To the editor:

The news this week is that the trade talks are off and the trade war with Canada is on. The real irony here is the rejection of U.S. booze from the liquor stores in Montreal and Toronto. Some old-time Bristolians will remember the 1920’s when contraband casks of Canadian Club whiskey from Seagrams in Montreal via Newfoundland was dumped off Poppasquash Point in the dark of night to be hauled ashore by thirsty American rumrunners. That booze was offered tariff free, and of course reciprocity should follow suit, if only free trade existed.

Bristolians can be sure of one thing, costs for essential raw materials, natural gas, crude oil, canola oil, potash, fresh water, aluminum, steel, all will rise abruptly in 2027. Bristol highly specialized composite manufacturers supplying crucial parts to US fighter aircraft will possibly see a sharp reduction in that business due to the trade war as will many specialized local boat manufacturers selling into the Canadian market. Since the US economy is already in free fall with high prices and creeping inflation this will certainly hurt us all. Worst of all, America loses its best friend and ally, suffers downgraded credit ratings, rejected bond offerings, and big-time loss of international prestige. Remember, Mark Carney was a world class banker at the highest level, and his word is very well-respected worldwide.

Electrical costs in many bordering states will surely feel the hurt. The loss of NORAD air defense and joint strategic intelligence will also be a very costly blow to US taxpayers. Many Rhode Islanders, especially in the Woonsocket area, still cherish their French Canadian origins.

It was absolutely asinine for the U.S. president to insult this large segment of the Canadian population and to antagonize pugnacious Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, as the president has done, is really a big mistake.

All of this is totally unnecessary. No one wins in a trade war.

George Burman
Bristol