Dear Editor:
Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford may only have a Grade-12 education but he is still taking lessons from Donald Trump, who he has admiringly called “a marketing genius.”
Ford lived part-time in Chicago between 1999 and 2010, and it is very clear that he loves everything about the United States. Since becoming premier he has tried to remake Ontario in America’s image, with everything from privatizing health care and putting booze in 7-11s to closing independent Service Ontario locations in favour of U.S.-owned Staples stores.
At a time when the United States has revealed itself to be a completely unreliable partner and a serious threat to Canadian sovereignty, Ford is pitching “Fortress Am-Can” – in other words, he would have us increase our reliance on the U.S., and rush into the arms of a mad megalomaniac.
Eight years ago Donald Trump was facing a string of sexual assault allegations. CityNews reporter Cynthia Mulligan asked Ford, “Are you still a supporter of Donald Trump?” Ford’s response was unequivocal: “Absolutely. I wouldn’t waver. Like, the GOP is wavering, I wouldn’t waver.”
In last week’s editorial Wellington Advertiser publisher Dave Adsett dismissed Ford’s lame excuses for calling an unnecessary election. “This election is about one thing,” said Adsett. “Feeding a blowhard’s ego.”
As true as that may be, there is also a bigger picture: if you dream of Canada becoming the 51st state, your best bet is to elect Doug Ford.
Mark Weidmark,
Elora