Watching the U.S. Unravel

From Canada with Love and Worry: Watching the U.S. Unravel

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

I’m writing this today with a heavy heart. As I watch what’s happening in the United States—from up here in Canada—it feels like I’m witnessing a country I once admired unravel thread by thread. The latest developments around the Republican tax plan are especially painful to see.

On Facebook, I read this chilling update:
“We are entering hour 5 of the Ways and Means markup of the Republican tax plan. We're expecting to stay here through the night to fight GOP cuts to Medicaid to line the pockets of billionaires.”

Cuts to Medicaid. Cuts to food assistance. More tax breaks for billionaires. It’s like a nightmare unfolding in real time.

And while a few Republicans did break ranks to vote against the bill (at least temporarily), we know this isn’t over. Trump’s influence is still looming—louder, stranger, and more dangerous than ever. His comments about wanting to annex Canada might sound like a joke to some, but they send a chilling message.

This isn’t just theatre anymore—it’s authoritarianism in action.

What’s even more alarming is that while people across the U.S. are protesting and pleading for justice, Trump appears increasingly detached from reality. Psychologists, therapists, and even former officials are noting just how unwell he seems—mentally and emotionally. But he’s surrounded by yes-men, loyalists, and family members who feed him only what he wants to hear. It’s a bubble—and a dangerous one.

Meanwhile, the impact on everyday people is severe, and we’re feeling it here in Canada too. Tourism from Canada to the U.S. is way down. Many of us just don’t feel safe crossing the border anymore. And it’s hitting U.S. border towns hard—restaurants, motels, small businesses are suffering. Even Walmart said they’ll have to raise prices due to the instability and tariffs.

But do Trump or his billionaire buddies care? Absolutely not. They are profiting off the chaos. In fact, I wonder if Trump even understands what’s happening. He's being manipulated by the very people he brought into power, driven by greed and legacy, not public service.

To my American friends: I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I worry for my elderly friends there—those who depend on Medicaid and SNAP. No one should have to fight so hard to survive.

To fellow Canadians: we have to be vigilant. We have to stand on guard—not just for ourselves, but for the people across the border who are losing their rights and dignity by the day. This isn’t just their fight—it affects all of us.

Boycotts are not hate—they’re resistance. They're one of the few tools we have left when governments fail to protect their people. It’s time to speak with our voices and our wallets. We have to take a stand.

With love, sadness, and fierce resolve,
Tina Winterlik
aka Zipolita

#StandOnGuard #NoToAnnexation #BoycottHate #ProtectTheVulnerable #SolidarityFromCanada #TrumpIsNotWell