As we prepare for the pain on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border due to the sociopathic moron Malignant Fascist's illegal and immoral tariffs (remember tariffs are taxes that are paid by the consumer), it's helpful to remember several of the many times our friends and neighbors have shown kindness and courage in their dealings with us. These are two illustrative examples out of many:
The "Canadian Caper," 1979 American Embassy Takeover in Iran
When the Iranian Revolution, which toppled the U.S.-backed regime of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, took a solid hold in early 1979, Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor and his embassy staff in Tehran scurried to evacuate the 850 Canadian workers from Iran. Having accomplished that, they processed thousands of applications for visas from Iranians anxious to flee the country. Meanwhile, Islamist militants stormed the U.S embassy on November 5, taking 66 Americans hostage. Iran’s new ruler, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, made their release dependent on the extradition of the shah (who was in a New York hospital) to Iran. As the so-called Iran hostage crisis unfolded, 14 hostages (women, African Americans, and a gravely ill individual) were released, leaving 52 Americans hostage.
Six other Americans who had escaped the militants’ notice asked for the Canadian embassy’s help and got it instantly, with the full backing of Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark and Foreign Affairs Minister Flora MacDonald. Two of the fugitives were sheltered by Taylor in the ambassador’s home; four hid in the residence of John Sheardown, the top Canadian immigration official in Iran, from whom the Americans had first sought help and who had replied, “Hell, yes. Of course. Count on us.” The Canadians also offered to take in any and all of Tehran’s foreign correspondents should they get into trouble with the unpredictable revolutionaries.
Canada’s American houseguests hoped for a quick end to their exile, but the days and weeks stretched on. Meanwhile, the dangerous threat of exposure grew. Jean Pelletier, the Washington correspondent of the Montreal newspaper, La Presse, was the first to figure out what was happening, but, though he had been presented with a career-making scoop and was encouraged by the paper’s managing editor to break the story immediately, Pelletier refused to do so.
Once it was determined that an escape had to be attempted, the CIA slipped into Iran to arrange with the Canadians the removal of the six Americans. The Canadian embassy staff, in small groups, quietly returned home, as preparations were made to close the embassy. Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport was carefully scouted. Canadian passports and identity documents were arranged for the six Americans. With the help of people from the motion picture industry, the CIA had cooked up a scheme in which the six Americans were to pose as members of a film crew scouting locations in Tehran for a fictitious Hollywood science-fiction movie called Argo. Who else but filmmakers, the CIA’s planners figured, would go to Iran in the midst of a revolution? On January 27, 1980, the “film crew” navigated its way nervously through the airport and onto an early morning flight to Frankfurt. Later that day, Taylor and the remaining Canadians shut the embassy down and left Iran.
In the wake of the daringly successful escape, the United States celebrated Canada and Taylor. “Thank You, Canada” signs proliferated, letters of gratitude poured into Ottawa, and the U.S. Congress struck a gold medal in the ambassador’s honor. The CIA’s role did not become public until 1997. Argo (2012), the real-life motion picture directed by Ben Affleck that tells the story of the Canadian Caper, won an Academy Award for best picture.
Operation Yellow Ribbon, September 11, 2001
On September 11, 2001, as the United States faced unprecedented terrorist attacks, Canada initiated Operation Yellow Ribbon to manage the diversion of civilian flights from U.S. airspace. This operation aimed to quickly remove potentially threatening air traffic from U.S. skies and safely ground these aircraft in Canada. Between 225 and 240 flights were diverted to 17 Canadian airports, with Gander International Airport in Newfoundland playing a pivotal role.
Gander, once a critical refueling stop during World War II due to its strategic location as the most easterly point in North America, had seen reduced activity in subsequent years. However, its expansive runways and facilities remained capable of accommodating large aircraft. On 9/11, Gander handled 38 wide-body planes, bringing in over 6,500 passengers and crew—nearly doubling the town’s population of around 10,000.
The residents of Gander and neighboring communities exemplified remarkable hospitality. They provided shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support to the stranded passengers, who were affectionately termed “come from aways.” Schools, community centers, and homes were opened to accommodate the influx, showcasing a profound sense of compassion and unity.
The story of Gander’s generosity has been immortalized in various forms of media. The Broadway musical “Come from Away” dramatizes these events, highlighting the town’s warmth and the enduring bonds formed during those days. Additionally, the documentary “You Are Here” delves into the personal stories of both the townspeople and the passengers, offering a deeper understanding of this extraordinary episode.
Operation Yellow Ribbon stands as a testament to international cooperation and the strength of human kindness in times of crisis. The swift actions of Canadian authorities and the heartfelt response from communities like Gander provided solace during a period of profound uncertainty, leaving an indelible mark on all who were touched by this act of goodwill.
Canadians also fought shoulder-to-shoulder with Americans, shedding blood in WWI, WWII, Korea, the Gulf War, and the war in Afghanistan. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Canada sent relief supplies, Coast Guard cutters, and engineers to the Gulf Coast to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. Then, of course, there's the regular assistance Canada provides in fighting wildfires in the U.S., involving hundreds of firefighters and aircraft, helping save American lives and property.
To have this noble friend and long-time ally be the subject of a devastating economic attack is beyond reprehensible, especially as it springs from the damaged, disturbed ego of the worst, most corrupt, most incompetent president in our history. As expected, though, they're showing typical Canadian courage and grit in standing up to the bully.
As tariff costs are passed on to consumers, we'll of course be paying more thanks to the MF's latest insane trade war. But the damage to our fraternal relationship with Canada is a terrible price that we'll be paying for years and years to come.
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