Feedback From Faraway Friends

Click for letter online ...

This week's Austin Chronicle (February 13, 2026) has a letter from us in the "Feedback" section. It reads:

Feedback From Faraway Friends

Dear Editor,

A year ago, we wrote a “Letter From a Friend” that you posted online and in your print edition (letter received Feb 10, 2025). We were alarmed by the first few weeks of the 47th administration and saddened every day during our long stay as things went from bad to worse. Much has happened since then and none of it is good – what we see from this side of the world’s longest unprotected border is appalling. How can the country we have loved so much sink so low?

We would love to return to Austin this winter, but we are boycotting the U.S. – not because of the tariffs but rather to show our disapproval of the current autocratic regime. Besides, ICE and CBP would undoubtedly not like “our kind” and might well “lock us up.” We see the cruelty and injustice that continues in Minneapolis and across your country. We are fearful what might befall we longtime Canadian visitors.

Your president has unleashed the chaos we warned you about and it’s worse than expected. International laws, rules, conventions, treaties and alliances carry no weight. Kindness and empathy are seen as weaknesses; belligerence and bullying are seen as strength. Canada will never be a 51st state, nor will Greenland, Panama, or Venezuela. And NATO will not bow to the Lyin’ King. The recent Davos meeting of the WEF showed the world who the adults are in the room. Much shame on your babbling 47th president. Isn’t it about time to impeach and convict?

You are rapidly losing your democracy and the rule of law. It will be hard to get that back. Repairing the damage done to your education, health care, environment, justice, infrastructure, international relations, etc. will not be easy – even with the expected changes in the coming midterms. But, you put a man on the moon, so surely getting rid of a dangerously demented president cannot be that difficult! You need to do it, and you need to do it soon. People all over the world will support you – but only Americans can solve this American problem.

We want to return to Austin. We miss our friends. We miss the music! But only you can stop Donald Trump. Until you do, we’re staying away.

Reg Quinton & Kate Graham

See also our Letter From a Friend of February 13, 2025.