Maple Leaf Patches/Pins

[Ricki Bobbi]

Oh, I thought this thread was about Americans who use the Maple Leaf when travelling. Doesn't happen you say.

Ok.

Just to clarify -- I didn't mean actually hiding behind a huge maple leaf...

That's a very clever pun.

From the op.

I'd like to get the opinions of Canadians about this. Do you wear a Canadian flag pin when traveling? If so, why?

Sorry you read it as a segueway to another one of your anti-American bashes, but take the time to read the OPs.

I have also never run into an American travelling with the Canadian flag. That would truly be pathetic, but I think it is urban myth.

[Guest American Woman]

WWII ended over 60 years ago. Does the Maple Leaf still open doors?

Take a trip to Holland and find out for yourself.

You'll be very happy you wore the Maple Leaf.

I've been to Holland a couple of times ... the first time was shortly after 9-11 and the second was after the Iraq war started. The first time I was with a group of Americans, and one of the guides at a tour we went on said "I can see I have a bunch of Americans here. How do I know? Because you don't all have a big Maple leaf all over your clothes and backpacks." The second time I was travelling with a Canadian. Hate to break it to you, but he wasn't any better liked than I was. He took as much grief for being Canadian as I did for being American.

I've travelled a lot, and I've never had anything that would identify me as an American, so I've been mistaken for a Canadian and British, and I've never been insulted, nor felt the need to deny who I am. Fact is, depending on the country, once it's been made known that I'm an American, people come up to me more; they talk to me more. So not everyone thinks Americans suck. I've had people tell me that Americans are their favorite people. So it's all relative. Some like Canadians more, some like Americans more, some (maybe ) like the British more. heh heh

Fact is, we're all much more alike than we are different.

[Drea]

Are we?

We may look and sound alike but our attitudes are poles apart.

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

[Ricki Bobbi]

I've been to Holland a couple of times ... the first time was shortly after 9-11 and the second was after the Iraq war started. The first time I was with a group of Americans, and one of the guides at a tour we went on said "I can see I have a bunch of Americans here. How do I know? Because you don't all have a big Maple leaf all over your clothes and backpacks." The second time I was travelling with a Canadian. Hate to break it to you, but he wasn't any better liked than I was. He took as much grief for being Canadian as I did for being American.

The tour guide would have made me cry at how Canadian's *pride* while travelling has made us the butt of jokes.

I've travelled a lot, and I've never had anything that would identify me as an American, so I've been mistaken for a Canadian and British, and I've never been insulted, nor felt the need to deny who I am. Fact is, depending on the country, once it's been made known that I'm an American, people come up to me more; they talk to me more. So not everyone thinks Americans suck. I've had people tell me that Americans are their favorite people. So it's all relative. Some like Canadians more, some like Americans more, some (maybe ) like the British more. heh heh

Fact is, we're all much more alike than we are different.

I've also travelled a lot, and with the exception of my trip to the Winter Olympics, I've never had anything that would identify as a Canadian. Olympics are different, you gotta show national pride there. What's the purpose of going otherwise.

Great point at the end.

[Guest American Woman]

Are we?

We may look and sound alike but our attitudes are poles apart.

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

No, I'm not afraid to travel to Canada. But then, I'm not afraid to travel to Muslim countries either. So much for my fear of Arabs, eh? (BTW, do you live in an igloo? )

In case you're unaware of it, as an American, I have no rights on Canada's soil. That's the way this world works. It doesn't make me scared to travel, though. But enjoy your trip to Mexico. I'm sure you'll be much safer there than on a layover in the United States, because nothing bad ever happens to foreigners in Mexico.

[Ricki Bobbi]

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

The only reason to be afraid to travel to Canada would be running into pretentious silver-spoon socialists filled with hatred for the US because they *have to* hate somebody and they are masking their inferiority complex with a veneer of principled opposition.

You will never ever set foot in America again? You went in the 90s when the dollar was at 60 cents but you won't go back now while it is approaching 90 cents? Never took economics I take it.

Why would they detain me the next time I go to the US? I don't break their laws while I am there. I don't promote the violent destruction of the US or associate with people who do so. What rights do foreigners have in any country other than their own?

Fear is only as real as you make it. Break your addiction to MaryJane and free your mind...

