At 3:24 yesterday afternoon, while Canada was battling devastating wildfires and smoke spread deep into both Canada and the United States, the President of the United States decided to weigh in. Not to offer support or express sympathy for the families forced from their homes. He wasn't thinking about the countless times Canadians have been there for Americans during some of our darkest moments. Instead, he blamed a natural disaster on Canada, accused the country of negligence, threatened additional tariffs while the fires were still burning, and declared that "the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!"
I’m so ashamed of the behavior of this fascist administration. I apologize to Canada and Mexico for having to listen to this BS. Please know that the majority of true Americans pray for you and your battle with these fires.
So speaks a man who polluted the air of his own capital city, so speaks a man whose woeful ignorance knows no bounds who is punishing his own people with the tariffs he thinks he is imposing on Canada.
Canada is so lucky to have Mark Carney. We loved him when he headed the Bank of England in UK.
The fires in Canada are devastating and Trump should be helping not hindering , but when has he ever done a kind gesture to anyone. He is an ignoramus.
If there is a fire fund in Canada that is legitimate I would like to hear about it.
Smoke goes away, sadly fire damage and houses don’t fade as fast as California will testify. Isn’t Trump still holding back funding to help with rebuilding in California while he paints reflecting pools with rubber and builds arches in his honour?
Morally corrupt is one phrase in amongst many that resonates in this piece
The blaming of Canada for this natural disaster is reprehensible I am sure if many of the constituents of those senators who have reprimanded Canada and the Canadians were asked ‘Extra tariffs or help?’ The overwhelming majority would not hesitate to say help
Who dismantles their own safeguards and monitoring systems and then turns and points fingers at a neighbour in the middle of a crisis? It’s almost like they are accusing Canada of wilful destruction just to spite Trump
I suspect if Canada were called on to help with uncontrolled fires in US even after this they would not hesitate to help No petty grandstanding just practical support
Carney is right to say global warming is everyone’s problem We in the U.K. have had abnormal summer temperatures which are likely to be the norm going forwards but we aren’t pointing fingers at our neighbours
Trump is like King Canute ordering back the sea Nature is stronger than any of us and cooperation and planning is the only way forward
Canada has my greatest sympathy and Trump my deepest loathing
The mid terms cannot come soon enough Don’t let this contemptible, self serving, psychopathic megalomaniac derail them
I am one of those constituents from Michigan and I am appalled at our congressman and his comments. For sure "help" would be my response. You can be sure I will contact his office.
Glenna, it is really good to hear from you. I've often wondered how representative Congress has been on flashpoint items like this one. I'm sure many constituents take either side of this issue, and others, which makes speaking out so important. If we find that we can do more to prevent disasters like this one, rest assured we will do so.
Canadians can be better partners and friends. We can't help which way the winds blow, but we can be stronger economic and military partners as well as friends. That's where we focus our energy, not dwelling on the words of one president, but on doing our best to step up for ourselves and those depending on us.
We WILL outlive their cruelty. And especially HIS cruelty. Thanks again, Heather! Glad you could have fun with your daughter at a concert; how do you do it all?!
Thank you, Heather, for your excellent back story reporting. Woven together, we see the selective GOP response, the idiotic social media proclamation by DJT, and the self-dealings of Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana, as shameful reminders of how selfish and arrogant people think and act.
We also see and hear the deafening sound of one hand clapping from the rest of the GOP who are like lambs being led to the slaughter.
Then you counter that by highlighting the ultimate sacrifice of the “56-year-old Canadian pilot named Nicholas Dale from Sooke, British Columbia, [who]was killed fighting a wildfire in Colorado.”
And our inhumane President of our country says not a word about Mr. Dale on his Untruth Social Media account…
We are in a constant state of embarrassment in front of the World as these types of behaviors escalate.
Reports were released yesterday of 2 additional deaths of US servicemen as a direct result of Trump’s War - and all he can say is that it is “very sad”.
I asked CHAT GPT to describe in more detail what a person feels like in a situation that is Kafkaesque.
Here is the response: when a person is in a situation that is “irrational, opaque, dehumanizing, and impossible to escape.”
I was trying to think of how to express the level of excellence in this essay, how it really was a standout for me in terms of clarity, connection, context, and compassion. I appreciate your comment so much! And now I don’t have to write one because you’ve already done it. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Susan - I so much appreciate the work that Heather is doing - her journalism form is so unique in the ways you’ve expressed. I enjoy being part of this community she has created.
