Like millions of other people, I have read and listened to Mark Carney’s extraordinary speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. It struck me as a defining moment in our present times and he galvanized and accurately described in real time the world we live in today. When I asked Camp if he had a chance to listen or read the speech.

            ‘Yes, I did. Both. I read and listened to it. A speech both erudite and eloquent with none of the pathos and rhetoric that we are so used to hear from politicians. For once a political leader, who by the way does not come from a political background but is well versed and experienced in world affairs, has called out the elephant in the room. He delivered a courageous, honest and accurate speech that will be remembered as a turning point and an inspiration to other leaders of middle-powers. Hopefully, they will join Carney and Canada in forming a united front to oppose the destructive bully, whose imperial and megalomanic ambitions are shaking up the world today.’ 

            ‘I totally agree, ‘I said. ‘but what scares me the most is the fundamental, religious convictions of those people in power in Washington.  It’s no coincidence that the American delegation has rented an interdenominational church in Davos as their headquarters. They claim God to be on their side just as Trump publicly stated the other day that ‘God put me here and He is very proud of me’. 

            ‘Their militant Christianity is indeed worrisome. Look no further than J.D. Vance or Callista Gingrich, the US ambassador to Switzerland and formerly to the Holy See. Both of them zealous Catholics. J.D. only converted in 2019 and like many converts, be it from a smoker to a non-smoker or an alcoholic to a tea-totaller, he is a fervent believer now, convinced that he is doing God’s work. Watch out for him.’ 

            ‘Do you think Carney’s speech will have an impact on how other countries, especially the EU, go forward in their relationship to the US?’

            ‘It only stands to reason that we all wake up and stand up to the bully. This speech could well be the spark that lights the fire. As Carney pointed out, we all have the tools, the skills and the wherewithal to remake the world in a better way, representing values like fairness, tolerance and inclusiveness and grounded on trust and commonality as opposed to wild threats of territorial takeovers and punitive, vengeful aggression aimed at foes and friends alike.’

            He also offered a way forward: Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu. And he pointed out that Nostalgia is not a strategy. There is no going back to the old world-order. This is a rupture, not a transition.

            A day later, in typical fashion, Trump lashed out at Carney like the schoolyard bully he is. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, next time you make your statements.”

And today he uninvited Carney from his ludicrous self-serving ‘Peace Board’. Trumps billion dollar club with himself as chairman for ever,’ Camp said, shaking his head.

            ‘I wonder who explained Carney’s speech to Trump’ I said.

            ‘An impossible task,’ Camp said. ‘It’s like trying to explain the universe to a flat earther.’

            When Vicky came around with a fresh round of golden goodness, I had to ask her if she’d seen or heard Carney’s speech.

            ‘I haven’t got the time but I trust it was a good speech. That’s why I voted for him; to do and say the right thing, at the right time, for all of us.’

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-speech-davos-rules-based-order-9.7053350