The Mexican Summit

[Nocrap]

I have been following the Mexican summit with interest, since I felt that the issues arising from the Fox/Bush/Harper meeting would be of vital interest to Canadians. However, I was disappointed with the outcome, since it appears that we merely caved and Harper did not 'Stand up for Canada' at a time when we really needed him to.

I was pleased that an effort was made, no matter how small, to improve our relations with the US, though it would appear that we put more importance on this than our American counterparts. When I read accounts from US papers, the summit to them was about dealing with the migrant worker problem, and Harper was barely given honourable mention.

There is an article in the Toronto Star this morning that sums it up well. I tried to provide a link but it didn't work.

Perhaps the most important outcome from our perspective, is that Canadians and Americans will require passports when they cross either border.

Toronto Star "The problem is only one in five Americans and fewer than 40 per cent of Canadians have a passport and most others wouldn't bother to get a pass that has no other purpose. Correctly, Harper is worried about the economic impact but unwisely seems willing to fold rather than continue campaigning to convince Washington to accept driver's licences made secure with biometrics. '

and:

"Despite a joint decision to make the issue a priority, Bush isn't showing the same creative flexibility he's applying to the migrant problem. He's pushing for a solution that's not in Canada's interest and Harper is all but conceding the pass system is now inescapable even though the business communities on both sides of the border are just beginning to mobilize."

In his press conference shown last night on CBC, he merely suggested that the US Congress had already decided that passports were necessary and there was nothing that he could do. As to the Ianiero murder, another topic of interest to us, he merely said that no extradition orders were in the works, and I believe that was addressed sometime ago. Finally on softwood lumber, nothing beyond the Liberal deal already on the table.

More from Toronto Star Article - "Harper's challenge is not to become Bush's new best friend. Instead, he needs to show that a stable, adult relationship produces demonstrable benefits.That didn't happen here,

despite Harper's competent international start. The U.S. is about to win its long-standing argument that Canada should abandon endless — if successful — litigation and negotiate a softwood deal. Equally troubling, a tighter border built on the illusion of security is now almost a certainty."

And, I'm sorry, but I can't help myself here...what was up with the hunting vest? Who wears a hunting vest to Mexico?

[margrace]

Well it was pretty obvious that Harper wishes to be another one of Bush's little lap dogs. Most Americans won't bother to get a passport to come to Canada and idiot Canadians who like our social programes in Canada but like to spend their taxable money in the US will.

[Nocrap]

Well it was pretty obvious that Harper wishes to be another one of Bush's little lap dogs. Most Americans won't bother to get a passport to come to Canada and idiot Canadians who like our social programes in Canada but like to spend their taxable money in the US will.

The passport issue will not really affect me because I rarely go to the states, but it could be a devastating blow to companies and individuals conducting business, on both sides of the border. It certainly warranted discussion and Harper throwing up his hands in defeat, did not represent our interests.

I know he's trying to mend fences, but ceding power to Mr. Bush is not the way to do that. We come off as pawns.

[August1991]

Perhaps the most important outcome from our perspective, is that Canadians and Americans will require passports when they cross either border.

It is rather rich for the anti-American Toronto Star to now complain about this border restriction. We may have had a chance a year or so ago to influence this law (and created a northern North America perimeter) but that chance is gone now:

Mr. Bush was clear that there's no going back on the plan.

"Congress passed the law, and I intend to enforce the law," he said. The card could potentially make travel between the two countries easier if it speeds up border crossings, he added.

G & M

Harper is being wisely pragmatic. It's a done deal.

And, I'm sorry, but I can't help myself here...what was up with the hunting vest? Who wears a hunting vest to Mexico?

If you go into any suburban or rural Tim Hortons you will find ordinary Canadians, speaking either official language, and dressed more or less like Harper. Canada's metrosexual media made fun of Harper's dress, not realizing that they were insulting ordinary Canadians in the process. Harper once again goes over the media's head and speaks to ordinary Canadians.

BTW, I suspect Harper wore it in a misguided attempt to hide his paunch. He really must refuse the donuts.

Finally, I like this Harper quote at the end of the G & M report:

At one point yesterday, Mr. Bush complimented Mr. Harper on his directness, a characterization with which the Canadian Prime Minister didn't disagree.