In case you're unawer of it, as an American, I have no rights on Canada's soil. That's the way this world works. It doesn't make me scared to travel, though. But enjoy your trip to Mexico. I'm sure you'll be much safer there than on a layover in the United States, because nothing bad ever happens to foreigners in Mexico.

Brilliant!

But I thought Tijuana was the Happiest Place on Earth! That's what Krusty said...

[Drea]

Are we?

We may look and sound alike but our attitudes are poles apart.

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

No, I'm not afraid to travel to Canada. But then, I'm not afraid to travel to Muslim countries either. So much for my fear of Arabs, eh? (BTW, do you live in an igloo? )

In case you're unawer of it, as an American, I have no rights on Canada's soil. That's the way this world works. It doesn't make me scared to travel, though. But enjoy your trip to Mexico. I'm sure you'll be much safer there than on a layover in the United States, because nothing bad ever happens to foreigners in Mexico.

That Canadian couple that was killed had mafia type connections. I don't. I'm just a regular gal.

Actually you do have rights while in Canada. Just like any Canadian citizen you have the right to a phone call and a lawyer if you are accused of a crime.

Like I said, I used to to twice a month and I always enjoyed our weekends in Seattle. America HAS changed. Face it don't deny it. America is no longer the safest, bestest country. Its Russia revisited.

I don't live in an igloo but I did help build one back in the day. And snowforts -- how fun!

People across the world are afraid of America, afraid of its roughshod foreign policy, afraid to travel there. It's the new reality. Get used to it.

[Drea]

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

The only reason to be afraid to travel to Canada would be running into pretentious silver-spoon socialists filled with hatred for the US because they *have to* hate somebody and they are masking their inferiority complex with a veneer of principled opposition.

You will never ever set foot in America again? You went in the 90s when the dollar was at 60 cents but you won't go back now while it is approaching 90 cents? Never took economics I take it.

Why would they detain me the next time I go to the US? I don't break their laws while I am there. I don't promote the violent destruction of the US or associate with people who do so. What rights do foreigners have in any country other than their own?

Fear is only as real as you make it. Break your addiction to MaryJane and free your mind...

In case you're unawer of it, as an American, I have no rights on Canada's soil. That's the way this world works. It doesn't make me scared to travel, though. But enjoy your trip to Mexico. I'm sure you'll be much safer there than on a layover in the United States, because nothing bad ever happens to foreigners in Mexico.

Brilliant!

But I thought Tijuana was the Happiest Place on Earth! That's what Krusty said...

Aw sweety, Mexico is more than just Tijuana! You poor thing, never looked at a map....

Yes, fear is only as real as we make it. And rightly or not, I am personally afraid to go to the states. This is my tough luck as I won't get to spend my hard earned dollars there. What a pity (NOT!)

Get over the "Canada has an inferiority complex". Maybe a generation ago when the US was a great country. But today, nope, doesn't wash. Sorry.

You still stuck on that pot thang? Redneck just can't get past it....

[Ricki Bobbi]

That Canadian couple that was killed had mafia type connections. I don't. I'm just a regular gal.

Actually you do have rights while in Canada. Just like any Canadian citizen you have the right to a phone call and a lawyer if you are accused of a crime.

Like I said, I used to to twice a month and I always enjoyed our weekends in Seattle. America HAS changed. Face it don't deny it. America is no longer the safest, bestest country. Its Russia revisited.

People across the world are afraid of America, afraid of its roughshod foreign policy, afraid to travel there. It's the new reality. Get used to it.

Actually you have the right to contact your consulate. Pesky things those facts...

Is bestest really a word?

Puff, puff...

[Drea]

That Canadian couple that was killed had mafia type connections. I don't. I'm just a regular gal.

Actually you do have rights while in Canada. Just like any Canadian citizen you have the right to a phone call and a lawyer if you are accused of a crime.

Like I said, I used to to twice a month and I always enjoyed our weekends in Seattle. America HAS changed. Face it don't deny it. America is no longer the safest, bestest country. Its Russia revisited.

People across the world are afraid of America, afraid of its roughshod foreign policy, afraid to travel there. It's the new reality. Get used to it.

