Permanently is a long time; and I don't think really anything is permanent not the least of which is political policy between two nations that has often changed. You could argue that the changes are significant enough that long lasting impacts will be felt - I agree with that.

Fair enough. "Forever" is a long time, for sure.

But, despite a tariff tiff now and again, the US and Canada have been allies continually since Canadian confederation in 1867, and are now adversaries if not enemies for the first and only time. That's a step change.

Ignoring the military or economic muscle required, imagine how Americans would feel if the Canadian government announced it was going to take over and annex Wisconsin whether they like it or not (a roughly proportional move, based on population). Would anyone in the US find that an upsetting prospect? Or is everybody fine with the idea of all cheeseheads being forced to change citizenship? Would it be cause to change the ongoing relationship between countries, or would it be "Meh, take it"? Everybody knows that Canada is the best country in the world, so it's all for the best, right?

Sure, maybe things will heal at some point in the distant future, maybe not. But either way it's unspeakably obscene that some Americans think this is a joke, that anything the US government does to furriners is by definition unimportant, including becoming a conquering empire.

The joke further up the thread about the Americans not thinking of Canada at all is pretty good, but I wonder how many readers realize that it's a joke about Americans.

Jim