bush_cheney2004 Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Perhaps so, but that was in response to your comment that Canada has only 8% of the population of North America, which implies marginal influence. So why're you so interested in Canada, then? I'm just curious. Because Canada will not be ignored (in my best Glenn Close "Fatal Attraction" voice). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouverite Posted March 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Because Canada will not be ignored (in my best Glenn Close "Fatal Attraction" voice). What do you mean? That its opinion would matter to the US, given its small but still significant clout, or that it is trying to get the attention of American lawmakers? Or both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 (edited) What do you mean? That its opinion would matter to the US, given its small but still significant clout, or that it is trying to get the attention of American lawmakers? Or both? What do you think "having a place at the table" means? Holding on to status as a so called "middle power" requires getting such attention. In that respect, the Invasion of Iraq was a setback, wherein Canada's proposed compromise was largely ignored, and absence from the coalition considered to be largely irrelevant and impractical given obligations in Afghanistan. Any frustrations with Washington or America's attention span for matters important to Canada need to be considered in the context of many other international relationships, for America and other nations. It is hard to reconcile "closest ally" with "multilateralism". Edited March 28, 2009 by bush_cheney2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tango Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 (edited) What do you think "having a place at the table" means? Holding on to status as a so called "middle power" requires getting such attention. In that respect, the Invasion of Iraq was a setback, wherein Canada's proposed compromise was largely ignored, and absence from the coalition considered to be largely irrelevant and impractical given obligations in Afghanistan.Any frustrations with Washington or America's attention span for matters important to Canada need to be considered in the context of many other international relationships, for America and other nations. It is hard to reconcile "closest ally" with "multilateralism". Well, at least you got it right that time. Canadians might say we are the US's "closest" ally, but we wouldn't say "most important" as you claimed above. Also, we would not refer to ourselves as "America's" ally. We are part of America, numbnuts! You are not 'America'. You are the US of A. Get it? Got it? Good! So get over the 'we are America' crap, eh? You ain't! -edit (ain't all of it, that is.) Edited March 28, 2009 by tango Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Well, at least you got it right that time. Canadians might say we are the US's "closest" ally, but we wouldn't say "most important" as you claimed above. They say a lot of things.....just so we'll notice. Also, we would not refer to ourselves as "America's" ally.We are part of America, numbnuts! You are not 'America'. You are the US of A. Get it? Got it? Good! I'm quite sure you wouldn't know either way. So get over the 'we are America' crap, eh?You ain't! Suck on this: God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tango Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 (edited) They say a lot of things.....just so we'll notice.I'm quite sure you wouldn't know either way. Suck on this: God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home. Go for it! Drive 'er like ya stol'er, man! I don't mean from Canada. We stol'er too. Edited March 28, 2009 by tango Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouverite Posted March 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 The point remains, however, that the two countries are getting closer. Take the issue of the enhanced drivers' licences (EDL's). Several provinces are following the American standard in issuing EDL's because that's needed for easier access to the US - IOW, that American standard is now the Canadian one. OTOH, the governor of California recently praised British Columbia for its innovative private-public partnerships (PPP), so the largest American state will be following a much smaller Canadian province in this respect. And, of course, many Democrats would love to have Canadian-style health care. So the two countries will be getting closer and closer - and many Canadian pundits, according to the Economist, want a customs union between the two countries, cutting out Mexico. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 The point remains, however, that the two countries are getting closer. Take the issue of the enhanced drivers' licences (EDL's). Several provinces are following the American standard in issuing EDL's because that's needed for easier access to the US - IOW, that American standard is now the Canadian one. I think you are being rather selective....Canadian adoption of American and other international standards is not a new development and is driven by several practical factors (e.g. SCC adoption of ANSI standards). Several key social "standards" have not developed in like ways, notably same gender marriage, right-to-carry (guns), hate speech, etc. OTOH, the governor of California recently praised British Columbia for its innovative private-public partnerships (PPP), so the largest American state will be following a much smaller Canadian province in this respect. And, of course, many Democrats would love to have Canadian-style health care. This is not news at all, as the Americans already had a much larger single payer government health care program before the CHA.....it was called "Medicare", with roots going back to Harry Truman in 1945. So the two countries will be getting closer and closer - and many Canadian pundits, according to the Economist, want a customs union between the two countries, cutting out Mexico. On some things yes...others no. The ebb and flow will continue as always with the political and economic tide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouverite Posted March 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 OK, we're not as powerful as you are. So why're you in this forum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 OK, we're not as powerful as you are. So why're you in this forum? What does "power" have to do with it? Does this mean Canada will also merge with China? ...I've already explained why I am a member of this forum, starting with disabusing some of any