U.S. Election – One Canadian’s View – By Gord Wilson

By Gord Wilson – November 8, 2020

 FYI – My comments to many Americans with regard to the U.S. election and its aftermath.

There can be no doubt the people have spoken as witnessed by the highest voter turnout in U.S. History. The winner receiving more votes than any other winner and the loser receiving the most votes of any loser ever before.

Claims of voter fraud, illegal and otherwise, have been dismissed by some Courts and from prominent Representatives on both sides of the aisle in both Houses.            

Indeed, the Pennsylvania G.O.P. spokesperson has gone on record as stating there was no evidence of voter irregularity of any description within Penn. Observers from both parties scrutinized the vote process in most key States and found no evidence of voter fraud, illegality or irregularity. Ballots were accepted providing they were cast in accordance with State laws and as such were counted.

Unfortunately, the President persists that the election was stolen from him and is proceeding as of tomorrow to file within the Courts. Legal experts from both parties are of the opinion that the result of these actions will not differ from the rulings already decided in Court. They agree there is no basis for this action as there is no evidence to support the claim that the election was illegal. One has to wonder why a sitting President would want to deny Americans their Constitutional right to express their voting preference even when such ballots were in complete conformity with State Law. Let me come back to this point.

As a Canadian I believe the most pressing issue for America is that expressed by President elect Biden in his remarks last evening. Americans must find a way to unite. To undermine the voting process by constant statements of fraud, etc., only serves to exacerbate an already tense situation. Taunts from Biden supporters will have a similar effect. Trump received 71 Million votes, and that should be respected. The danger is that although the overwhelming number of Trump supporters feel disappointment of varying degree, a minority are prone to go beyond disappointment to potentially violent acts of voter revenge. Constant claims that Trump had the election stolen from him – and them – is asking for trouble.

Biden is right. America must again take its place in the world’s forums. Democratic Nations within Europe, South Pacific and on the Asian rim look toward America for Leadership in preserving the rule of law within Democratic and Social-Democratic Democracies. Canada is one of those Nations. America cannot accomplish this as a Nation in division. It must first unite and that cannot be achieved without both sides finding common ground and working together to resolve pressing problems facing America and the world: The Pandemic, Racial Inequality, Poverty and Income Distribution, Pollution and Climate Change., etc. The issue can no longer just be politics, but rather one of common survival and prosperity for all. JFK once said a rising tide should lift all boats, and that must be a prominent American goal. 

I have thought, what could be the reason for Trump’s continued insistence that the election was a fraud?

In my view, he may not be a Statesman, also his history is one of personal survival achieved by his ability to manipulate and create substance for argument where there is none. As of now and moving toward the Inauguration, he has little leverage to bargain with and he knows what litigation awaits him when he no longer enjoys his immunity as President. I believe his strategy, as crass as I may think it, is to use the voter fraud issue to conjure up enough discontent and division resulting in demonstrations and incidents,  as to be able to say, “in exchange for full and absolute pardon at the Federal, State and Municipal levels. I will back off the fraud issue and make clear to my supporters that believe me, that they like I, must accept the election as valid and get on with our lives and rebuilding America …”. Given that every legal expert has declared his Court actions will fail, what other possible incentive has he for continuing down a dead-end road.

ONE FINAL CANADIAN OBSERVATION. I know that most Canadians are relieved by the Biden/Harris win. We look forward as a Nation to a much-improved relationship with the United States. We are also aware that for the first time in the history of both our Countries, the Executive Branch will include an Officer, Kamala Harris, who actually lived and attended University for a period of time within Canada. We are confident that from a street level up, she knows what makes us tick and what our Nation’s values are as she has lived among us. We are confident this experience will enable her to advise President Biden as we collectively discuss trade and other issues impacting upon our respective Countries.

In conclusion, I and many Canadians as well as the citizens of many other Countries throughout the world, see a better future as America once again emerges to the State, we all have admired and respected, for most of our lifetimes. We are most hopeful; America will overcome its current internal differences and move inexorably toward unity as opposed to division. Of course, time will tell, but we embrace hope as opposed to discontent.