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Americans have written dozens of letters to The Globe and Mail reacting to Donald Trump’s conduct at the G7 meeting of world leaders in Quebec. Here are 22 of the letters:

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Try to keep letters to fewer than 150 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@globeandmail.com

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In behalf of our thoughtful fellow countrymen, my wife and I wish to extend our sincere apologies for the childish behaviour of our current President.

Be patient many of us are working to remove Donald Trump and restore our democracy.

We thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for standing strong for Canadians and the world.

Prudence York, Robert Goodfellow, Marietta, N.Y.

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Please keep in mind that this voter and a majority of those voting did not vote for Donald Trump. Keep in mind that many, many, many of us are disgusted, ashamed, alarmed, and adverse to the current occupant in the White House.

I remember that on the day the Iranian hostages were released, the windows of the building adjacent to the Canadian Embassy were filled with large red letters spelling out our thanks to Canada for assistance.

Even though Donald Trump forgets (if he ever knew), we don’t forget Canada and our Canadian friends.

Floyd Grabiel, Edina, Minn.

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On behalf of millions of Americans, I would like to apologize to the wonderful people of Canada for the boorish and insulting behaviour of our President, who seems intent on destroying the Western alliance, on whose behalf we can but wonder, while admiring only tyrants and dictators. We wish we had a leader as gracious and good-hearted as your Prime Minister. We are with you.

Jeffrey Sokolow, Atlanta, Ga.

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Many U.S. citizens and residents are beyond embarrassment at the actions and petty words of Donald Trump. That he, an ignorant entertainer, has chosen to attack Justin Trudeau and your country, our great friend, is appalling to millions of us, though for him, just another headline of the day showing - he believes - that he is the boss. My apologies to you all. Please continue to consider a majority of Americans your friends. I still believe we will get through this, but my hopes dim daily.

Dee Baer, Wilmington, Del.

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As an American, I am so deeply ashamed of Donald Trump’s behaviour and his ad hominem attacks on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This boor does not represent a majority of US citizens. My hope - perhaps in vain -is that the Republican leaders will repudiate both the man and his message.

Canada is fortunate to have such an intelligent, poised leader. I long for the day when the U.S. will be led by such a person.

Barbara Barran, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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President Donald Trump’s recent behaviour at the G7 meeting, alienating our traditional U.S. allies and specifically insulting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the most infantile manner, is a betrayal to U.S. citizens who have long enjoyed warm relationships with our Canadian friends across the border. Don’t worry, Canada! When we get our political levers in alignment, we will consign Mr. Trump to the dust bin of history, where he belongs.

John F. Christensen, Corbett, Ore.

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Canada, please know that tens of millions of Americans know you and appreciate you as a good neighbour, the best a country could ask for.

Joseph S. Harrington, Morton Grove, Ill.

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I am just one American but I know I speak for many. Please stay with us and understand that the United States’ commitment to the liberal, democratic world order that countries such as Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Japan and others, have been so instrumental in establishing and maintaining since the end of the Second World War, for the good of the entire globe, remains strong and will always be fundamental to our core beliefs. Our current President does not reflect the goodwill and appreciation that most Americans have for Canada and Canadians. I am absolutely certain of that.

The American/Canadian relationship is a uniquely special one - more than 3,000 miles of non-fortified borders (my family and I had the great pleasure of visiting Banff and Japser national parks in Alberta last summer … how wondrous!), and a mutual history, kinship and respect that is unshakable. In the past, Canada at times may have needed America more than the converse. At the present time, I would the say the opposite is true. We in America very much need your nations’s good character and clear-eyed sense of mission as a reminder about what truly makes America great, and I know we as your friends to the south, can count on Canada for this inspiration and so much more - now and always. For that, let me say thank you so much et merci beaucoup.

Warmly/Amicalement,

Tom Gerson, Old Saybrook, Conn.

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As an American citizen, I am embarrassed by the behaviour of our President. All the times I have been to Canada, I have been treated with the utmost courtesy. The behaviour of our President cannot be excused on any terms. It would not surprise me if Canada recalled it Ambassador to Washington.

No matter your political orientation, insulting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was despicable, it has no place in the two countries’ relations. It is an example of a man who has destroyed our State Department, among other institutions. A recent column in the New York Times labels him Il Duce Trump. it is to be hoped that we will retake our Congress in November and put a stop to such folly.

My apologies for what it is worth.

