My patient reader knows I love spending time in the north of Alabama. They may not understand why, but they will. First of all it’s an extraordinarily interesting place, full of contradictions and the creative sparks that come from same. It is also, to my mind, exactly the kind of growing city we should have all over the continent. It is (also also) the place where I found what I was evidently missing to write the books that I was put on this green earth to produce.
Huntsville has a very special hold on me, but it’s not the only place in the United States that is filled with good people trying their best to live a good life in harmony with their neighbours. I roam that country enough to know that the felon-in-chief does not represent it. The Trump/Musk broligarchy only speaks for itself.
A few of my favourite Huntsville things.
Having just come back from my 18th visit to the Rocket City in a little over three years, I can tell you people are anxious and afraid of what this unspeakable ruffian might do to their future. And Alabama is among the reddest of all red states.
What worries me the most is that Donald Trump might cause Canadians and Americans to sour on our amazing long and loving friendship.
It’s one thing to respond to irrational provocations from the White House with strong defensive moves. I have three black belts in karate, I know how to be ruthless and efficient when attacked. But as someone deeply steeped in the philosophies of ancient martial arts, I am acutely aware that proportionality and honour are absolutely necessary. Otherwise we risk descending to the same level as the bully. Which is precisely what the bully wants.
So while I’m fine with boycotts and Canadians supporting one another by buying local, or pointedly spending their vacation dollars outside of the U.S., I ask that we remember one thing: We are all richer when we respond to hate with love, not more hate.
We who are defending ourselves against a notorious bully already have the moral high ground. Let’s not lose it by over-reacting. That is the subject of this week’s column.
