisted that stifling the free flow of products from Canada would most certainly shut down assembly lines in various states, while also significantly increasing the price of gas for the average citizen. The Governors of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ohio apparently badgered the White House with the same sort of complaints. No doubt at least partially responsible for this trend, Mark Carney, we are told, has privately discussed with various U.S. Governors, Union Leaders and CEOs, the possibly catastrophic effects of Trump’s assault on Canada. The obvious implication of the videos and articles I am citing is that Canada’s Prime Minister has used the facts of Economic Reality to shape his policies, while Donald Trump’s mindless bluster and bullying are ultimately futile.
You have no doubt heard of the controversy surrounding the building of the Gordie Howe Bridge, designed to facilitate the flow of goods between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. While Trump is appalled that U.S. manufacturers were excluded from its construction, the fact is that Canada put up the 6.4 billion dollars necessary for its completion. Michigan’s Governor, in response to Trump’s threats to simply cancel the bridge, has been very clear in averring that it would be of benefit to his state’s economy.
Given all of the above, it might be assumed that I am either a Canadian Chauvinist or a Trump Hater. But I am neither. Indeed in multiple blogs I have supported his policies, including, for example, his attempt to re-establish the integrity of America’s borders. But politicians must play by the rules. It is essential to the health of any functioning Democracy, and Trump’s tendency to ignore proper protocol is no doubt his greatest flaw as America’s leader. This neither makes him the monster portrayed by the Left or, as some have ludicrously suggested, the greatest president ever. And oh, by the way, those Republicans who voted with the Democrats to veto Trump’s assault on Canada are not, as he has ranted, traitors, but people of integrity who put their Consciences before their status within the Party.
Bizarrely, as just I was about to publish this blog, I learned that the Supreme Court has ruled, in a 6 to 3 vote, that Trump exceeded his authority in invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act which he felt gave him the right to threaten others with his punitive tariffs. Once again, it would seem, Congress, as stipulated by the Constitution, will have its say in America’s economic relations with the rest of the world!