When I joined Medium almost two years ago, I thought there was enough original thinking that I might find a small audience. But . . . .

I just figured out my reluctance to Naomi Klein. I have been confusing her with another Canadian-activist/writer named Maude Barlow.

Ms. Barlow was quite instrumental in framing Canada's free trade debate with the USA in 1988. She claimed if this deal were signed, Canada would become the 51st state of the USA. The political rhetoric was high at those times, probably the highest in my 61-year life. That's when I realized that most political issues will not result in the sky falling in if we go one way or the other.

Anyways, the Trade Deal was signed--and Canada did not become the 51st state. It was so much easeir for Canadian factories to do besiness in the USA. But the media kept bringing back Ms. Barlow as a commentator for a few decades--even though she was so obviously wrong in her predictions and she still hung on to her rhetoric.

For some strange reason, I have branded Naomi Klein with the same brush--not worthy of reading. I really know very little about Ms. Klein, other than she is a Canadian writer/activist. Once again, I find myself harboring a prejudice. Now I need to read her to find out for myself.