After writing an Open Letter to the wonderful Facebook Group, The 51st State Alberta Statehood Movement, I was asked to participate in a written Q&A to be posted to all group members. I was encouraged to elaborate on my answers, so that members could receive as much information as possible.
Q&A ALBERTA 51
Q1 – What motivated you to write your new book?
Meakin: Having lived the first half of my life in Montreal, and the second half in the states, I was surprised how little Canadians really know about daily life in the US, and vice versa. I wanted to sort it all out, compare the two countries, and offer solutions to the woes and catastrophes we all face in today’s crazy world.
Q2 – How would you explain becoming a State and becoming an American, to Albertans and Western Canadians?
Meakin: COME ON DOWN! I know and love both sides. I have analyzed the Alberta 51 movement closely, and have chatted with wonderful patriots like Gordon Kesler and others. As you well know, I have concluded that the best thing for Albertans, and several other provinces, would be to become a US State. The timing is perfect, for reasons I write about often.
Dual American-Canadian Citizenship would be a priceless, timeless gift to Alberta citizens. It’s not even a close call, based on the laundry list of Benefits vs. virtually ZERO Downside – other than civic sentimentality, perhaps. You and your Group have been doing a great job of EDUCATING people to this end, Ben, and I look forward to contributing. I enjoy being the group’s Dual-Citizen-at-Large!
Q3 – What are the top misunderstandings that need to be addressed?
Meakin: The idea of “Independence from Canada” vs. US Statehood is still murky to many people. Also, many Albertans do not realize they actually CONTROL their own destiny. If Alberta votes say, 60% YES in a provincial referendum to become the 51st US State...it will happen. Done! Take it to the bank, and I welcome debate on my edgy prediction here. Bring it on.
Sadly, Canadian provinces have begrudgingly accepted the socialist/globalist oppression coming from ever-arrogant Ottawa, for generations and counting. These “accepting” and “complying” folks cannot see that Canada will have NO say in the Alberta 51 Referendum – and can’t stop it even if they want to. 51%-plus? Bingo.
The everyday Albertan controls his or her own destiny, which is sometimes difficult to even FATHOM these days. Especially for frustrated, disenfranchised Western Canadians who are so sick and tired of Ottawa and the current Prime Minister. I know people out west who want to throw up every day watching this kid Trudeau go about his business.
Q4 – What are the CBC and other legacy media not telling people, that people need to know?
Meakin: Everything and anything important and crucial to our individual freedom. They just hide it from you. Seriously. And don’t get me started with the CBC! They literally censor and “spin” stories to fit a parroted daily narrative – or they just kill the whole story, for giggles. Can you say Hunter Biden? As an American, I still don’t understand how the government actually funds the PRIMARY NEWS SOURCE for the whole country. And how can CBC or CTV call themselves objective, independent news sources? Are you kidding?
But people are smart, they get it. They see right through the Woke nonsense. In the states, we are witnessing the downfall of truly biased, “Democrat-influenced” media with the ongoing collapse and humiliation of CNN, and other corporate-hack news outlets. I don’t believe the CBC could survive one minute without Trudeau government money, and this “backfill” business model is poo poo in the United States. They should pay their own way, or FOLD. Just like the rest of us. The Free-Marketplace will take care of everything, as it always has for hundreds of years and counting. The CBC won’t be missed as much as they think.
Q5 – Now that you’ve transitioned into becoming American, when you look back, has your perspective changed? If so, in what ways?
Meakin: Yes and no. No, in that I was very familiar with both countries before I even left for the states in 1983. I spent a lot of time in the US while growing up in Montreal. I vacationed on Lake Champlain in upstate New York, and played a lot of youth hockey exchange tournaments throughout New England. I LOVED the states.
But YES, my perspective did change when I started actually living and working in the states. Until 1989 really, I had NO CLUE of the difference between a Liberal, Conservative, Libertarian, Populist, or Globalist. Growing up in Canada, we weren’t entrenched in partisanship as vehemently as Democrats vs. Republicans in the US. It’s still a daily fist fight down here, which I like to “Referee!”
To this day, my Canadian friends, especially from back-east, forward me embarrassingly left-wing stories, from Liberal or Democrat political hacks. The Soros Move.On guys, the Occupy crazies, Toronto Star op-eds, and the other usual suspects. They don’t realize the stories are often completely unresearched propaganda, and sometimes just flat-out journalistic malpractice.
Being a media-analyst for decades, I cringe when I read many Canadian news stories. Many of my friends up there embrace completely manufactured or biased stories, and transparent DNC Daily Talking Points verbatim. They don’t SOURCE or critique the writer or publication, or look for truly differing opinions across the aisles of ideologies. They don’t watch and source news articles as maniacally as Americans do.
As a result, Canadians ALLOW themselves to be misled, and participate in their own fleecing. From the gas pump, to housing costs, to tax time, back to the voting booth for Trudeau Round 2 – most Canadians just put up with the fleecing because they feel they can’t do anything about it.
After deep research and curiosity, I realized in 1995 Seattle that I am a core Libertarian and US Constitutionalist – not unlike most of the Alberta 51 and Western people I hear from every day. I believe in the Founding Fathers, the Second Amendment, and the priceless Republic business model. I have always loved and admired America since I was a little socialist boy in Quebec! But now, more than ever, I am a true American at heart. If I were a voting Albertan, I would pull the lever for 51st US Statehood – yesterday.
