January 26, 2026
Borderline drama, eh?
Being a Canadian in America (Eric Migicovsky)
Tech founder weighs leaving U.S.; comments erupt over courage, complicity, and passports
TLDR: A Canadian tech founder says the U.S. may be crossing his “red line” after a protester shooting and publicly backs trans people and immigrants. Comments split: some praise his courage, others call it performative or anti-American, and one urges him to move to Europe—raising big questions about voice, borders, and belonging.
Canadian tech founder Eric Migicovsky (Pebble, Beeper) wonders if it’s time to leave California after a protester was shot in Minneapolis, saying his “red line” might be near. He can’t vote, feels odd protesting as a non-citizen, and voices support for trans people and immigrants. The crowd? Explosive. Some cheered, with one fan calling it “integrity” in a tech world that loves its comfort more than its conscience. Others slammed the post as guilt outsourcing—“write a paper letter to your reps,” snapped one, accusing him of paying to feel better instead of acting. Then came the big swing: a commenter branded half his beliefs “anti-American,” arguing that free movement means no borders. Cue fireworks, eye-rolls, and a fresh round of “define patriotism” threads.
There were jokes too. One suggested a “passport speedrun” to The Netherlands—“bring Pebble, Mozilla, and the whole startup zoo,” imagining a Europe-based tech exodus. Another teased the “paper letter” bit as retro activism: “CTRL+P to save democracy.” Through it all, the core drama stayed red-hot: is leaving a moral stand or a privileged flounce? And can a non-voter in America still have a voice without getting roasted? The comments answered: yes—but it’ll be messy.
Key Points
- •Eric Migicovsky, a Canadian entrepreneur in California, reflects on staying in the U.S. despite political concerns.
- •He cites a reported protester shooting in Minneapolis as nearing his personal ‘red line’ for leaving.
- •As a non-citizen, he notes limited civic tools (cannot vote) and sees relocation and tax decisions as available levers.
- •He articulates core beliefs on free movement, character-based judgment, technology’s dual effects, evidence-based belief updates, non-absolutist free speech, and reducing split-second lethal risks.
- •He publicly supports the trans community and immigrants, crediting U.S. immigration pathways and Y Combinator for enabling Pebble and Beeper.