The concept of "greatness" is one of the most potent yet ambiguous ideas in modern political discourse. Slogans like “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) or its Canadian counterpart "Make Canada Great Again" attempt to evoke a collective memory of a bygone era, one where things were supposedly better, simpler, more unified. Yet, as we contemplate the fractured societies we now see, these slogans raise more questions than they answer: Were things ever truly "great"? And if they were, great for whom?
In both Canada and the United States, the challenges that divide these nations cannot simply be paved over with nostalgia or slogans. "Greatness" is not a static condition or a simple return to the past. It is an active, dynamic process that must be redefined, shaped, and ultimately agreed upon by the people. But therein lies the problem—consensus and resulting alignment is the one thing that is missing.
Look at America, for example. It is a nation deeply divided across multiple dimensions—political, racial, economic, and cultural. One part of the country calls for progress, inclusion, and a reimagining of the role of government, while another clings to the perceived values of independence, traditionalism, and a return to something more familiar. They are not just moving in different directions, but rather against each other. As a result, the group remains stationary or, even worse, begins to falter. Imagine the coach of your favorite NFL (or CFL) team pitching in the locker room before the game, "Okay, team... I know we don't get along... in fact some of us hate others in the room... and we can't agree on a strategy for us to play as a team and win today's game, but... Let's give it our best shot!"
Canada, while not embroiled in the same intensity of conflict, is not immune. The partnership in the form of the "supply-and-confidence Agreement" struck between between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government and New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Jagmeet Singh in March, 2022, seemed to offer stability, but it was always a tenuous arrangement. The tearing apart of that agreement by Singh and the NDP on September 4, 2024, signals unrest, a fracture not only between political parties but between regions and ideologies. Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party of Canada are surging in the polls, but does this mean Canada is any more united or aligned? What version of "greatness" does Poilievre and the Conservatives or any other party, for that matter, offer that speaks to all Canadians?
The metaphor of rowers in a boat, often used in reference to an organization's need for alignment to achieve strategic goals, ideally in the most efficient and effective manner, is apt. Without alignment, without shared vision, everyone rows with their own agenda. But here's the critical part—rowing in the same direction requires agreement on what the destination is... the goal! And this is what both Canada and the United States seem unable to answer. What does greatness look like? Is it a return to economic dominance, social conservatism, and traditional values? Or is it a leap forward toward equity, inclusion, and a rethinking of what it means to be free?
The truth is, there will be no "greatness" for any nation—whether Canada or the United States—until there is consensus on what greatness even means. And here’s the hard truth: consensus requires sacrifice. It demands that individuals, families, communities, and governments agree to compromise. That people who believe strongly in one vision of the future must cede some ground to those who see things differently. But, we are not built for that, are we?
Why Divide and Conquer? Because it Works!
Throughout history, the strategy of divide and conquer, (Latin: divide et impera), has been employed by rulers and empires to maintain power by fostering discord among potential threats. This "proven" approach disrupts unity, casting groups against one another and preventing them from challenging authority.
It is no surprise that our political and media ecosystems thrive on division because division is profitable... ironically, division can win elections! Compromise is seen as weakness. Politicians know that anger gets votes, not nuance. And so, the divisions deepen. In America, the polarization is stark, but the same currents run through Canadian society. Discontent, fear, and anger are universal, and they are wielded by political forces with expert and often nefarious precision.
While divide and conquer has often been a tool of control, there exists an equally potent, though often neglected, force: the recognition of what we share. True strength doesn’t come from exploiting our differences but from understanding our common ground. Before we can bridge divides, we must first recognize the universal threads that bind us—our shared aspirations for security, justice, opportunity, and dignity. These common values, though expressed differently across cultures and communities, remind us that we are more alike than we are different. If division serves those in power, then unity serves us all. And yet, unity requires effort, compromise, and a commitment to collective progress over individual gain.
Greatness requires not only rowing in the same direction but understanding that no one side will ever get 100% of what they want. Until America—and Canada—are willing to agree on the basic rules of the game, we will continue to fracture. We will continue to tear apart the fabric of our societies, not just politically, but culturally, socially, and economically.
Perhaps, then, greatness is less about achieving a mythical pinnacle of national identity and more about survival. Can we create a system that is resilient enough to handle disagreement without devolving into dysfunction? Can we forge a path where the boat, even if it doesn’t speed ahead, at least doesn’t sink?
So, as Former President Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris debate America’s future, and as Pierre Poilievre rallies Canadians with promises of change as soon as a successful non-confidence motion can be put forward to trigger and early Federal election in Canada , the real question remains: What are we all rowing toward? And more importantly, do we or can we row together?
If the answer is no, then the pursuit of greatness, whether in Canada or the United States, will remain an illusion. Divided, no nation can be truly great. And until we accept that the path forward requires not just unity in direction, but unity in sacrifice, unity in diversity, and compromise, we will remain forever stuck, pulling in opposite directions, as the boat slowly sinks.
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