Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem before the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action between Canada and the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.

Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

OPINION

Canadians booing the Star-Spangled Banner isn’t a bad way to protest ridiculously stupid actions by Donald Trump and his MAGA minions. Don’t let your conservative nature and extraordinary politeness rule the day. No one should say, “Sorry” on this one.

There are lots of Americans who value and respect their Canadian neighbours…believe me…I’m one of them. I could name all the provinces, territories and their capitals before I made my first trip to Montreal more than a half-century ago. Quite frankly, I thought that was a pretty low bar even then.

Yes, there are too many woefully ignorant Americans…just like there are too many woefully ignorant Canadians. Stupidity is not restricted by borders. But back to booing the Star-Spangled Banner at, say, a hockey game…in your country. Why boo? Because you need to let American citizens know that the actions of their duly elected officials simply aren’t right…and that, yes, you’re not backing down from a bully.

(DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca)

You might convince some Americas…even Republicans…to re-think their positions. Politicians don’t get queasy until a potential voter squawks. So, maybe Americans watching the hockey game start asking, “Why are Canadians booing our national anthem?”

But even if you don’t get Americans to call their elected officials…this is about standing up for what’s right for you and your country. Sometimes you have to risk being seen as rude to make your point…especially when dealing with cowardly, blockhead U.S. politicians…and those who voted for them.

Don’t you dare say, “Sorry” if an American casts a stink eye at your booing. Sure, you can say “Sorry” when you almost bump into someone in the grocery…even though they were texting and not paying attention.

Look, I’ve always loved how most Canadians never bother someone famous for an autograph or - God help us - a selfie when you see them in public. In America, celebrities need bodyguards.

So, Canadians, sometimes you really need to…well, not be quite so nice. You don’t have enough cheeks to turn that will satisfy Trump supporters. You have to fight…not literally…though that is often tempting.

Realize that you have lots of American friends…and like you, we think Trump and his MAGA crowd are disastrous for everyone living on planet Earth. Think of us as Canada’s “fifth column”…doing what we can behind enemy lines to thwart the overthrow of freedom and democracy.

We’re doing things like looking for Canadian products while grocery shopping. My wife, Bonnie, and I are buying more wine from France, Canada, Italy, Spain…not so much from Napa Valley. I write and call members of U.S. Congress…and left them know…I’m a voter and I’m not happy. I ask other Americans, “What do you think Trump is doing?”…then provide truth…facts.

Buy Canadian.

(DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca)

Hey, sure, this is chipping away at a big rock with a small hammer…but if enough of us do these things and more…we can turn that rock into a pile of gravel. You have to get involved…do something. Complaining that Americans are just stupid is like a fart in a whirlwind.

As long as the insanity continues with Trump and his cult, do what you can. And if you go to a hockey game that’s televised in the states…boo the Star-Spangled Banner. I mean belt it out…sing “Oh, Canada” like you’re Robert Goulet! 

You’ll feel better because you know what…you did the right thing.

— Don Thompson, an American awaiting Canadian citizenship, lives in Vernon and in Florida. In a career that spans more than 40 years, Don has been a working journalist, a speechwriter and the CEO of an advertising and public relations firm. A passionate and compassionate man, he loves the written word as much as fine dinners with great wines.

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