It Might Have Been Better

 

Now, here’s an idea to chew on. It might have been better if Donald Trump had won the election in 2020. I know, I know, how can I say such a thing? Well, here’s my thinking.

Donald Trump was humiliated by his loss in 2020. He became embittered and he became angry. He sought revenge and looked for ways to “get even” with his perceived enemies.

A win would have ensured there was no January 6^th in 2021 and the subsequent denial movement.

Mike Pence would have been the Vice-President, a moderate voice rather than the radical and outspoken J.D. Vance.  Mike Pence would not have had to “betray” Trump on January 6^th.

In 2020, Trump had an agenda and was following it in his first term. Whatever its faults, it was a known agenda that people were getting used to. It probably would have done damage, but not as drastically as his present course. 

In 2020 there was no Elon Musk whispering sweet get-rich-quick schemes in Trump’s ear. There would probably have been no DOGE and the damage that was done. In his first term there was no talk of mass firings or threats to close entire government departments.

In 2020 there were no plutocrats trying to control the county by developing the so-called Project 2025. There would have been no impetus to develop that because their embittered mouthpiece (Trump) would still have been in power.

Trump’s cabinet in his first term had people who, although trying to follow Trump’s agenda, sometimes argued with him to reduce the possible downside.  But they were nowhere as radical as those he had selected this time around. Several of his current cabinet secretaries appear notably incompetent.

In Canada’s case, we had just agreed to a new trade agreement, and he would probably have stuck to it for his second term. It would not have needed to be reviewed during this current term.  In his first term, there was no talk of taking over Canada and Greenland.  He may still have gone after the Panama Canal, but that has just become a business deal.

Perhaps people did not think he would have the hubris to run again. Perhaps in 2024 they did not understand that the four-year gap would give him time and the backing to develop such a radical new agenda, to adopt such radical supporters, and to allow Elon Musk to pay for his re-election run.

And by now he would have been out of office when his second term expired last January.

Maybe it would have been better.

Recent Thoughts

 

Mental Health and Crime

The recent tragedy at the Filipino festival in Vancouver, when it was revealed that the perpetrator had mental health issues, has put a spotlight on those who suffer from that affliction. Calls have gone out, once again, for involuntary interment of such patients. Such a notion horrifies those of us who have a mental health issue. Where would such incarceration begin and where would it end. If I have a bad few days with my clinical depression, will I be turned in by someone and taken away? The truth is that it is estimated that about 10% of the population suffers from some sort of mental health issue, that is about 4 million people. Are we all at risk of involuntary incarceration? Would those who are incarcerated be guaranteed treatment, or would the volume of them overwhelm the resources that are available, inadequate as they are even in the present circumstances? Almost all people who suffer from mental health issues live crime free lives.  Many have treatment options that allow them to live healthily and productively (no matter what you think of my blogs, at least I’m doing something). Others have learned to cope with their malady.  Only very few carry out outrageous actions. Let’s do away with this notion that mental health should mean involuntary internment.

Alberta Separation

So, a large segment of the Alberta population wants to separate from Canada and become what? A separate country? The Republic of Alberta? Do they understand all of the things that will have to be done, even if they do break away against the many legal hurdles in their way? They will need to set up a legislature and a head of state.  Will it be a President or a Prime Minister. What will give this new country its legitimacy? How about a constitution.  How will that be made? Will there be a bill of rights? How about the many national institutions that will need to be established. A judicial system.  The existing one will not be enough. A national police force, no more RCMP. Border security and an immigration system. Border posts and employees. National security, armed forces and the resulting equipment. A postal system. All of the things that the federal government currently provides. It will not be cheap. It will not be cheap.  Canada is not going to give those away. An intelligence agency is a necessary evil in this day and age. A health care system.  Will it be state run or reverted to a private system.  Good luck making people happy with that.

There is an alternative, of course, and a few people want this. Become the 51^st state of the United States and all that that would entail. Good luck getting any break from Mr. Trump.  Oh, he will love acquiring your oil and gas. How will you set up a state election process to satisfy US requirements.  How will you vote? Will you find the Republican Party okay, or a bit too far right even for you? Will a Republican majority legislature welcome a new state that may add a few more Democrats to their number and shift the balance of power?

I hope that Albertans have the answer to these questions before they get too carried away with this separation idea.

Oh Yeah, the Election

In my opinion, the right party and man won. It is, however, a shame that some of the smaller parties did not get more representation.  What I do find interesting is the hubris of Mr. Poilievre who seems to believe that he has a right to continue to lead the opposition and be the leader of the Conservative party. Doesn’t he get it, he has lost his seat!

In a future blog I will discuss electoral reform.