I am truly glad for our Canadian bretheren up north that they get a decent leader in times like these, especially after having a guy like Harper in office. But while this makes for a nice change of pace, Slate has a bit of a warning for you:
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Stay vigilant. Don't make our mistake Canada. Please
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My prime minister, Justin Trudeau, enjoys a public image as the antiDonald Trump. A young, sensitive, feminist, environmentalist with a progressive stance on marijuana; a welcoming attitude toward foreigners; and a glorious head of natural hair, he seems in every way the opposite of the U.S. president...
All this may fluff the self-esteem of needy Canadians while serving as a useful narrative for shell-shocked American liberals desperate for a positive role model. But its a fantasy.
The truth is that Trudeau isnt Canadas answer to Trump. Hes Canadas answer to Barack Obama. Our habit isnt to reject America. Its to imitate you, a few years later and a few degrees milder. Just like you, we replaced a divisive old conservative (Stephen Harper) with a young, feel-good centrist in progressive clothing. Unlike you, we played it safe and went with a name-brand candidateonly in Canada could the son of a former prime minister be considered a transformational leader...
While Americas press celebrates Trudeau for seemingly thumbing his nose at Trump, Canadian media praises him for successfully ingratiating himself to the president, skillfully avoiding opportunities to bruise the Donalds ego. Nervous Canadians who know their place want a smooth relationship with the giant next door, whatever the circumstances.
Yet mere submission might not be enough. Canadians tend to demand emulation, and if our copycat trend continues, the electorate will eventually choose a Canadian Trump, just as it elected a Canadian Obama. Its a plan well underway.
Leading the polls in the current leadership race for Canadas Conservative Party is a reality television star who cultivates the persona of an obnoxious rich businessman. Sound familiar?
Americans may know Kevin OLeary from ABCs Shark Tank. Canadians have a decent chance of knowing him as our next prime minister.
Stay vigilant. Don't make our mistake Canada. Please