Q6 – Living among Americans since 1983, how have you been treated as a Canadian? Are you treated without bias or prejudice based on nationality?
Meakin: Americans really enjoy Canadians, and there is no disrespect or bias whatsoever. You are a bit of a novelty to them, and viewed correctly as nice, polite people.
Q7 – In what ways do Canadians misunderstand Americans?
Meakin: First, many Statehood people don’t realize that Americans would welcome Alberta with a bright red, white, and blue carpet – and arms wide open from coast-to-coast. A Big-League welcome! All Americans I talk to down here are giddy, and supportive of Alberta becoming their 51st State.
Second, I do sense many Canadians see Americans as hardasses, loving guns, being rude, all that stuff. Do you notice Ottawa and the Canadian press trying to vilify the Freedom Convoy people in much the same way? I address these myths a lot in the book. Although there is an element of truth to the labels above, the untold truth, especially with the mainstream media, is Americans are incredibly giving, caring people. They look out for their neighbours every day.
The United States is statistically the most charitable country and people in the world when it comes to personal donations and foreign aid. And it’s not even close. I don’t think America and Americans – especially conservative Americans – receive the credit they deserve for this deeply compassionate side.
Q8 – What could Americans stand to learn about Canadians?
Meakin: To throw out the labels, and understand Canadians are people too! I write a lot in the book, often satirically, about the disregard, and misunderstanding of Canada and Canadians. Of all the similar core traits Canadians have with Americans, I believe the Canadian spirit and courage is unrecognized, or underestimated by Americans. This Canadian fighting spirit and courage is a force to be reckoned with when push comes to shove. Even the nicest people, when pushed TOO far, can become lions and warriors for truth, freedom, and justice.
When Hitler pushed them too far, Canadian warriors answered the call. My grandfather in Montreal was one of them, for five long years in the European theater during WWII. I believe this ferociously moral constitution can be witnessed in Canadians today, with the millions of Freedom Convoy 2022 people.
Q9 – What traits do Canadians unconsciously share in common with Americans?
Meakin: I believe most humans agree on 80% of life, but the loud 20% get all the attention and Mic-Time. Karens are screaming everywhere we look. Have you watched that awful show, The View lately? Canadians are so much like Americans, with only a few quirky differences, like saying “Eh” and loving hockey and Poutine. Yes, there can be ideological differences, but for the most part we are all the same people, just different accents! We love our family and community, care about health and safety, look out for others, and are generally nice people. Again, it’s the 20% Big-Mouths on both sides who get all the attention, and drive the daily narratives and Talking Points.
Q10 – What was your biggest surprise when researching the Alberta 51st US State Movement?
Meakin: Two key things, thanks to so many of your posts, Ben, and some other key sources of mine. One, the Pension-Guarantee. I never realized if Alberta became a US State, Albertans would keep any federal or provincial pensions they have earned. Pensions would just be paid by Washington DC in the form of Social Security…likely in US FUNDS. Wow!
Second was the fact that US Statehood for Canadian provinces is not a new idea by any means. As early as the American Revolution days, right up to Confederation, this was a robust conversation…and still is, obviously. From the get-go, it was the intent of America’s founders that Canada should join them.
The legal fighting and squabbling pre and post-referendum will be loud and lengthy, but no worries. Once Alberta is a US State, she would have America on her side. Much like an abused spouse, Alberta will only be appreciated after she leaves. Then watch the fireworks when she finally meets Mr. Right –The USA! If you need us to protect your borders, though, let’s wait until 2022, maybe 2024! More on that another time.
Q11 – So you believe Alberta will actually become the 51st State of the United States of America?
Meakin: Yes. I believe existential change is in the wind worldwide, especially on personal freedom issues. I always encourage my Alberta friends: By voting YES to Alberta 51 in the next year or two, you can make a Game-Changing, exciting difference for you, your children, your grandchildren and beyond. Think about it. Your entire family will be full American-Canadians by BIRTH – with no borders, and full access to the entire United States.
And, you will find joy in many daily American freedoms you could never experience in Canada, and never will. Canada will NEVER have a Second Amendment, full stop. It is all up to the voters in Alberta. If they want change, they can do something about it.
Q12 – How has your book, WHY I CAME TO AMERICA…and what I think now, been received so far?
Meakin: Since its release, the book has shipped to 7 Canadian provinces and 11 US states. Even a few to Mexico and England. Kudos and passionate testimonials are pouring in, which is deeply moving to an old author guy like me.
So far, the vast majority of my readers and Facebook Friends are Canadian, especially Albertans. It’s incredible, actually, and I would have never expected it. I am not an Amazon or Kindle guy for now; my strategic choice. The book is only available through my website, gregmeakin.com. I keep it simple and secure with Squarespace and Stripe. Great people.
Because of the fun response, especially from Alberta 51 and Freedom Convoy people, I have extended my Early-Bird pricing until February 15th. I like to keep things simple.
And I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU, BENJAMIN EBLE. You are an amazing Leader and Facilitator of this Group. I have learned SO much about Canada’s history from you and the group. Education is the key to the entire Movement as I see it, and you are doing a stellar job to that end.
When people know all the facts, and all the data, they will vote Alberta 51. And then honk for the Truckers!
And before I sign-off, to all the wonderful folks who already have my book in hand – THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! I am deeply humbled. Thanks, eh!
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Greg Meakin
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Arizona City, AZ 85123
Media Inquiries: gregmeakin2020@gmail.com
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