Give the U.S. a miss this year

Re: As U.S. considers auto tariffs, Canada says it is prepared for ‘any eventuality,’ June 12.

Snowbirds, please fly somewhere else. At the least, avoid the Republican states and find another warm place this winter. As a proud Canadian and a retired senior, I watched the news about Trump attacking our prime minister and it made me sad. Our former ally has turned on us. It appears his handlers and cohorts are backing his actions. The message: The bully has a gang and we had better watch our backs. Like many Canadians, I have American friends, American cousins. Like many Canadians, I like to escape the cold in mid-winter. When Trump was elected, I said we need to find a different place to get our break from winter. This past year, we chose Australia and New Zealand.

As Trump wages his trade war, it all comes down to money. Let us put our dollars elsewhere. If every Canadian Snowbird can avoid the U.S. for their extended vacations until Trump is gone, there will be a financial impact.

For those who drive south, try Costa Rica or Mexico. For those who fly, there are many warm places to go. Short flights to the Bahamas, the Caribbean or the Canaries or Azores — or fly to the South Pacific. And let’s not forget Asia and Africa.

If picking the U.S., California and Hawaii are the only warm-climate Democratic states. It is unrealistic to avoid any travel to the U.S. Our friends and our families are intertwined. Many U.S. cities are a hub for travel.

But to call Justin Trudeau “dishonest and weak” and talk about a “special place in hell” for our prime minister is appalling.

I have put away my passes for Disney World. Hopefully in two, or (heaven forbid) six years, we can use them. Mary Norwood, Almonte