Well, howdy there, Internet people, it's Bell again. So today, we're going to talk about

Panama responding to Trump's remarks about taking the canal. Well, Trump's comments about

retaking the Panama Canal went over about as well as you'd expect a comment from an incoming

head of state like that to go.

If you missed it, our president-elect threatened Panama. He said that fees to get through the

canal were too high and suggested the U.S. would take the canal back. As we talked about yesterday,

this would likely trigger military conflict.

The president of Panama put out a response, saying, as president, I want to express clearly

that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so. The sovereignty and

independence of our country are not negotiable. He went on to add quote, the canal is not under

direct or indirect control, neither by China, nor by the European community,

nor by the United States, nor by any other power. As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any

manifestations that distorts this reality, and it will continue to be in Panamanian hands as an inalienable heritage of our nation.

Trump taunted the Panamanian government by posting to social media, quote, we'll see about that.

He also posted what looks like an image of a canal with a caption saying,

Welcome to the United States Canal.

One national assembly member said, quote,

This young Panamanian independent deputy will defend his country with his life if necessary.

So, yeah, they're talking about war now. Again, I'm not sure it's worth

losing people because billion-dollar shipping companies don't want to pay a toll. If a poor kid

jumps a turnstile, he gets roughed up by the cops and may be thrown in jail. But if rich companies want to do the

international equivalent, that kid might have to go fight when he turns 18. Seems wrong to me.

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