Lt. Colonel David Mitson, USAF Retired, and Janet Mitson, Chugiak, Alaska

I wish to apologize for the insanity that has taken over my government. I so deeply hope that this is temporary and will be corrected by the many sane citizens of the U.S. I realize that you find the current situation quite disturbing and threatening. However, please be patient with my country, leave the door open to reconciliation. Many, maybe even most of us to your south are happy with our relationship with you and want nothing more than for you to thrive in your independence. I plan on visiting your Pacific South-West next summer. Maybe we can sit down together, have a few Molson’s and a hearty laugh, looking back on this mess as an aberration.

Gary Riskin, Evergreen, Colorado 

Please remember that 75,227,994 Americans did NOT vote for Donald Trump and are as displeased with his policies as you are. We have been friends, allies and close neighbours for so many years. Please forgive this aberration of a spiteful, vengeful irrational person.

Jeanne Sweeney, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

I am ashamed and angry with how our new administration is treating Canada. I have contacted my representatives to let them know how I feel. I also wanted to do something more immediately satisfying, so I bought a Canadian flag to show support. It’s now flying atop my flagpole. Pretty flag, in the breeze and bright sun.

Peter Romig, Maplewood, Minnesota

If you need to shut off our electricity, please go ahead, then everyone will get a very loud and clear message that we need to work together.

David Brook, Hillsborough, New Jersey

Since immigrating to Canada from the United States has become more problematic lately, my wife and I are offering ourselves up for adoption to a willing Canadian couple. We are in our early 80s, so we are punctual, have good communication skills, in good physical condition for our age and have no bladder or other issues in that general area. We will keep our room tidy and will help with the dishes and clean the cat box. Just think of us as long term, mature and apologetic exchange students. Hoping to hear from our future mom and dad soon.

John and Lonna Necker, Sebastopol, California

I voted for Donald Trump and 100 per cent regret my decision. He is an embarrassment for me and many Americans. His MAGA-sized ego has alienated our most loyal and respected allies. Additionally, tariffs hurt the average citizen on both sides of the border. Of course, Trump and all his rich friends will not suffer at all. I think it is deplorable. Please tell Canadians we disagree with Trump’s actions and disrespect for Canada. We love Canada!

Danny Sansevieri, Morganton, Georgia

Never have I ever thought my country would take this terrible turn! Our history as a world leader has been to be an example of the great democracy experiment working and to help others through our stability, wealth, and compassion as a world leader. Stay strong Canada! Do not bend to Donald Trump’s intimation and threats. Many in the U.S. stand behind you. I have now opened myself to personal threats and intimidation by putting my feelings and words out to you — a line I had to cross to speak out against this madness.

Denise Baldwin, Watertown, Wisconsin 

You are and have been our neighbour, our friend, and our constant ally. You stood with us when we were attacked on 9/11. You sent your sons and daughters to Afghanistan. They served alongside America and some never came home. Some of your countrymen made the ultimate sacrifice to help defeat our attackers. Yours is a sacrifice we can never repay.

I’m sorry we haven’t said thank you. I’m sorry we aren’t treating you with the respect and dignity you rightly deserve. I’m sorry we are telling lies and half-truths. I’m sorry for this pointless trade war. 

Yes Canada, I’m sorry for many reasons. But I am also thankful because Canada is standing up to our bully. It’s amazing and heartening to see Canadians come together in pushing back on President Donald Trump. Too many countries, leaders, and organizations have acquiesced to his past bullying and childish behaviour. Unfortunately, that has only encouraged him to continue his bullying and insults. Until now. Canada has drawn the line in the sand and is standing firm. Trump is not only on the wrong side of fairness and decency, but he’s also on the inevitable losing side. Trump may be too conceited, self-aggrandizing, and ignorant to notice this fact, but the rest of the world isn’t.

Ronald L. Burke, DVM, DRPH, Colonel (Retired) Cashmere, Washington

I can only imagine the disgust and confusion in Canada now. For what it’s worth, roughly half of Americans are equally shocked and horrified by our current president. I can only hope we all survive his term in office and return to normal relations of goodwill and fair trade. Hang in there. It may be a wild ride.

David Tait, Fremont, New Hampshire 

I am hoping that Canadians can forgive us while we figure out how to stop the moron we have elected. We wear “Is He Dead Yet?” T-shirts and picket hometown Tesla dealers but find our national elected opposition leadership to be surprisingly powerless. Nobody with a brain wants a feckless trade war with our beloved neighbours to the north. We are learning how our U.S. Constitution was not prepared for dissolution by a homegrown dictator. What you need to know is that this is a temporary aberration, and we will come back even stronger once we put out all of the political fires and reconstruct the American institutions that we all rely on. Have pity on us while dig ourselves out of the orange goo pit we find ourselves mired in. This is not America. She will be back.

Cynthia Wilson, Tucson, Arizona

I know you may feel betrayed at the present time, and I understand that feeling. But be sure that Americans respect your independence, having had to fight for our own independence. Abraham Lincoln perhaps said it best when our country was on the brink of a civil war: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

Robert Poczik, Buffalo, New York

Will you accept the sane half of Americans? The timing is right for Canada to invite the blue states in America to become Canadian. We are in torment living the nightmare of the most incompetent leadership in the world. We are not willing to live under a man who loves Russian President Vladimir Putin and steals from his own citizens. Float this idea and you will be surprised at how many  will want to jump off this Trump crazy train.

