Latest news with #JohnEnglish
Globe and Mail
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
The Trump administration's cuts to the U.S. State Department are a threat to Canada
Robert Bothwell and John English are Canadian historians working on an oral political history project about the 1990s and early 2000s. Donald Trump's war on the American public service, demonstrated by proposed savage cuts to the State Department and other government entities, is endangering not only the operations of the American state, but also the foundations of Canadian-American relations. Leaked documents and public statements coming from the White House show that distance is purposely being put between the U.S. and Canada, representing an unparalleled threat not seen for more than a century. A relationship that worked well for generations no longer will. Canadians should be as terrified as the American diplomats and public servants facing dismissal by Mr. Trump's minions. Canadian-American relations have not always run smoothly. In the 1960s, president John F. Kennedy loathed prime minister John Diefenbaker. Lyndon Johnson, Kennedy's successor, developed a deep dislike of Diefenbaker's successor, Lester Pearson. Pearson, a son of a Methodist manse, and Johnson, a rough-edged and foul-mouthed Texan, shared liberal values but little else. When Pearson decided to cautiously suggest that the United States should temporarily pause its bombing of North Vietnam in April, 1965, Johnson exploded. Summoning Pearson to Camp David, the presidential retreat, Johnson is purported to have dragged Pearson out onto a terrace and harangued him, shouting: 'You don't come here and piss on my rug.' They never made up. As U.S. military activity in Vietnam went on, Canadian public opinion turned against the war. American draft dodgers flowed freely across the border, and universities seethed with student rebellion. Canadian anti-Americanism, so long subdued since Pearl Harbor and the Second World War, suddenly erupted. In 1968, London, Ont., artist Greg Curnoe released five large-scale, text-based paintings in a series called The True North Strong and Free. One painting, emblazoned with the words 'Close the 49th parallel,' became the cover art for a collection of essays published in 1970 by prominent academics condemning Canada's close relationship with the U.S. That same year, Winnipeg's The Guess Who released their classic song American Woman, featuring the lyrics 'Stay away from me.' It was, according to band member Randy Bachman, 'an anti-war protest song,' conceived while performing on American stages. Astonishingly, the Canadian-American diplomatic relationship maintained its efficiency and effectiveness throughout the 1960s and 1970s. That was because diplomatic professionals on both sides of the border believed that Canada-U.S. interests transcended what they hoped were temporary differences. Their co-operation led to the creation of a 'Canada desk' within the U.S. State Department, to facilitate the expanding relationship. One Canadian academic, Greg Donaghy, chose the title Tolerant Allies for his detailed study of Canadian-American relations during the 1960s, published in 2002. His argument is convincing. Last month, The New York Times reported that the State Department's Canada desk is set to be subsumed into a North American affairs office with a 'significantly reduced team,' and a shrunken embassy in Ottawa. This is an ominous development. It follows the Trump administration's closure of the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center, which served as a forum to discuss Canadian issues in D.C. Since the Pearson years and, particularly, after the Canada-U.S. free-trade agreement was signed in 1989, the relationship between the two countries has become more complex and intricate, requiring constant adaptation from officials. Whenever there have been disagreements, notably when Canada did not join the United States in the Iraq war, officials in various departments assured each other that those differences did not affect trade and other ties between the two nations. Conversely, when terrorists attacked the United States in 2001, the extensive links between Canadian and American officials assured a joint response. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has refuted reports that the State Department has done away with the Canada desk, despite a new organizational chart he released showing the lack of a North American affairs team. Nevertheless, dramatic proposed cuts to State Department staffing, Mr. Trump's repeated comment that he wants to 'annex' Canada, and a separate report suggesting that all but one consulate in Canada could be closed, all point to growing animosity. Isolating Canada within the State Department, cutting the number of officials dealing with bilateral issues, closing consulates, and reducing the American embassy in Ottawa to a functional office are markers usually found among nations preparing for conflict. Such an event still seems inconceivable, but some signs are there: Canadians are beginning to shun the United States; Americans are contemplating relocation to Canada or any other friendly country – friendly to individual citizens, that is, but not to the regime they are fleeing. A Canadian statesman once remarked that Canada had the great fortune of existing in North America: 'A fireproof house, far from inflammable materials.' We do not think he would say that today.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Unicoi County school officials discuss effects of virtual learning
UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The halls of Unicoi County Middle School were empty due to students staying home for a virtual learning day, one of many times students had to stay home during this school year. Between a hurricane, flooding, and snow, Unicoi County Schools have had to close or have virtual learning days for students to keep up. 'We've had a very interrupted school year,' Unicoi County Director of Schools John English said. 'You know, going back to the end of September and the flood and then winter's been challenging so far.' English says virtual learning days are not ideal, but serve as a 'good backup plan' to keep students engaged when in-person learning is not possible. Despite the challenges that come with virtual learning, he believes students and teachers are adjusting well. 'There's always going to be glitches. You know, service areas have been a little tough, getting connected. There's always going to be that,' English said. 'But overall, we've been pretty pleased with how effective it's been able to be.' Teachers have been using Google Meet to have lessons and talk to students who may need extra help. Students have also been able to have assignments online through Google Classroom. For those who may not have strong internet access, adjustments have been made. Unicoi County Middle School teacher Zach Thompson said he is proud of the work his students have been doing despite being virtual. 'We start with an attendance question, then I have a daily agenda slide that we go over and we talk about major assignments,' Thompson said. 'I always make sure to do a mental health check-in with my kids as well, because being at home is hard. Some of them are taking care of siblings as well and helping them with virtual learning.' 'I believe that my kiddos are working hard, and they are taking every learning opportunity that I provide with them with seriousness, and we will.' English credits the work of the teachers and setting schedules for students' success. Unicoi County Middle School Assistant Principal Johnathon Kenny said virtual learning is important because of how long schools had to close due to Hurricane Helene. 'We were not virtual for flooding, we just were out of school,' Kenny said. 'Students did not have access to their Chromebooks as they were here.' Throughout the challenges, English says they will work with the families who need help during virtual learning until students are back in classrooms. 'We've encouraged them to communicate with us,' English said. 'If they're having those issues, we're going to work with our students and families. We appreciate, you know, everyone working with us, our families and our staff, but our optimum experience is certainly in-person, and that's the goal.' English also told News Channel 11 that he and the Board of Education are still deciding on when schools will make up the missed days from the storms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New bar and cafe opens its doors after transformation of former south Essex bank
A NEW cafe and bar has opened its doors after bosses completed the transformation of a former bank in Rayleigh to create a 'home from home' venue. Manzano Lounge was opened by the Loungers Plc group on Wednesday night after the old Barclays bank was overhauled. The new business features heavily patterned wallpapers, tiling, and stripped wooden floors alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, artwork and statement wall and pendant lighting. Exciting - A busy opening night at Manzano Lounge (Image: Teri Pengilley) Described as a home from home, Manzano Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day with a varied and innovative all-day menu. The good news comes after a series of blows for Rayleigh High Street following the announcement that two more banks and the longstanding Factory Shop would close. However, councillors have been quick to highlight the likes of Manzano Lounge and other cafes and restaurants bringing a new, fresh offering to the High Street. Yummy - Some of the food at the restaurant (Image: Teri Pengilley) John English, head of community at Loungers, said: 'We are delighted to have opened the doors of Manzano Lounge. 'Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference. 'They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations, and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life. 'We are very much looking forward to welcoming local residents to Manzano Lounge.' Quirky - The café and bar features heavily patterned wallpapers (Image: Teri Pengilley) New - It has been described as a real home-from-home (Image: Teri Pengilley) The cafe and bar will serve a varied all-day menu, including breakfast, tapas, salads, burgers, and buttermilk fried chicken. It will cater for all dietary requirements with separate menus for vegan and gluten-free options. Families are welcomed with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils, and iPads. There are also high chairs and baby-changing facilities available. In a bid to give back to the community, Manzano Lounge has partnered with Havens hospices. The team at Manzano Lounge will donate 50p from every burger and 20p from each coffee sold in the first month to the charity.
