Congratulations Scott Pelley and CBS

It takes courage to speak truth to power. It takes even more courage to speak courageously to an autocrat and a kleptocracy.

But this week Scott Pelley, the anchor of CBS “60 minutes”, did just that.

His following statement was not only necessary, but timely, as free speech and freedom in the United States has never been more tenuous or at risk.

“To move forward, we debate, not demonize; we discuss, not destroy. But at this moment, our sacred rule of law is under attack,” Pelley said in the viral address. “Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack. And insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes, and into our private thoughts. The fear to speak, in America.”

Anyone with eyes and ears can clearly see that America is at a fundamental and irreversible crossroads. The road taken will define America for years to come, and with it, America’s fortunes and America’s legacy.

We in Canada stand united against the tyranny of ignorance and stupidity now being illustrated every day in the United States by the Trump administration.

Should this autocratic kleptocracy maintain a free rein on America for the next three years, it may well lead to the breakup of the United States. Those states, particularly in the West that do not wish to be part of the tyranny of the United States, that is undoubtedly coming, will choose to secede, bringing about a schism in America, so profound as has not been since 1861.

My hope is that rebellion precludes Civil War, but I hold no illusions as to the willingness of Trump to initiate one.

We in Canada, will remain sovereign and militarize in our defence, for the United States is no longer a friend, ally or trusted partner.

America has become unpredictable, dangerous and a threat to democracy and all it stands for.

We in turn, will leave America’s sphere of influence, economic control and military cooperation and collaboration, increasingly tying our economic future and security relationship to NATO, the EU, the U.K. and our trusted trading partners in Japan, Korea and China.