BRATTLEBORO-Where are you, Gov. Scott?
I don't blame you for not wanting to engage with Trump's absurd rhetoric and his destructive M.O., but now we're talking about Vermont. The damage to our economy in particular is real, as Canadians take out their anger on trade and tourism.
You must know the figures State Treasurer Mike Pieciak shared recently. Canada provides 76% of the state's imports, much of it (52%) energy; we receive $150 million from Canada in tourism revenue.
Pieciak reports the effects are already showing. The figures are alarming if not surprising.
You may not be able to do anything about tariffs, but at least you can make it clear that Vermont stands out as having voted 2:1 against Trump (and for Vermonters who did vote for him, I doubt this is what they expected) - that we do not stand behind his policies, that we are not in favor of them, and in fact, that most of us stand with Canada.
For the sake of honesty - and our economy - let's shout it loud and clear, Gov. Scott!
Arlene Distler
Brattleboro
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