As a Hollywood international super-villian, all he would need is a cat to stroke. Trouble is, animals won't sit still in his presence. They despise him. I don't know what colour they see, but the malice he exudes must be visible. It's heartening to think that almost the entire world's population will outlive him.
I called yesterday and left a message for my Senator Bernie Moreno telling him to quit being an as$hole (in a nice way) and an embarrassment to Ohio and the USA. I let him know that as a constituent, I expect him to stop blaming Canada for the smoke here and to offer assistance and condolences instead. Because that’s the proper way to help our Canadian friends in need. Not to blame them because that’s just not polite or the right way to be towards our fellow human beings. Being born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised within the Roman Catholic Church he would probably understand the struggles of people who are facing natural disasters. I also advised him to try doing something constructive about the climate change that’s responsible for the increase in extreme weather events, something like supporting clean energy development. You know something that could help all the people to ensure this planet survives where we all live. That smoke from fires just really doesn’t restrict itself to borders. Maybe those fires that continue to pop up in the USA that Canada has had to put up with our smoke. That people have lost everything, their homes, their towns and loved ones. Maybe it would be wise to offer condolences to the family of a firefighter who came from Canada and died fighting a fire in Colorado, you know the USA instead of being an as$hole.
Just trying to do what I can here.
Senator Bernie Moreno
SR-284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2315
Cincinnati office Phone: (513) 684-1021
Cleveland office Phone: (216) 522-7272
Columbus office Phone: (614) 469-2083
If his direct number is not available in DC call the switchboard number for the United States Senate at (202) 224-3121
For the Canadian friends and basically all of us — there’s no amount of apologies for this man. Didn’t want him, didn’t vote for him but this is what Ohio got. This time around Sherrod Brown is running against the Republican Jon Husted who was appointed by the Ohio Governor to fill Vance’s seat… Ohio learn and vote for Brown 💙
BTW — Plan on calling Bernie again today. The more reminders the better. It seems there are many in that particular political party that suffer from “selective memory” or a complete inability of cognitive function.
As for that Felon in that bordello Oval didn’t vote for that thing either and there will never be enough time or the amount of apologies that many Americans will ever be able to give to be enough… an entire lifetime won’t even cut it…
In Maine, we have Susan “Concerned” Collins and trump’s Jarod Golden-boy, but luckily Angus King, Mills, and many Dems. making allies with our Canadian friends. We are interdependent. Our relationship with Canada is critical to our state, the whitest and oldest in the nation.
At this point in time, we literally and figuratively, NEED to “fight fire with fire.”❤️🩹
Good luck in Maine hope you find a candidate that shows "concerned" Collins the exit door. May we all rid ourselves of those who are more concerned about serving the Felon versus all the people who give them their jobs. It's way past time...
As a Canadian writing from Northwestern Ontario, I’m a little surprised that Mr. Trump hasn’t just suggested building a high enough wall on the northern border to keep the smoke from crossing over.
Seriously, thank you, Heather, not just for your commentary on this issue, but for all the work you are doing calling out this aberrant and abhorrent federal government and hangers-on at the State level. I admire your focus, and sheer determination in the task you have set yourself. Please know that your work is valued here in Canada as well as at home and that behind every one letter of encouragement you receive there are thousands , such as myself, who read you your words daily with gratitude.
I think you give Trump too much power in your apology to Canada. I think it’s better to presume when he leaves we will fall into each other’s arms right away, and become loving partners in rebuilding our world.
I do love your vision for what could happen next, but I confess what we have seen from our fellow citizens continuing to support his many outlandish moves does not give me confidence it will happen.
My vision is predicated on us not just losing Trump, but where the crack in everything let the light in so we'd be better than before, having transcended our violent proclivities to be the cooperative species it's in our blueprint to become. Then, the embrace would be a no-brainer.
I, for one, would truly love that. We love you, Canada, and we are very sorry for what your country is having to endure right now - literally on all fronts. ❤️
I’m so ashamed of the behavior of this fascist administration. I apologize to Canada and Mexico for having to listen to this BS. Please know that the majority of true Americans pray for you and your battle with these fires.
The world got to see the underbelly of America and it’s trash. Let’s hope by November the trash takes itself out.
It WILL be the ONLY WAY America can gain back some of its Respect, Mike Hammer.
WE ARE NOT INTIMIDATED!!
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!!
WE WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING for AMERICA and DEMOCRACY!!
