Thread by @TrevorsIdeas

Scheer argues the merits of buddying up to Trump's policies, getting involved in missile defense, and angering China. These are the pivotal elements on his foreign policy. Instead of being a leader, he's advocating falling in line behind the US.

cbc.ca/news/politics/…

Scheer argues that it is necessary to take a strong stand on issues. He then proceeds to complain about Trudeau's tactics wrt TPP deal. Let's take a look at that...

Recall the original TPP deal included provisions on child labor, working conditions and collective bargaining. When the US left, these fell apart. Canada insisted on maintaining those provisions and Trudeau took a stand to keep them. Successfully. Scheer disagrees with this?

More details: cbc.ca/news/politics/…

In the first of multiple occasions, Scheer argues that joining Trump's policy is a good idea. This time on Israel and relocating the capital. This was a unilateral move criticized by practically all world leaders. Scheer is just trying to cozy up to the US/Trump.

In the next instance, Scheer argues that Trump is once again right on Iran. That like the US, Scheer wouldn't support the multinational negotiated agreements but instead continue sanctions to provide more "freedom" to the Iranian people. So far 2/2 in agreement with Trump.

In yet another example, Scheer now argues that our most important partnership is with the US and it must be maintained regardless of who occupies the president's office. He went so far as to say we need the US for peace and prosperity. So go along to get along?

To this end Scheer suggests strengthening our military alliance with Trump and going so far as to enter into negotiations over joining the ballistic missile defense program with the US. Is there anything Scheer actually doesn't like about Trump? Today's speech - nothing.

In a final display of support for Trump he roundly criticized Trudeau for not standing in solidarity with the US at the UN. Apparently Scheer's principled stands depend on what the Trump believes.

Man of principles thy name is Trump, Scheer thinks? Nothing further from reality.

And now after all this buddy, buddy talk with Trump, Scheer has the audacity to suggest that he would've been tougher with Trump on the NAFTA deal. He criticized Trudeau for accepting a weaker deal.

First of all, the new NAFTA was widely proclaimed a success by many groups - business and union alike. It maintained core principles while also advancing the critical car manufacturing industry. It was largely a win-win-win.

Secondly, it was Scheer and his CPC buddies (including Harper) who were wringing there hands when things got tough saying we should just give in on the milk quotas and the dispute settlement - do anything we can to get a deal with the US!

On China, the entire argument and delicate negotiation with them is hinging around the intricate connection in China between politics and economics. You cannot have a economic deal with China without being aware of its political nature.

Naturally Scheer proclaims the opposite. He would abandon a "strategic" alliance with China in favor of a mere economic one. He believes that Canada can negotiate the freedom of our citizens and remove the blockage on products by taking a tough stand.

This stand includes suing China, restricting its ability to invest in Canada, and withdrawing support for the Asian investment bank. Sounds like poking the panda bear to me...

Recall that Harper (and many others throughout history) have tried to save people imprisoned by China with little success. You need to respect their ways and find a way for all to save face. China will NOT back down to threats.

And finally recall that Scheer has multiple times expressed his support of Brexit. It was apparently "cool."

Nothing has been more destabilizing in modern times than Trump and Brexit. Scheer supports both wholeheartedly. That's Scheer's foreign policy.