The World According to Glissando

Tag: canada

  • O

    O my. O Canada. Canada’s sovereignty is under threat from the United States, whose North American expansionism desires are coming to the forefront under the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly, and seriously, stated that he wants to make Canada the fifty-first state. He and his cabal are also eyeing Mexico, as well as Greenland and non-North American country Panama. Control the Panama Canal and you control a major component of shipping.

    Canada and the United States have had a long, very friendly and mutually respectful relationship. Unfortunately for Canada, a change in this relationship was not totally unforeseeable, given past world history and the nature of humankind. Coveting something another person or country possesses has provoked invasiveness since the beginning of time, and Canada has much to covet.

    In light of these developments, I have written brand new lyrics, with a sympathetic leaning toward Canada, for their national anthem, O Canada. The lyrics are written in conjunction with the melody of the anthem. Indeed, O Canada.

    O Canada

    Now the fifty-first state

    This cannot be right

    It must be a mistake

    With saddened hearts we see thee fall

    The true north no longer free 

    From far and wide O Canada

    Subjugated from sea to sea

    God why did you let us become Yankees

    O Canada we’ve been unlawfully seized

    O Canada we’ve been unlawfully seized

    Copyright Glenn Hansen 2025

  • Canada

    O Canada. “The true north strong and free!” is one of the lines in their national anthem. It is no secret that Donald Trump, and indeed, a number of influential (rich) Americans would like to see Canada as the fifty-first state. Canadians have strongly rejected these overtures, but, here are some unsettling considerations for Canadians.

    Canada is coveted for its abundant supply of fresh water. Some suggest the figure is around twenty percent of the world’s surface fresh water. Remember, fresh water is imperative to the continued existence of humanity and many other forms of life on earth. Next, there’s Canada’s broad spectrum wealth of vital natural resources including oil, gas, and minerals, some of which are considered rare. Land suitable for sustainable agriculture and renewable hydro electricity abounds

    With this in mind, you have to remember that many a war was started by one group wanting what another group possesses. Such is the human condition. Canada has much to offer a potential invading country. But, could an invasion really happen? I believe it could, especially given humanity’s track record. For Canada, their problem is really obvious…it has a huge land mass with a small population relative to size, served by an inadequate armed forces. This is not a knock on the good, world-class people in the military, but rather, it acknowledges the lack of a large armed forces that are often ill-equipped.

    Number one on the potential list of invaders is the United States. They need what Canada has and they are Canada’s next door neighbour. Initially, the “invasion” may come via political channels, but, if push comes to shove, I think there could be a literal invasion. In light of America’s massive military might, Canada should surrender before the opening salvo is fired and Canadian lives are unnecessarily lost. Other potential invading countries include China and Russia. Too far away? Remember, access can be via the North Pole.

    I do hope this does not come to pass. Canada is a sovereign, democratically principled nation, with the right to exist freely. However, world affairs continue to careen everywhere. History is filled with countries that support another country and then reverse that support. Iran and the United States is one example. Russia and the World War II Allies is another. This has happened again and again through all of history. I would suggest Canadians consider that invasion by another country is plausible and make their plans accordingly in the hopes of preserving their great country. And, if it were to happen, there might be strong condemnation from around the world, but, don’t count on receiving help from any nation.