First...WE NEED to OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE 'EM ALL OUT!!
So speaks a man who polluted the air of his own capital city, so speaks a man whose woeful ignorance knows no bounds who is punishing his own people with the tariffs he thinks he is imposing on Canada.
Canada is so lucky to have Mark Carney. We loved him when he headed the Bank of England in UK.
The fires in Canada are devastating and Trump should be helping not hindering , but when has he ever done a kind gesture to anyone. He is an ignoramus.
If there is a fire fund in Canada that is legitimate I would like to hear about it.
Smoke goes away, sadly fire damage and houses don’t fade as fast as California will testify. Isn’t Trump still holding back funding to help with rebuilding in California while he paints reflecting pools with rubber and builds arches in his honour?
Here are a number of Funds that will go to those affected in Canada.
These are reputable funds to assist our Canadians friends..
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/ontario-wildfires-how-to-help-donate
Thank you will look into it.
Bless you for going to the trouble
Done. Much thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I asked about this before I saw your comment.
Morally corrupt is one phrase in amongst many that resonates in this piece
The blaming of Canada for this natural disaster is reprehensible I am sure if many of the constituents of those senators who have reprimanded Canada and the Canadians were asked ‘Extra tariffs or help?’ The overwhelming majority would not hesitate to say help
Who dismantles their own safeguards and monitoring systems and then turns and points fingers at a neighbour in the middle of a crisis? It’s almost like they are accusing Canada of wilful destruction just to spite Trump
I suspect if Canada were called on to help with uncontrolled fires in US even after this they would not hesitate to help No petty grandstanding just practical support
Carney is right to say global warming is everyone’s problem We in the U.K. have had abnormal summer temperatures which are likely to be the norm going forwards but we aren’t pointing fingers at our neighbours
Trump is like King Canute ordering back the sea Nature is stronger than any of us and cooperation and planning is the only way forward
Canada has my greatest sympathy and Trump my deepest loathing
The mid terms cannot come soon enough Don’t let this contemptible, self serving, psychopathic megalomaniac derail them
I am one of those constituents from Michigan and I am appalled at our congressman and his comments. For sure "help" would be my response. You can be sure I will contact his office.
Glenna, it is really good to hear from you. I've often wondered how representative Congress has been on flashpoint items like this one. I'm sure many constituents take either side of this issue, and others, which makes speaking out so important. If we find that we can do more to prevent disasters like this one, rest assured we will do so.
Canadians can be better partners and friends. We can't help which way the winds blow, but we can be stronger economic and military partners as well as friends. That's where we focus our energy, not dwelling on the words of one president, but on doing our best to step up for ourselves and those depending on us.
Good to hear that you will hold him accountable
We WILL outlive their cruelty. And especially HIS cruelty. Thanks again, Heather! Glad you could have fun with your daughter at a concert; how do you do it all?!
Thank you, Heather, for your excellent back story reporting. Woven together, we see the selective GOP response, the idiotic social media proclamation by DJT, and the self-dealings of Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana, as shameful reminders of how selfish and arrogant people think and act.
We also see and hear the deafening sound of one hand clapping from the rest of the GOP who are like lambs being led to the slaughter.
Then you counter that by highlighting the ultimate sacrifice of the “56-year-old Canadian pilot named Nicholas Dale from Sooke, British Columbia, [who]was killed fighting a wildfire in Colorado.”
And our inhumane President of our country says not a word about Mr. Dale on his Untruth Social Media account…
We are in a constant state of embarrassment in front of the World as these types of behaviors escalate.
Reports were released yesterday of 2 additional deaths of US servicemen as a direct result of Trump’s War - and all he can say is that it is “very sad”.
I asked CHAT GPT to describe in more detail what a person feels like in a situation that is Kafkaesque.
Here is the response: when a person is in a situation that is “irrational, opaque, dehumanizing, and impossible to escape.”
Sound familiar?
I was trying to think of how to express the level of excellence in this essay, how it really was a standout for me in terms of clarity, connection, context, and compassion. I appreciate your comment so much! And now I don’t have to write one because you’ve already done it. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Susan - I so much appreciate the work that Heather is doing - her journalism form is so unique in the ways you’ve expressed. I enjoy being part of this community she has created.
As a Hollywood international super-villian, all he would need is a cat to stroke. Trouble is, animals won't sit still in his presence. They despise him. I don't know what colour they see, but the malice he exudes must be visible. It's heartening to think that almost the entire world's population will outlive him.
