Thoughtful Americans

The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.

~ Frederick Douglass

Today we travel home after a five-day holiday to celebrate my husband’s 65th birthday.

During our getaway, we were surrounded by British and American people.

On several occasions, when American travellers learned we were Canadian, they offered heartfelt apologies.

In 2025, an anonymous American purchased billboards in Vancouver displaying the message,

Dear Canada,

We are so very, very, very sorry.

Your American friends

The campaign aimed to express solidarity and distress over economic damage and assaults on Canadian sovereignty. The anonymous American man’s thoughtfulness touched many Canadian hearts.

One woman I met while away, displaying shame and empathy, expressed how much she loves Canadians and goes out of her way to buy Canadian goods. She will soon be travelling to Canada.

I thanked her for her kindness and said that sometimes we need disruptive forces to create constructive change. We are not living in a place of blame. We value our American friends.

Although Canadians have experienced hardship, we don’t have a victim mentality. We have benefited greatly from American innovation, entertainment, security, and economic and social ties. I am thankful for American health and wellness professionals who share their expertise so eloquently online.

Yes, assuming responsibility for the leaders we elect is rational. In a democracy, the winning candidate reflects the mindset of those who voted for him/her at the time.

Chaotic leadership reflects a chaotic mindset. It is a management style defined by unpredictability, confusion, and instability, characterized by impulsive decisions, poor communication, and emotional volatility.

To attract a good leader, we have to become the person we want to attract.