I love America!

[kimmy]

Some Americans might be a little puzzled or amused at how intensely many Canadians are following the election. It is true that it's partly a matter of self-interest, but it goes beyond that. We're immersed in American media as if it were our own, so that plays a role too.

For me, and for a lot of Canadians, there's a direct connection. My best friend is an American; she's asleep on my couch right now. I have many American "online friends" that I correspond with regularly. I used to do technical support for Microsoft at a call-center in Edmonton; I spent all day on the phone talking to Americans. Most were pleasant even when they were cranky that their computers weren't working. When my dad's family arrived in the new world, they settled in Minnesota, and I probably still have distant relatives there.

Some Canadians bristle when they hear Americans describe the United States as "the greatest country on earth". But they have as strong a claim to that title as anybody, and stronger than most. Americans have been among the leading contributors to every field of human achievement in the past couple of centuries. American ideas about freedom and justice have been a model that much of the world looks up to. American innovation and generosity have improved the quality of life for people around the globe.

I think that many Canadians think of America as a close family member, an older sibling that we look up to. And I think that the interest many Canadians have in this election is more than "armchair quarterbacking", it's genuine passion borne of the concern that comes from the feeling of family we have for America.

-k

[August1991]

Some Americans might be a little puzzled or amused at how intensely many Canadians are following the election.

I doubt that. Americans tend to think that they are the centre of the world.

For me, and for a lot of Canadians, there's a direct connection. My best friend is an American; she's asleep on my couch right now. I have many American "online friends" that I correspond with regularly.

I have never had such a personal connection with Americans. Then again, maybe I'm wrong: An aunt married a man from Long Island.

I used to do technical support for Microsoft at a call-center in Edmonton; I spent all day on the phone talking to Americans. Most were pleasant even when they were cranky that their computers weren't working.

I have driven to Plattsburgh and Niagara Falls, does that count?

Some Canadians bristle when they hear Americans describe the United States as "the greatest country on earth".

Here, I must agree. And I'll enter into my own opinion about America, and Canada.

To understand Quebecers, English Canadians have only to think of Americans.

------

I travelled to Europe and Asia several times before going to Florida. I still have never been to California. For myself, I never feared Americans. Indeed, I arrived at my current understanding of Americans late in life.

Americans? I admire their independence.

[Michael Hardner]

America is so much like Canada - most Canadians fail to grasp this. It's hard to find countries that are so similar. If you find them, you're talking about comparisons like France and Monaco.

I love the US too - I have visited over 40 US states and territories. I know a handful of cities like the back of my hand, and I visit the BurningMan festival almost every year.

I want the best for them, which is why I would like them to address the social inequality that contributes to crime and misery there, and everywhere. I would like for them to make a better life for working people, and to stop treating the wealthy as some kind of aristocracy that they lost in the 18th century and get Americans to work together to solve their problems.

Best of luck to America in making its choice today.

[Shakeyhands]

and I visit the BurningMan festival almost every year.

Really???? V. cool.

[guyser]

Well said Kimmy.

[The_Squid]

My best friend is an American; she's asleep on my couch right now.

Did she already vote? Is she escaping from a possible Romney coup? Did you know she was there? There's a spray you can get for uninvited American's....

p.s. well said.

Edited November 6, 2012 by The_Squid

[Guest]

Good post. I love America too.

[bush_cheney2004]

Some Americans might be a little puzzled or amused at how intensely many Canadians are following the election. It is true that it's partly a matter of self-interest, but it goes beyond that. We're immersed in American media as if it were our own, so that plays a role too...

You certainly won't get any argument from me. The scope and depth of American influence on all things "Canadian" never ceases to amaze this American. And of course, I Love America...too.

[DogOnPorch]

Go USA! But watch those Terribly Swift Swords! Edited November 6, 2012 by DogOnPorch

[bush_cheney2004]

...I want the best for them, which is why I would like them to address the social inequality that contributes to crime and misery there, and everywhere. I would like for them to make a better life for working people, and to stop treating the wealthy as some kind of aristocracy that they lost in the 18th century and get Americans to work together to solve their problems.

