Rational Fear

As we look at the purposeful violation of international law by powerful global players, our fear should be a catalyst for action.

Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945 - Lest we forget.

Prince George, BC, January 18, 2026/Troy Media/ - Fear is a dangerous emotion because it is easily manipulated. At the same time, fear is essential because it helps us to avoid danger. The key is to mindfully observe our fear and understand what it is trying to tell us.

As a Canadian, I am terrified by the Trump administration’s kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. I am also deeply disturbed by the response to this event by Canadian politicians, especially Pierre Poilievre.

Of course, the overthrow of foreign governments is nothing new for the United States, nor is Canada’s collaboration in these events, as was the case when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was removed as President of Haiti in 2004. What is different is the current historical context. No justification for the abduction of Maduro was expressed that was even remotely convincing, and since the abduction, American President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to control Venezuela’s large oil resources.

The earlier accusations against Venezuela are very similar to Trump’s statements about Canada - that we are allowing illicit drugs to enter the United States. In addition, Trump has openly expressed interest in making Canada the 51^st state, and, like Venezuela, we have vast oil reserves. Trump and his supporters have also openly spoken of invading other countries, including Greenland, which, like Canada, is an American ally in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The reaction to the Maduro kidnapping by Prime Minister Mark Carney was predictably vague and confusing. He said, “Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.” He also said, “Canada calls on all parties to respect international law,” even though the action by the Trump administration is in clear violation of international law. Perhaps his tepid statement can be justified by the fact that Carney recognizes that he could also be on Trump’s list of leaders to kidnap, or the fact that he is a banker and sees potential financial gain resulting from Trump’s action in Venezuela.

Pierre Poilievre released this statement following Maduro’s abduction: “Congratulations to President Trump on successfully arresting narco-terrorist and socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro, who should live out his days in prison…. Down with socialism. Long live freedom.”

This makes it quite clear that Poilievre has no regard for international law, nor does he value the careful balance between capitalism and socialism that has made Canada a prosperous country. It also makes one wonder whether he appreciates Canadian sovereignty.

At this moment in our history, fear is not an irrational sentiment. Along with American threats toward other countries, there is a complete disregard for the global order established in the wake of World War II, as demonstrated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and by Western support for Israel’s actions in Palestine. It should be clear to every Canadian, and every informed citizen in the world, that our leaders are advocating for the same global chaos that resulted in the death and destruction that devastated the world in the first half of the 20^th century.

While Trump and his allies seem convinced that they are invincible, their military failures of the last 25 years - along with advancements in the weaponry produced by rival states - should make it clear that they are by no means safe in a world where the rule of law has collapsed.

Fortunately, it is unlikely that we have crossed the line of no return; the relative peace and comfort of the post-World War II era can be maintained. We simply need to get our heads out of the sand, recognize the impending doom caused by the current world order, and make international law meaningful.