Robert Blair, Hillsboro, Oregon

Recent discussions on tariffs and border issues have raised concerns, particularly regarding misleading rhetoric around fentanyl and firearms. The claim that fentanyl crossing from Canada is a major crisis is misleading. Most fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Mexico via drug cartels, while Canada’s contribution is minimal. A greater threat is posed by firearms trafficked from the U.S. into Canada, fuelling urban gun violence. Addressing this issue should be part of any trade negotiations.

The Second Amendment, written in 1791, guaranteed the right to bear arms when firearms were single-shot weapons. Today’s automatic and semi-automatic weapons were never envisioned, yet they contribute to more than 40,000-gun deaths annually in the U.S. These weapons also flood Mexico and Central America, fuelling violence and contributing to the immigration crisis that American leaders decry.

Canada should take a firm stance on gun control in trade negotiations. Reciprocal tariffs on goods like oil, gas, and aluminum could protect Canadian workers and strengthen the economy, regardless of U.S. policy changes. Premier Doug Ford’s resistance to U.S. policies shows how Canadian leaders can stand firm against American instability.

This is not about hostility but about maintaining sovereignty and protecting Canadian values. Canada’s quality of life and strong infrastructure make it a model of stability that the U.S. should learn from. Stand united and uphold the principles that make Canada great — history will remember those who protected their nation’s integrity.

Thomas Reay, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 

The only response to a bully is fortitude and strength.

Thomas Heffernan, Knoxville, Tennessee

I am ashamed of our current administration and the revolting international mess they have made. I ask for your patience while we get through this clown car of a ride and we, as Americans, will endeavour to never repeat such a disaster of an election.

Mike Haney, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Having once lived close to the Quebec border, I have long appreciated your culture. I had considered moving to Canada but at the age of 73 it is impractical. That said, I can still root for you and all you stand for. Please don’t buckle under pressure from the Trump administration. You can remain a shining example of a great country.

Rick Haynes, Venice, Florida

I hope that you believe Donald Trump’s actions do not reflect the views or beliefs of most Americans. He is racist and vengeful. I have never been to Canada and have always wanted to visit Toronto. Understandably, I would not feel comfortable there while these ridiculous tariffs are taking place. Please accept my apologies on behalf of my family.

Greg Silvestro, Gardnerville, Nevada

Would Canada like some new provinces? They already have names: California, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado. Maybe New Hampshire and Minnesota would come along, too. Endorse this plan and we can start grassroots initiatives in all these states.

Melody Graulich Wellsville, Utah

Thank you for standing up for your country and refusing to cave to our megalomaniac bully of a president. Even though this trade war — which Donald Trump started unprovoked — may harm Americans’ bottom line, I for one understand and support what you are doing. The sooner this shameful epoch of American history ends, the better. Meanwhile, I’m buying Canadian products and planning a vacation in Montreal this spring. It will be a pleasure to spend time in a country that is still sane and law-abiding.

Elizabeth Merrick, Somerville, Massachusetts

Donald Trump has disgraced the United States, and I, for one, am shocked and saddened that my country’s government is in his hands. But as French Sen. Claude Malhuret said, “… the freedom fighters have always prevailed.” And yes, we ARE raising our heads. Long live Canada. Long live democracy.

Eileen Mitchell, Lewes, Delaware

As a patriotic American who deeply appreciates the U.S.’s tradition of respect and mutual efforts with other nations for peace and prosperity for all, I feel compelled at this shameful time in U.S. history to express appreciation and respect to the people of Canada. My family has vacationed in Canada several times. Canadians welcomed us with joy. I learned your common phrase for thank you, “my pleasure,” and knew you meant it. I’m grateful to your people and I cherish our enduring friendship and alliance.

Chuck Short, Rockville, Maryland

You have always been the best neighbour and friend America could hope for. You have an incredibly majestic and gorgeous country, and your people are amazing! My wife and I have been blessed to visit Banff, and canoe on Lake Louise. We were awed driving the Ice Highway. On another visit, we explored the rugged Yukon from a cabin in the woods for a week with my brother and his wife. There are so many other places in Canada we hope to visit someday. Please know that the current nastiness from our leaders breaks the hearts of many Americans. 

David Evans, Kansas City, Missouri

Given that quality of life polls consistently have Canada ranked higher than the U.S., arguably the more perfect union, at least for Americans, would be the U.S. becoming the 11th Canadian province.

Gerald Weisberg, M.D. Chicago, Illinois

As the U.S. current administration evolves into a right wing “Putinesque” dystopia, I urge the Canadian people to enforce your laws without exception. Do not to follow Donald Trump’s tariff example, but rather simply stop all U.S. imports. Should the U.S. choose to attend the G7 conference, it can send a representative that is not a convicted felon. If he attempts to enter your country anyway, arrest him as you would any other criminal.

Furthermore, do not trust this administration with any intelligence. The talk of removing Canada from the “Five Eyes” Network is simply projection on the part of this administration. It is the U.S. that should be removed from the group as its’ leaders have proven untrustworthy in regard to keeping intelligence private.

Your Commonwealth connections are strong. You do not need an unreliable neighbour to support you. We are counting on you and the E.U. to stand up to the bully and hopefully to inspire us to do the same.

I do take heart in that if these people were half as smart as they would like you to believe they are, they would have figured out by now that screwing around to find out is no way to run a government. Had we enforced our laws without fail to the letter and spirit, we would not be in this terrible situation we are in now.

Mel Ferguson, City Highland, Michigan