Staff Reports
Joy Reid’s recent comments on The Don Lemon Show about the United States potentially making Canada the 51st state have sparked widespread criticism and ridicule. Reid argued that such an endeavor would require war, drawing comparisons to the War of 1812 and even Nazi Germany’s invasion of Russia. Her claims, including the assertion that Canada “burned down the White House” during the War of 1812, reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of history and military realities. In truth, British forces—not Canadians—set fire to the White House, and the war ended in a stalemate, not a Canadian victory. Reid’s rhetoric not only distorts history but also reflects an alarming underestimation of American strength.
The United States remains the world’s preeminent military power, with unmatched resources and capabilities. Its defense budget dwarfs Canada’s by a factor of over 30, and its personnel count exceeds Canada’s by more than 20 times. Reid’s suggestion that America would struggle in a hypothetical conflict with Canada is not only absurd but also dismissive of the nation’s global leadership. Such remarks perpetuate a narrative of American weakness that stands in stark contrast to reality and undermines national pride.
Beyond her historical inaccuracies, Reid’s comments reflect a broader trend among some progressive commentators to portray America as fragile or incapable. This mindset fosters unnecessary division and pessimism rather than encouraging constructive dialogue about diplomacy and international cooperation. Canada is one of America’s closest allies, and discussions about their relationship should focus on mutual respect and collaboration rather than hypothetical conflicts or annexation scenarios.
Meanwhile, another troubling trend has emerged closer to home: DoorDash’s partnership with Klarna to offer “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) loans for food deliveries. This development raises concerns about financial irresponsibility becoming normalized. While BNPL services can provide flexibility for large purchases, applying this model to everyday expenses like takeout signals deeper issues within American consumer culture. Encouraging people to finance fast food risks trapping them in cycles of debt over trivial purchases, undermining financial literacy and personal accountability.
Both Reid’s remarks and the BNPL trend highlight challenges facing America today: a growing tendency to embrace narratives of weakness and a culture increasingly driven by instant gratification. As a nation built on self-reliance and resilience, Americans must reject these patterns. Instead, they should champion fiscal responsibility, historical accuracy, and national pride—values that have long defined the country’s success. Whether addressing foreign relations or personal finance, the path forward lies in reaffirming these principles rather than succumbing to sensationalism or short-term thinking.
