Dear Editor,

Some 40 days into a new American presidency, we find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty and confusion. Our moorings have broken free, and we are adrift on a dark and turbulent sea, not sure if we will survive or if our ship will make it back to port. Our Canada-US relationship has been set adrift. Today鈥檚 political storm is surpassed by a tsunami of events tomorrow.

The Feb. 28 Trump-Vance debacle in the Oval Office signalled to world leaders and their citizens that the 47th has suddenly and unceremoniously exited by the side door 鈥� the NATO alliance has one less man standing 鈥� and left for to play golf for the weekend. It became abundantly clear that Trump and his stooge, Vance, had attempted to fracture our world order. Their actions completely lacked any reasonable explanation.

Let鈥檚 remember that Trump loves gold, but not the golden rule. He is not able to 鈥渓ove thy neighbour鈥� be it a Canadian, Ukrainian, European or an American, but he loves Putin with all his heart and pocketbook. Trump was acting like a puppet of Putin, who no doubt hoped this would be the death knell for NATO.

The NATO alliance minus one is now 鈥渢he coalition of the willing.鈥� Then in London, we witnessed Prime Minister Trudeau and our European allies committing to seek justice and correct oppression.

Putting our political differences aside, Canadians should recognize that Prime Minister Trudeau is working to protect Canada鈥檚 sovereignty, economy and security. It remains to be seen if Trump will to return to this NATO coalition and formally commit to global security and stability.

Not only have we become hyper-critical of our leaders but also hyperpolarized as a nation 鈥� unwilling to listen respectfully to each other. It is time for us to chart a brave new course. One guiding light can be 鈥淎 righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge鈥� (Proverbs 29:7).

It is time for Canadians to be more compassionate and understanding of one another, while also embracing gratitude and simplicity.

Frank Halderman, Vancouver