What an era to be living in. It’s the second time in a decade that we’re thinking, “Well, this is a moment for the history books.” (Or the Wikipedia pages.) Are there any existential threats that AREN’T buzzwords right now? It feels like all the things are on the line. No wonder #elbowsup was a viral rallying cry in Canada the second Mike Myers offered it. Simple and bracing – unlike everything else right now.
Even though fighting is my least favourite part of hockey, I can dig this metaphor. I’m good with Canada’s financial elbows getting in the US government’s financial face, since anything more subtle would be lost on the administrators in question. I’m happy that we’re buckling down and finding ways to trade among our own provinces and territories, and expanding alliances with other, more stable powers.
It makes me especially glad that the overall Canadian response to the “51st state” question has been a resounding hell no. In case there was any doubt. (Which I don’t believe there ever was on this side of the border – but if any Americans didn’t know, they do now. With all due respect, hard pass on joining y’all.)
What will you do with your elbows?
Today I’d like to remind all of us Canuck types, and all of us who are working to stay as human as possible, that there is more than one way to put your #elbowsup. If things get as bad as Andrew Coyne thinks they will, we will need not only financial solidarity. We’ll need to lean into our other assets: generosity, community, art, caring, joy, creativity, loyalty, harmony, and yes, politeness. All the stuff that Donald & the Tech Bros lack.
Let’s do all that, better than we ever have. Elbows up.
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