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Corbin
I had never considered that angle before. Good point. I shudder at the thought of 2 years of political campaigning up here. As for playing the US card, somebody always tries to do that in any election campaign up here. I hate to say it, but because Canada is a middle power sharing a border with a superpower, there's a portion of the Canadian population with the "short guy" complex, who can't live happily next to the big guy, and tend to spoil for a fight. These are the ones the politicians play the US card at. Of course, they have many other cards, as well, as in the multiculturalism card, the bilingualism card, the economy, Quebec separatism...etc. Personally, they're wasting their time on me. I have one overriding focus in this election...getting rid of the Liberal Party and bringing in Harper and Co. If we end up with another Liberal minority government, I think I'll join the B.C. Separatist Party.
posted by
Lensman
on December 14, 2005 at 5:19 PM
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Justsouno
On Blogit, I have seen the kind of attacks that you're referring to, written by both Brits (well, one in particular) and recently by a Canadian. You're quite right about that. And who can blame Americans for become angry when the attacks are worded so offensively? I would be, too, if they were coming in the other direction. As for me, I barely ever mention Canada/US relations or anything to do with politics, for that matter. I prefer just telling stories here on Blogit. In this case, I did choose to talk about this one aspect because it has negatively affected my family. However, my complaint was directed at the government level, not at the American people themselves. I think Americans are great folks and I've been treated well by them any time I've encountered them, and there are some real gems right here on Blogit. The best way I can illustrate that would be to ask you to read my "American Living Rooms" blog, which describes my feelings about ordinary Americans based on how I've been treated by Americans. When it comes to international hassles, though, at the government level, there are times I do object to things the US Govt does regarding Canada. When I do object, I keep it either light-hearted or firm but polite. As Corbin says, sometimes the best of friends will have spats about things and will need to speak up firmly about them.
posted by
Lensman
on December 14, 2005 at 1:05 PM
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Lensman
My point about taxes, etc., is: There are some people on Blogit who are so ugly, condemning of our way of life. They have no vote in the matter. You are not a friendly neighbor when it comes to much more than trade. I would not consider visiting your home and telling you what poor taste you had in decorating it, what petty educational materials you had, how cheap you were, that your religion was trash and on and on.... There are so many both Canadians and Brits who have done that to a frustrating degree here on Blogit.
Granted such behavior is financially earth shattering, it is rude and nasty! I personally hate to see it.
posted by
Justi
on December 14, 2005 at 10:57 AM
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Lensman
I have no anger or distrust of you or your country.....The whole things go to show us that even best friends can spat now and then.....BTW....One six incher would probably sink one of the Maids without ever firing a shot...
I do hope we aren't drawn in and become the major item in your country's quickie campaign....something I might add, that is a great advantage to the Canadian people.....you don't have to put up with an ongoing Presidential campaign for 2+ years.
posted by
Corbin_Dallas
on December 14, 2005 at 4:30 AM
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I should add, since there appears to be a misunderstanding of my drift by another commenter, that my comment isn't an exercise in US bashing. It is to try and paint how the picture can appear from the other side of the border when dealing with a superpower. There are trade issues between the two countries. These issues can damage Canada's economy and have already caused many job losses (ironically, these actions have caused some American job losses, too) along with the usual filter-down problems that result from that. So it would be rather odd if Canada wasn't concerned about it. And if things are being choked off in one direction, then I'm suggesting that it's hardly surprising that the Canadian Government might be forced to look off-continent to make up the shortfall. The suggestion from the other commenter was that Canadians should be looking after their own business. Again she underlines one of my points, which is that looking after our business is exactly what we'd be doing by going to China or Europe. In almost every other sense, of course, Canada and the U.S. are strong allies and always have been. On the subject of taxes and armed forces, there is no need for Canadians to join the US military or pay US taxes. Our troops have been in Afghanistan for the last four years, funded by Canadian taxpayers.
posted by
Lensman
on December 14, 2005 at 12:26 AM
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Justsouno
Thanks for underlining and illustrating my point so well.
There are many international concerns to juggle. Canada has its own and they are valid to us. Each one needs to be dealt with. A rolling stone is just one more.
posted by
Lensman
on December 13, 2005 at 11:22 PM
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Canadians be aware that until you pay taxes in our country, vote or
make yourselves available to serve in our military all your condemnation is but drivel! Keep your eyes on your business. Another rolling stone may come through and steal more than the lady of your house while you are watching us!
posted by
Justi
on December 13, 2005 at 11:04 PM
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Corbin
What makes you think we can mount 6-inch guns on the "Maid"? Even our destroyers are stuck with five-inchers... Not much to worry about...lol
What should worry you, though, is our status as your largest trading partner in the world, something which most Americans probably aren't aware of -- almost double the trade of your second largest trading partner, China, and almost three times that of Japan. The US consistently breaches the North American Free Trade agreement and then ignores the rulings of the international courts in Canada's favour. Simply ignores them. The softwood lumber hassle is just the latest example. This isn't sniping, it's just a fact. Consequently, with each ruling that the US ignores, the more attractive becomes Canada's east/west connection with hungry China. It would be better for Canada and the US to remain trading buddies, but, as is becoming increasingly clear, you guys aren't our only option. I say this without malice...it's just that we're trying to run a business here. 
Of course, if we have to resort to the "Maid of the Mist," we will....lol
posted by
Lensman
on December 13, 2005 at 8:22 PM
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As South Park sang, "Blame Canada". How are you today, CorbinD?
posted by
Blanche.
on December 13, 2005 at 7:42 PM
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Corbin Dallas
What can one say about this.. I read today that we are also being accused of stealing their water.
posted by
BrightIrish
on December 13, 2005 at 6:49 PM
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Hmmm, war with Canada? Lols:)))))))
posted by
Meringue
on December 13, 2005 at 5:54 PM
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