Careful there...you posted that you loved the U.S., so don't be too quick to change it into something that it is not. Then it wouldn't be America anymore....it would just be a bigger homogenized, collectivist version of Canada.

[Black Dog]

Careful there...you posted that you loved the U.S., so don't be too quick to change it into something that it is not. Then it wouldn't be America anymore....it would just be a bigger homogenized, collectivist version of Canada.

So America is basically a bigger, richer but crappier Canada?

[bush_cheney2004]

Yes, whatever it takes to win member kimmy's continuing love.

[Michael Hardner]

Careful there...you posted that you loved the U.S., so don't be too quick to change it into something that it is not.

Do you love America ? Do you want it to change ? If so, then you want it to change into something that it is not. If not, then you will be voting, or have voted, for Obama.

Then it wouldn't be America anymore....it would just be a bigger homogenized, collectivist version of Canada.

And what a beautiful Americanada it would be... oops... maybe I have tipped my card on what I really want -> a confederated US/Canada nation with a generous social welfare system, socialized medicine and open borders.

Afraid yet ?

[sharkman]

"So America is basically a bigger, richer but crappier Canada?"

Well it's bigger, richer and freer. Some do consider that to be crappy, but I'll never be in that camp.

Edited November 6, 2012 by sharkman

[Michael Hardner]

maybe I have tipped my card on what I really want -> a confederated US/Canada nation with a generous social welfare system

Sardonic humour alert, by the way.

[bush_cheney2004]

Do you love America ? Do you want it to change ? If so, then you want it to change into something that it is not. If not, then you will be voting, or have voted, for Obama.

I voted for...America. The actual candidates marked on my ballot are secondary.

And what a beautiful Americanada it would be... oops... maybe I have tipped my card on what I really want -> a confederated US/Canada nation with a generous social welfare system, socialized medicine and open borders.

Afraid yet ?

No, as these things are not going to happen. Remember, America is a service not available in Canada.

[Michael Hardner]

No, as these things are not going to happen. Remember, America is a service not available in Canada.

I remember when I was a kid my dad telling me America will never have a black president.

The moral here ? Never is a long time away, but "ever" comes up pretty quickly.

[WWWTT]

As far as I am concerned this is a dangerous thread.

To some, to love America is anti-Canadian!

And even worse,to want Canada and the US to join,is to destroy Canada!

In fact,at one time in Canadian history,this US love could have bein interpreted as treason!

WWWTT

[bush_cheney2004]

I remember when I was a kid my dad telling me America will never have a black president.

President Obama is not a "black president"....he is far more than that, transcending such old notions. Maybe your Dad was mistaken?

[bush_cheney2004]

As far as I am concerned this is a dangerous thread.

To some, to love America is anti-Canadian!

True, but let's not ruin the vibe that member kimmy has intended. Today is Love America Day.

[DogOnPorch]

True, but let's not ruin the vibe that member kimmy has intended. Today is Love America Day.

Mr Xenophon there forgets that some poor Canadians are married...no doubt unfortunately...to Americans. I wonder what his solution for that bit of treason is?

[DogOnPorch]

.

Edited November 6, 2012 by DogOnPorch

[Michael Hardner]

Maybe your Dad was mistaken?

Evidently - as we have a black president by any measure of the word 'black'. So, socialized medicine - when do you think it will arrive in the US ? Ten thousand years in the future ? Sooner ?

[WWWTT]

Mr Xenophon there forgets that some poor Canadians are married...no doubt unfortunately...to Americans. I wonder what his solution for that bit of treason is?

I have no problem distinguishing between the US (country) and a US citizen (person).

Keep in mind the title of the thread is "I love America",not "I love Americans"

WWWTT

[Guest]

I love America and Americans. Well, those I've met. Salt of the Earth.

Edited November 6, 2012 by bcsapper