"I don't discuss private conversations, but some of you may know that sometimes I express myself, believe it or not, not only directly but colourfully and not suited for public television."

[mcqueen625]

I have been following the Mexican summit with interest, since I felt that the issues arising from the Fox/Bush/Harper meeting would be of vital interest to Canadians. However, I was disappointed with the outcome, since it appears that we merely caved and Harper did not 'Stand up for Canada' at a time when we really needed him to.

I was pleased that an effort was made, no matter how small, to improve our relations with the US, though it would appear that we put more importance on this than our American counterparts. When I read accounts from US papers, the summit to them was about dealing with the migrant worker problem, and Harper was barely given honourable mention.

There is an article in the Toronto Star this morning that sums it up well. I tried to provide a link but it didn't work.

Perhaps the most important outcome from our perspective, is that Canadians and Americans will require passports when they cross either border.

Toronto Star "The problem is only one in five Americans and fewer than 40 per cent of Canadians have a passport and most others wouldn't bother to get a pass that has no other purpose. Correctly, Harper is worried about the economic impact but unwisely seems willing to fold rather than continue campaigning to convince Washington to accept driver's licences made secure with biometrics. '

and:

"Despite a joint decision to make the issue a priority, Bush isn't showing the same creative flexibility he's applying to the migrant problem. He's pushing for a solution that's not in Canada's interest and Harper is all but conceding the pass system is now inescapable even though the business communities on both sides of the border are just beginning to mobilize."

In his press conference shown last night on CBC, he merely suggested that the US Congress had already decided that passports were necessary and there was nothing that he could do. As to the Ianiero murder, another topic of interest to us, he merely said that no extradition orders were in the works, and I believe that was addressed sometime ago. Finally on softwood lumber, nothing beyond the Liberal deal already on the table.

More from Toronto Star Article - "Harper's challenge is not to become Bush's new best friend. Instead, he needs to show that a stable, adult relationship produces demonstrable benefits.That didn't happen here,

despite Harper's competent international start. The U.S. is about to win its long-standing argument that Canada should abandon endless — if successful — litigation and negotiate a softwood deal. Equally troubling, a tighter border built on the illusion of security is now almost a certainty."

And, I'm sorry, but I can't help myself here...what was up with the hunting vest? Who wears a hunting vest to Mexico?

I don't know about you but I live within a 2 hour drive of the Canada/US border and periodically take a drive to buy some reasonably priced gas, milk or poultry, as well as other grocery items not either available in Canada or at a prohibitive price. I have absolutely no problem with applying for an approved identy card with bio-markers to prove identity. In fact I would prefer that to the cumbersome and expensive procedure to obtain a passport. I wouldn't even have a problem if they wanted to use the driver's license for such a purpose or implanted chips. Those that do have a problem must be either extremely parinoid or they have something to hide.

[Drea]

I don't know about you but I live within a 2 hour drive of the Canada/US border and periodically take a drive to buy some reasonably priced gas, milk or poultry, as well as other grocery items not either available in Canada or at a prohibitive price. I have absolutely no problem with applying for an approved identy card with bio-markers to prove identity. In fact I would prefer that to the cumbersome and expensive procedure to obtain a passport. I wouldn't even have a problem if they wanted to use the driver's license for such a purpose or implanted chips.

Those that do have a problem must be either extremely parinoid or they have something to hide.

You've got to be kidding?!

You would agree to have a chip implanted in you? Isn't that a rather high price to pay to get cheap cheese!

I have nothing to hide, but there is no way anyone is ever going to put a chip in me!

I have a question... If an American citizen requires a passport (or funky id card, or chip) to come back from Canada, does the same apply if he goes to Mexico? Or will the Mexican border (both ways) be open as usual to Americans?

[geoffrey]

No the Mexican border will have the same restrictions.

Something to consider, and its really only my opinion so take it as you will. Your passport is the only document that gaurntees you re-entry to Canada at any time. In the kind of world we live in, with terrorism fears and the Patriot Act and all that stuff (whether you agree or not with the laws is irrelevant), I don't know if I'd be willing to trust the government in allowing me back into Canada if some major crisis emerged while I was abroad.

