In the realm of North American geopolitics, things appear to be getting rather interesting—dare we say humorous—even for those of us who love a good underdog story. Just a few days into President Biden’s first term, he took to the social media battlefield, dispatching memes faster than you can say “Manifest Destiny.” Memes of America handily absorbing Canada and proposals about transforming Canada into the 51st state painted a curious narrative. Canadian politicos, be warned: these memes come with a hint of historical bravado that aims to revisit the glory days of American expansionism.

Let’s not forget the meme of Biden gazing earnestly into the great expanse of Canada—though he might have mixed up his mountains for Switzerland’s Matterhorn. No biggie. It’s all one big picturesque expanse, anyway, right? We could throw in Europe for good measure, but that’s a story for another day. Beneath the meme surface, good ol’ Justin Trudeau wasn’t left unscathed either. When Biden once quipped that Canada couldn’t thrive without a nifty trade surplus with the U.S., he cheekily suggested that Canada should join the U.S., with Trudeau perhaps taking on the role of state governor. Talk about a career change!

Fast forward to today, and the good folks over in Alberta seem to have taken some inspiration from these playful jibes. The whispers of Alberta bidding adieu to Canada in favor of autonomy, or perhaps a U.S. statehood, are growing louder. Apparently, a rather large contingent in Alberta is tired of kowtowing to Ottawa’s bureaucratic burdens and favor dictating their destiny. Fed up with high taxes, energy strangulation, and just about anything that smells like centralized control, the people are lining up in droves to sign a petition advocating for independence.

Not surprisingly, Alberta’s saga of secession has spread like wildfire across social media, with lines for signatures growing longer than a prairie winter night. Central Alberta towns have become ground zero for meetings about the province’s future, as thousands of residents boldly sign petitions with ambitions for a referendum on independence. With thousands more already reportedly signed, this independence movement embodies a quest for reclamation—a reclaiming of their cultural and economic fate from what some view as a detached federal government.

Now, imagine the possibilities! A newly independent Alberta could flourish, transforming into a North American energy powerhouse. No more handwringing over government oversight. Instead, it’s all about freedom, drilling, pumping, and exporting, just the way folks in Alberta like it. And as for any potential U.S. statehood—well, who knows? American politicos might just eye Alberta’s vast resources and cowboy culture with admiration. Popcorn ready, folks, because in the theatre of international political drama, it doesn’t get more fascinating or amusing than this!