On Tuesday we asked for your opinion on whether I should risk detention by traveling to Florida for a much-needed vacation. You certainly didn’t hold back and offered a wide variety of opinions—from the deeply unkind (thank god for trauma-induced tough skin), to the hilarious to the incredibly thoughtful.
A few caveats right off the bat: Yes, I was being flippant because sometimes The Coast is meant to be fun. No, I can’t sell the property because it doesn’t belong to me. And no, I do not believe that I can get the same experience by vacationing to a Canadian beach…in April.
While the question was formed around the risk of my public anti Trusk, er, Mump (Trump/Musk) rhetoric getting me in trouble at the border, you gave me all kinds of other reasons why I shouldn’t go that I didn’t even ask about.
One thing the poll categorically confirmed though is that Coast readers are the best.
Without further ado, here are some of the best responses from readers on Tuesday’s poll.
The Good – “Hell yeah!”
“You have to live and although I wouldn’t want you to “look” for trouble per se it would be great journalism. The only dilemma is weather or not a terrible experience would even be newsworthy, it’s so common now that I wonder if the payoff would be there even for a good story.”
“I’m rather certain live blogging would be prohibited. Your youthful, keen memory will have to do until your release.”
“Slammer food might not be all that bad?”
“’Cuz some of us readers wanna be vicarious 😜”
“Going for a short vacay? Suit yourself. I wouldn’t go on a work visa.”
“I just came back from 2 weeks in Florida, and it was wonderful, as were the people, with no politics discussed. Then again, I don’t write the things you write :)”
“You have a family address there and you will be fine. Border checks are not a new thing.”
“The more journalists can cover the corruption happening south of the border, the better.”
“Bring a burner phone.”
“Best way to learn is the hard way.”
“FYI, We just arrived home from visiting our daughter’s family in California without any incident whatsoever. Except for one asshole in Burbank singing new words to ’O Canada, the 51st State.’ He was only joking!, his wife said in response to our glares.”
“This would be awesome for your profile locally and beyond!”
“Of course we hope this doesn’t happen!! But it would make interesting copy!”
“We have to go to the US soon. Curious as to how it goes for you since you’re someone we sort of know. :)”
“Don’t be threatened and succumb to piracy.”
“I think that folks are overreacting. Some may be questioned but the majority are okay. Go and enjoy!”
The Bad – “No way!”
“Just when you think it’s not possible… BAM… you are being shipped off to El Salvador!! Stay here in NS… please. 💕”
“A conservative leaning retiree I know just drove to the states with his wife. The border guard asked him ’what do you think of our president?’, to which he responded ’not my business, you elected him.’ He is now barred from entering the US.”
“Unrelated to a beach vacay, but relevant to the insanity and unpredictability of things in the US at the moment — I was speaking with a friend last night who has dual citizenship (Canada/US). She was speaking with a friend of hers the other night who said that ICE has been showing up (incognito) at her Church during services, and ‘removing’ people. WHAT THE F&%#$CK IS HAPPENING..?!?! Her story gave me chills. Stay the heck away from there.”
“Have fun whatever you decide. Keep in mind they do seem to have a particular hate on for a) the press, b) women, c) the truth. Tanning is not great for you, anyway. 😀 Be safe!”
“Don’t give those fuckers your money!”
“My niece and her husband – who is a Georgia DEPUTY SHERRIF were stopped on the border on the return from the trip to Halifax to visit her mom and had their cellphones confiscated and gone through. He’s a cop in a red state. So, how would YOU fare?”
“I am trying very hard to not contribute one single penny to the US economy. There are so many places that are more deserving and more beautiful. I have a family member who is a physician and was going to the states for a conference and was detained, questioned and their phone was searched. It is appalling, disrespectful and a slap in the face to Canadians. 🤬the US!!”
“There are other places to tan by the water – e.g. Cuba, Mexico and there have been a lot of incidents where ‘little big people’ who know darned well you’re harmless like to exert their power. Not worth risking.”
“Did you read the article about the woman who was put in jail in Georgia for driving with a Canadian driver’s license. She didn’t have her passport with her so could not ‘prove’ her citizenship in spite of having other ID. My friends in Florida cannot wait to get home: some people have been abusive towards them.”
“By going to the US you will be contributing to the American economy and will be purchasing American products – not a great idea right now. Elbows up, stay the course, and buy local. Go to a local tanning salon or buy some spray tan instead if you really need a tan.”
The Ugly – “You suck!” (secret option 3)
“Why would you spend time or money in the US – and especially the racist republican shitfest that is Florida? You always seemed cool. Now, not so much!”
“I cannot believe you are even thinking about going to Florida or anywhere in the US. People are checking their food labels for US products and boycotting and you are thinking of going to Florida!!! Shame on you who claims to think Trump and his tariffs are unfair. Looks to me that you have one rule for everyone else and then there is you!”
“Today’s intro on border crossing was extremely tone deaf. It is sad to see The Coast make light of these issues when people are actively being disappeared off the streets and sent to detention centres. This isn’t a joke. It isn’t funny to talk about live blogging from jail. Do better.”
“Your flippant intro about going to Florida drips with privilege considering people who are actually being harmed by current US policies. You want to add to the US economy, hey you do you, but don’t ever report again on Canadian sovereignty and economic harm caused by the same regime you are willing to support. I’m on the verge of walking from your blog.”
“I am disappointed at your flippant comment about traveling to Florida. You come across as privileged and unengaged with the realities of what are happening to the thousands of people in the USA who are being detained, jailed or deported…Lots of people like to live ’dangerously’ but saying that to just get a tan and hanging out at the beach seems heartless. My reaction is not ’just loop us if you go to jail or the tan isn’t worth it’ but rather wake up Julie and smell the coffee or grow up Julie.”
“I’m gobsmacked that you would even consider travel to the US. Have you lost your mind? I know you’re not living in a cave so this must be a mental lapse. I’d recommend you consult a health care professional.”
“If you are stupid enough to risk it while spending money to bolster the US economy and you can tan in lots of other sunny locales.…go ahead but please do not expect Canada to spend our time and $s coming to your aid, if required!”
“What colour is the sky in your world? There has already been at least 47 tourists with all the proper documents arrested. It’s one thing to be wild and crazy but quite different being stupid.”
“What koolaid have you been drinking?! Don’t you know they’ve abandoned the rule of law?”
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This article appears in Apr 1-30, 2025.
So the question is will you go or not? Be nice to have answer…