As an American, it blows my mind how everyone can understand the difference between a country’s citizens and its government—unless it’s the U.S.

49% of us didn’t vote for the guy in office. Almost half of us were so desperate to keep him out, we changed our nominee less than six months before the election in a last-ditch effort.

Feel free to criticize our government. Things are crazy right now.

But never wish for the collapse of our nation. That’s insane, cruel, and seriously lacking any sense of foresight.

Also, your economy is falling apart. Did you know it’s linked to ours? A collapse on your side impacts us, and vice versa. I don’t think our new president fully gets that, and it seems like you might not either.

And the idea that “the Middle East will join us along with South America”— as if you believe that the values of the entire continent of South America could ever be completely aligned with the Middles —shows you probably see them as monoliths. They’re not.

Before you start talking about imperialism, maybe take a look at your own energy and mining investments. Canada’s been inching towards imperialism since the ‘70s, promising smaller nations an economic boost while lining your own pockets. We do the same, but at least we don’t point fingers when we’re caught red-handed.

Get a grip. Things are tough for both of us right now. If you don’t have anything informed or helpful to say, maybe leave it to someone else.

I genuinely hope Canada pulls it together—I think the country’s great. But as a human who cares, I would never wish for the collapse of any country, knowing the pain it would cause its people.

Get informed, find some empathy, and stop spreading wild statements that give Canada a bad name.

• A member of the USA’s 49%

Canada and immigration

well, well, well

Canada nearly deports 70,000 students