Sniglet

I had an interesting conversation with some friends, in which we discussed whether the Canadian identity was primarily based on the ceaseless struggle to NOT be Americans. Even looking back to the revolutionary war, the war of 1812, confederation, and the settling of the west it seems as if Canadians have been obsessed with keeping the USA at bay. Is the Canadian identity nothing more than the never ceasing struggle not to be Americans?

Actually, the LAST thing people should be complaining about is getting too little "stimulus" money. This kind of government largesse only makes the economy worse. Just as welfare creates dependencies, and destroys the character, this government spending only causes local private industries to atrophy. Run away from stimulus spending (and projects) as fast as you can!

Ignatieff would be best to just wait for the next leg of the depression to hit, dragging the world economy to far lower levels than were seen early this year. Things are looking up for the Conservatives right now because there has been a wee economic recovery, just as was seen in 1930 when the Dow had recovered most of it's '29 losses, and the business press was giddy about how the worst was over. When unemployment hits 20% the Conservatives will be dropped so fast it will make your head spin. The WORST thing the Liberals could do right now is to win an election. That will just leave them with the tarnish of dealing with an impossible economic situation.

Regardless of whether Canada leaves Afghanistan or 2011 or 2040, the result with be the same. Afghanistant will STILL be a mess, and will remain a barely functional corrupt narco state with insurgents controlling vast portions of the hinterland. The "morality" of staying in Afghanistan is irrelevant, and so is the question of whether the US is pressuring Canada to be there. The end-result is the same. No mission to Afghanistan will EVER succeed in reforming the country, and as soon as troops leave the country will descend into even worse chaos.