Thank you Heather for calling this out.
I called yesterday and left a message for my Senator Bernie Moreno telling him to quit being an as$hole (in a nice way) and an embarrassment to Ohio and the USA. I let him know that as a constituent, I expect him to stop blaming Canada for the smoke here and to offer assistance and condolences instead. Because that’s the proper way to help our Canadian friends in need. Not to blame them because that’s just not polite or the right way to be towards our fellow human beings. Being born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised within the Roman Catholic Church he would probably understand the struggles of people who are facing natural disasters. I also advised him to try doing something constructive about the climate change that’s responsible for the increase in extreme weather events, something like supporting clean energy development. You know something that could help all the people to ensure this planet survives where we all live. That smoke from fires just really doesn’t restrict itself to borders. Maybe those fires that continue to pop up in the USA that Canada has had to put up with our smoke. That people have lost everything, their homes, their towns and loved ones. Maybe it would be wise to offer condolences to the family of a firefighter who came from Canada and died fighting a fire in Colorado, you know the USA instead of being an as$hole.
Just trying to do what I can here.
Senator Bernie Moreno
SR-284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2315
Cincinnati office Phone: (513) 684-1021
Cleveland office Phone: (216) 522-7272
Columbus office Phone: (614) 469-2083
If his direct number is not available in DC call the switchboard number for the United States Senate at (202) 224-3121
For the Canadian friends and basically all of us — there’s no amount of apologies for this man. Didn’t want him, didn’t vote for him but this is what Ohio got. This time around Sherrod Brown is running against the Republican Jon Husted who was appointed by the Ohio Governor to fill Vance’s seat… Ohio learn and vote for Brown 💙
BTW — Plan on calling Bernie again today. The more reminders the better. It seems there are many in that particular political party that suffer from “selective memory” or a complete inability of cognitive function.
As for that Felon in that bordello Oval didn’t vote for that thing either and there will never be enough time or the amount of apologies that many Americans will ever be able to give to be enough… an entire lifetime won’t even cut it…
TJ, well said and thank you for your efforts.
In Maine, we have Susan “Concerned” Collins and trump’s Jarod Golden-boy, but luckily Angus King, Mills, and many Dems. making allies with our Canadian friends. We are interdependent. Our relationship with Canada is critical to our state, the whitest and oldest in the nation.
At this point in time, we literally and figuratively, NEED to “fight fire with fire.”❤️🩹
Good luck in Maine hope you find a candidate that shows "concerned" Collins the exit door. May we all rid ourselves of those who are more concerned about serving the Felon versus all the people who give them their jobs. It's way past time...
I’m not religious, but AMEN to that!!
As a Canadian writing from Northwestern Ontario, I’m a little surprised that Mr. Trump hasn’t just suggested building a high enough wall on the northern border to keep the smoke from crossing over.
Seriously, thank you, Heather, not just for your commentary on this issue, but for all the work you are doing calling out this aberrant and abhorrent federal government and hangers-on at the State level. I admire your focus, and sheer determination in the task you have set yourself. Please know that your work is valued here in Canada as well as at home and that behind every one letter of encouragement you receive there are thousands , such as myself, who read you your words daily with gratitude.
Drill, baby, drill! Coal is beautiful! Wind mills are horrible! What a f**king asshole the guy is!! Burgers for brains.
Great orange skies article.
Heaven sent for Trump because it is the newest Epstein Files distraction.
We truly are living in The Age of Idiocy
Maybe Trump should consider building a wall or smoke screen to keep the smoke from traveling across that imaginary line called the border.
Remember his advice in California…go out and rake the leaves from the forest floor…send him up to Canada with his trusty rake…
I think you give Trump too much power in your apology to Canada. I think it’s better to presume when he leaves we will fall into each other’s arms right away, and become loving partners in rebuilding our world.
I do love your vision for what could happen next, but I confess what we have seen from our fellow citizens continuing to support his many outlandish moves does not give me confidence it will happen.
My vision is predicated on us not just losing Trump, but where the crack in everything let the light in so we'd be better than before, having transcended our violent proclivities to be the cooperative species it's in our blueprint to become. Then, the embrace would be a no-brainer.
I, for one, would truly love that. We love you, Canada, and we are very sorry for what your country is having to endure right now - literally on all fronts. ❤️
wow so stupidity in the us is spreading like a fever
Like wildfire....
Excellent, Heather!