silly notions about what America was or will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouverite Posted March 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 I say we'll merge because the historical trends are there - our trade is increasingly complex, people are moving in both directions, and, with our similar culture and language, we'll eventually become one nation in fact, if not in law. The former ambassador to Canada and former Massachusetts Governor has said that. Why do you care about disabusing our notions? If that's the only reason, you're wasting your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 (edited) I say we'll merge because the historical trends are there - our trade is increasingly complex, people are moving in both directions, and, with our similar culture and language, we'll eventually become one nation in fact, if not in law. The former ambassador to Canada and former Massachusetts Governor has said that. Historical trends compared to the War of 1812? OK....things are much better these days, but I think you are engaged in a bit of fantasy and wishful thinking. The US is changing with far more relevant influences than Canada, which still struggles with just "merging" Quebec. Talk of "excluding" Mexico/Mexicans demonstrates a disconnect from geographical and cultural reality. Why do you care about disabusing our notions? If that's the only reason, you're wasting your time. I have plenty of time to waste......starting with America wannabes. Edited March 29, 2009 by bush_cheney2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouverite Posted March 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 Ah, so you're someone with nothing better to do. I won't waste my time with you, then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 Ah, so you're someone with nothing better to do. I won't waste my time with you, then. I've got plenty to do....you are just one concurrent Windows process...no big deal. Besides, I already live in the US....and don't worry about becoming "Canadianized". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tango Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 Historical trends compared to the War of 1812? OK....things are much better these days, but I think you are engaged in a bit of fantasy and wishful thinking. The US is changing with far more relevant influences than Canada, which still struggles with just "merging" Quebec. Talk of "excluding" Mexico/Mexicans demonstrates a disconnect from geographical and cultural reality.I have plenty of time to waste......starting with America wannabes. And that is your biggest misconception. but hey ... fill yer boots! just don't start living in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 And that is your biggest misconception. Hmmm...I don't start threads titled: 1) "Will the USA Merge With Canada?" 2) "Separatists For Joining Canada" 3) "What Does It Mean To Be American?" 4) "What Is English America?" 5) "Protecting US Culture From Canada" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeferMadness Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 What does "power" have to do with it? Does this mean Canada will also merge with China? We have to choose between the US and China? Better let us get back to you on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 We have to choose between the US and China? Apparently so, because choosing Canada isn't an option for some of these wannabes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oleg Bach Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Apparently so, because choosing Canada isn't an option for some of these wannabes. America and Canada are like an older couple shacked up in a common law relationship..America is the woman and Canada the man - the woman wants her spouse to make her respectable..she wants real marital status..she desperately wants to be formally married..but Canada the male may hint and promise to marry - but he WON'T ...BECAUSE - America can not be trusted completely and has a history of cheating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 America and Canada are like an older couple shacked up in a common law relationship..America is the woman and Canada the man - the woman wants her spouse to make her respectable..she wants real marital status..she desperately wants to be formally married..but Canada the male may hint and promise to marry - but he WON'T ...BECAUSE - America can not be trusted completely and has a history of cheating. No...it's not that complicated. Canada is afraid of being alone and on its own....and frankly my dear, America doesn't really give a damn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouverite Posted March 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 No...it's not that complicated. Canada is afraid of being alone and on its own....and frankly my dear, America doesn't really give a damn. But you do, obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bush_cheney2004 Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 But you do, obviously. Go rent the movie and you will understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tango Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 What does "power" have to do with it? Does this mean Canada will also merge with China?...I've already explained why I am a member of this forum, starting with disabusing some of any silly notions about what America was or will be. That's very funny, considering that you reinforce all 'misperceptions' about the US! AMERICA, however, is a different issue entirely, and you are not a spokesperson for all of "America". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeferMadness Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 No...it's not that complicated. Canada is afraid of being alone and on its own....and frankly my dear, America doesn't really give a damn. Hmmm..... would you mind moving out? We'd be a lot safer without you next door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tango Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Hmmm..... would you mind moving out? We'd be a lot safer without you next door. b_c2004 ... you can leave your democrats behind, K? and take some of our tories with you ... and wander the earth for centuries looking for a home ... only to return home finally recognizing that living in a place where people care for each other is really as good as it gets: a dash of socialism never hurt anybody! But make sure you take Fox news with you, eh? And don't bring them back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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