David Underwood, Citrus Heights, Calif.

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What can we possibly say? We have a U.S. “leader” who is taking us down an unfamiliar and reprehensible road. You’re not alone, Canada; he’s wrecking the U.S., too. All we can say to you, our Canadian cousins, is do what you have to do, but cut us some slack. Eventually, we’ll get back to our normal rock-solid friendship.

Roger Brooks, Saint Paul, Minn.

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Dear Canada,

Come on, you know we love you! And we don’t think for a minute that you burned down our White House. The problem is our crazy Grandpa Donny got hold of the keys to the place (we’re not sure how, but we think his punk friend Vlad was involved.) He’s going nuts in there – pounding on his keyboard, shouting at the TV, measuring his “crowd size” and grabbing everyone he can by their privates.

We’ll get him out of there just as soon as we can, but it might take a while - he’s brought some of his friends with him. For now, hang in there, try to ignore him, and do not make direct eye contact! We’ll get through this, and remember, we love you, bros!

The United States

( John MacKay, Nederland, Col.)

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As a U.S. citizen, I would like to apologize to the Canadian people for the extremely boorish behaviour of President Donald Trump. Please believe that neither he nor his rhetoric represents the opinion and feelings of the majority of the United States of America’s citizens. Canada has always been a good friend and neighbour of the United States. One uninformed, ignorant and classless individual should not be allowed to destroy that. He is a one-term or less president.

Greg Fraser, Taylorsville, Utah

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On behalf of all intelligent Americans, l wish to apologize for our President’s comments. He does not reflect the opinion of most Americans. l do not have to remind anyone that Barack Obama’s first foreign trip upon being elected president was to Canada. This presidency shall pass, and in a few years President Trump will be confined to the dustbin of history. Hopefully the best days of Canadian-American relations are still to come.

Tom DiPasqua, Scarborough, Me.

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To all our friends in Canada and on behalf of all of us in America who do not support Donald Trump, I wish to apologize for the comments and antics of that guy in the White House regarding Canada. But be patient, all will return to normal in the post-Trump years, and that can’t happen soon enough for millions of us south of the border.

Norman Cohen, Potomac, Md.

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Please know Donald Trump’s demeanour, language and attitude do not reflect most of us in the United States. In fact, we find Mr. Trump to be deplorable, out of sync with the world and its needs, boorish and bullying. Most of us would not allow him into our homes.

So, please, good people of Canada, look beyond Mr. Trump when commenting on or thinking about the United States. You will find us progressive and open, and not tolerant of those who would dictate to us in the form of elected officials. Our forebears advanced this nation through dedication to freedom and individual rights from oppressors like Mr. Trump.

Your political leadership seems to be a person who truly cares about his country rather than personal advancement. Please help him to hold strong in his stance against Mr. Trump’s childish attempts at being perceived as a strong person. He is not. He continues to attack world leaders as would a brutish thug, just as he attacks those seeking refuge in the United States.

So, hang tough, Canada ,and we will get through the United States’ current political abboration together.

Woody Dugan, Carlisle, Ky.

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On behalf of the tens of millions of Americans who did not forfeit their common sense and vote for Donald Trump, I would like to apologize to the Canadian people for our President’s boorish, juvenile behaviour. He is an embarrassment to our country, and an insult to thinking people everywhere.

Canada and the United States have enjoyed a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship for centuries. We hope you do not allow one man’s absurd, insensitive outbursts to destroy our reciprocally supportive history.

If nothing else, we can all cling to the fact that his time in office is limited. Let us look forward to a return to sense and civility, and for the present do our best to ignore the rantings emanating from the Oval Office.

Dennis B. Appleton, Madison, Wis.

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Having grown up and spent 68 years living in states that share a common border with Canada, I just want our Canadian friends to know that Donald Trump does not speak for all Americans - or even most.

Canadians have always been our friends and allies and The Blowhard Dotard in the White House is dead wrong to pick any kind of a fight with our great northern neighbours.

Please forgive us his rude, impolitic behaviour. And please accept our apologies for his very poor representation of America’s respect and affection for Canadians. Remember, most Americans did not vote for Donald Trump for all the right reasons. He is an embarrassment to present generations and a threat to future generations.

We’re doing our best to send him packing as soon as possible - if not to prison, back to his cage in Trump Tower. The sooner he’s gone, the better for all.

George Ochenski, Helena, Mont.