I have the benefit of being a majority white male, but even still, with the secret deportations and lock ups for a few days and what not, I have little trust in anyone but myself once I leave Canada. No one has an obligation to help you out.

Hence why, no matter where I go outside of Canada, even if its a short trip south to Coutts, I always bring my passport. I know if I can make it to a Canadian or British consulate or embassy, I will come home.

[gerryhatrick]

The Mexican Summit, What Did Canada Get Our of it?

Fashion tips.

[sharkman]

The Mexican Summit, What Did Canada Get Our of it?

Fashion tips.

Yes, I saw the press comments on Harper having a similar type jacket that Martin did while visiting with the same fellas. We sure have a hard hitting media here in Canada.

[GostHacked]

The vest seemed like a 'support the troops' in a not so in your face way.

Why Cancun?? Everyone needed a vacation? I would love to see more summits like this in Canada. Tell Fox and Bush to dress warm I guess that is why no one likes comming here, too cold.

Well I hope something good came out of that summit. Got anything more interesting for me to check out?

[geoffrey]

The vest seemed like a 'support the troops' in a not so in your face way.

Why Cancun?? Everyone needed a vacation? I would love to see more summits like this in Canada. Tell Fox and Bush to dress warm I guess that is why no one likes comming here, too cold.

Well I hope something good came out of that summit. Got anything more interesting for me to check out?

They are coming here next year.

[Nocrap]

The vest seemed like a 'support the troops' in a not so in your face way.

Why Cancun?? Everyone needed a vacation? I would love to see more summits like this in Canada. Tell Fox and Bush to dress warm I guess that is why no one likes comming here, too cold.

Well I hope something good came out of that summit. Got anything more interesting for me to check out?

They are coming here next year.

It wasn't a 'support the troops' vest, but a hunting vest, and certainly not something you wear to Mexico! He is representing Canada, and made us look like hicks. A simple white shirt and khakis would be dressed down enough. I go to Tim Hortons all the time, and rarely see anyone in a hunting vest, except maybe during hunting season. If he plans a summit with Cheney, the vest will be fine. Just make sure it's bullet-proof.

Since Mr. Harper has denied access to the media, I'm sure they will not be kind to him in the coming months. If he won't keep them informed, or allow them to speak with his MP's, they will have to build on the small snippets of information, and most will probably spin it in a poor light. I know that's another thread, but I think he is going to really regret his closed door policy.

As far the press conference at the end of the summit, I still feel that he caved; leaving nothing open for discussion on a topic of vital interest to Canadians. I'm not just talking about those who like to cross-border shop, but the impact that this will have on trade and the movement of goods. He simply appeared like a third wheel in a summit that emphasized and reinforced relations between Mexico and the US. They won; we lost.

On a different note, could somebody tell me what 'trolling' is? I'm not computer savvy and have no idea what the term means.

[Montgomery Burns]

Margrace:

Most Americans won't bother to get a passport to come to Canada and idiot Canadians who like our social programes in Canada but like to spend their taxable money in the US will.

It's those social programs that makes everything so expensive here. Many people say they holiday in the US because it is cheaper. Take fuel; it costs much less to drive in the US.

[Montgomery Burns]

The Mexican Summit, What Did Canada Get Our of it?

Fashion tips.

and this picture--sure to be used as a dartboard by progressive liberals.

[scribblet]

It is obvious, unless Harper takes a liberal anti U.S. stance he'll be accused of 'caving' etc. Nothing he does or tries to do with the U.S. will appease that crowd, unless he resorts to Bush bashing etc. its a non starter.

Our relationship with the U.S. can only go up after the disastrous era of Chretien and Martin and - the press liked the similar jacket Martin wore one time.

Scotty Greenwood of the Canadian-American Business Council noted it is politically difficult for the U.S. to single out only the southern border, since "if you are securing the homeland, you are for securing the homeland." Ms. Greenwood suggested it is the responsibility of everyone involved, including the PM, the Canadian embassy, and advocacy groups to deliver the message that the Mexican border is one of challenges and the northern border is one of opportunities (T. Harper: TStar A1 ).