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I write to apologize for the utterly unacceptable behaviour and language of Donald Trump during and following the G7 Summit in Quebec. His views and attitudes do not reflect the beliefs of a vast majority of Americans. Most of us recognize the fruitful and positive historic relationship between our countries. We know that Canada was not responsible for the burning of the White House in 1812.

Sadly, Mr. Trump’s attitudes and actions have already damaged our historic alliance. It is deeply disturbing that he acts without deep thought or consideration for the consequences of his actions or awareness of history. I cannot excuse his behaviour but ask for your understanding that Mr. Trump is not the true voice of all Americans.

Christiane Dow Freer-Parsons, Scottsdale Ariz.

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We are U.S. citizens who have been fortunate enough to travel extensively and thus meet hundreds of Canadians over the years. We continue to be greatly impressed by the graciousness and intelligence of the Canadians we’ve met, and we are a bit embarrassed to acknowledge how much they know about the U.S. when compared to our knowledge of Canada. (When on a cruise, we always want to have a Canadian couple on our trivia team!)

Please know that Donald Trump does not speak for us when he acts rudely, spreads lies and tries to bully others.

Robert and Jane Legg, Greensboro, Ga.

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I have always appreciated and admired your country. As a northern neighbour, Canada has been a gracious and kind ally to the United States. Our countries have a long history of collaboration on numerous issues including climate change, security and shared values resulting in economic enhancement benefiting both nations.

As I watch our current political posturing, I want to reach out and tell you that many of us in the United States do not endorse our current leadership. It is difficult to fathom why we would alienate Canada, Mexico and European allies while embracing unethical leaders from North Korea, Russia and China.

As an American, I feel compelled to do something in the wake of the bullying and thoughtlessness demonstrated daily by our leadership. It is hard to know where to start because just when I think things cannot get worse – they do.

I can only hope that this too will pass. Meanwhile, I find it difficult to sit quietly and watch the alienating transactions with countries formerly close to the United States. And so, this brief letter to let you know that I have no idea how this current President was elected. Why there is not more discussion about the electoral college in the wake of an overwhelming popular vote to the contrary remains a mystery. With Donald Trump comes incivility, a coarsening of our culture and the presentation of manipulated facts. This President’s flagrant disregard for the truth continues to assault our society’s perception of reality. Fundamental values like honour, integrity, honesty, kindness and virtue are absent from this man’s character.

Political apathy of a large segment of our population may have inadvertently brought such a person to the presidency. Can we learn from this? I sure hope so. Because the cost of this presidency has ramifications on so many levels. And so this letter is a start. Because to sit idly by while all this unfolds is to be complacent and complicit and then inadvertently become a part of the problem yourself.

I am so sorry for the thoughtlessness and inconsideration our country is currently showing yours.

Christine Wolf, Prescott, Ariz.

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Please do not judge us Americans by the actions and words of the President. He continues to alienate our friends. What he recently said and did is not supported by all of us. Canada and the U.S. have had, and will continue to have, a great relationship. This will pass. We have far more in common than some small differences.

Joe Dykta, North Huntingdon, Pa.

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I feel compelled to write this letter to you this morning. Too often we take our neighbours for granted, and I want to take the time to let you know just how much I appreciate you.

I want to apologize for the behaviour of my President. I am embarrassed by him. This is way beyond politics. His behaviour, words, and actions in so many circumstances are unforgivable, and his recent attacks on you are misguided.

Much like my cat, who wanders into your yard to do his business, or a dog who shatters the peaceful quiet of a Sunday morning with his incessant barking, my President has pushed you to the limit, yet you remain polite, reserved and calm in your response. You deserve better.

Neighbour, our history goes way back. I have vacationed in Canada for 53 of my 56 summers. My extended family has enjoyed the pristine waters of Lake Temagami in Northern Ontario for more than 100 years. I have explored so much of your beautiful country and never once encountered anyone who was not kind and helpful. Okay, maybe once in Quebec, the waitress pretended she didn’t understand my high school French.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently said, “We have to believe that at some point common sense will prevail.” I am waiting for that point as well. I appreciate your patience while I get this messy time in my life figured out and get back on track. I’ll get the overgrown bushes trimmed back, the broken-down car towed from the driveway, and remove the couch from the front yard. I promise.

Thank you for being such a great neighbour.

Elizabeth Sobota, Chagrin Falls, Ohio


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