Actually you have the right to contact your consulate. Pesky things those facts...

Is bestest really a word?

Puff, puff...

Ricki Bobbi (split personality disorder?)

I have a fear of going to the states. Whether founded or unfounded does not matter. I refuse to go there. This is my personal choice.

"Bestest" is used by redneck chillun (and adults) -- "My cuntry is the bestest, the freeest in the hole werld - we r a forse 4 good".

[Ricki Bobbi]

Ricki Bobbi (split personality disorder?)

I have a fear of going to the states. Whether founded or unfounded does not matter. I refuse to go there. This is my personal choice.

"Bestest" is used by redneck chillun (and adults) -- "My cuntry is the bestest, the freeest in the hole werld - we r a forse 4 good".

Paranoia is a symptom of chronic marijuana use.

I bring up your chronic behaviour because your posts don't make any sense.

What the hell are you trying to say at the end there.

[Drea]

I can travel anywhere in Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, Europe -- fearlessly.

I said my fear was MY fear -- whether unfounded or not, I still own it. I did not say everyone should fear for their lives, I was stating how going to the states makes me feel NOW. I used to go there all the time. Now, after 911 I will not go. I have not changed, America changed. Sad.

And it has nothing to do with pot (we generally leave it at home when we travel). Has everything to do with wanting to come home from a holiday, not be detained by some redneck a-hole at the border who thinks he's god.

... you asked about the word "bestest" -- and I told you the context. What?

[Liam]

I don't recall seeing anyone on this board saying that this type of behaviour is acceptable or excusable.

It is simply there.

But if you want the reverse side of the same coin, look at all the France-bashing that went on in the USA when France refused to join in the Iraqi affair.

Was that "acceptable" or "excusable"???

I don't believe it was, but it happened.

I don't think individuals, or indeed nations, should be made into scapegoats because of the actions of their goverments.

But it happens.

It's part of the human condition, unfortunately, and just as prevalent within the USA as it is elsewhere.

True -- you did not say that and my response was a reaction to what I misread. Sorry about that.

Regarding France-bashing, most of the Anglo world bashes France without provocation and Iraq gave late night comedians a lot of material. I didn't personally witness any France bashing around the time of the war. But if I did see someone being deliberately rude to a French visitor, I would think it was wrong and (based on the heat of the moment) would probably step in.

[Liam]

A couple of reasons why people wear the Canadian Flag abroad:

1. In Europe after the World Wars, Canadians were treated with special respect and kindness in part due to the sacrifices they made to keep the continent free. Wearing the flag or Maple Leaf, could open doors for you.

2. When going to poor countries like Mexico, it was recommended that you wear the Canadian flag so you would be less likely to get robbed. When there was a large difference in exchange rates, thieves didn't want to waste their time robbing Canadians when American currency was worth alot more. With a closer exchange rate I'm sure thieves aren't so picky.

1. Did Canadians do more than others? I thought most of the allies fought pretty equally to establish and secure a free, democratic Europe.

2. I don't buy this. People don't carry around their native currency when overseas. A Canadian tourist and an American tourist hitting the silver markets in Mexico are each going to carry what they need (a few thousand in Mexican pesos) and leave the rest of their valuables at their hotel.

[Wilber]

Are we?

We may look and sound alike but our attitudes are poles apart.

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

Like Russia used to be? Where are the millions disappearing into gulags on the Bearing Sea? Pure nonsense. I've lived in the US, own property there and cross the border several times a month. Pure paranoia on you and your friends part but if you don't want to go that's your decision and your loss.

Foreigners have far too many rights in Canada. They have the same rights as citizens and it is very difficult to get rid of them no matter how much they abuse our hospitality. Americans just kick you out if they don't like you. That's the way it should be.

[Ricki Bobbi]

I can travel anywhere in Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, Europe -- fearlessly.

I said my fear was MY fear -- whether unfounded or not, I still own it. I did not say everyone should fear for their lives, I was stating how going to the states makes me feel NOW.

Actually you specifically stated that this fear of yours was NOT specific to you.

People across the world are afraid of America, afraid of its roughshod foreign policy, afraid to travel there. It's the new reality. Get used to it.

Yet another contradiction.

Which one is it? Is it your fear or is it the fear of *People across the world*?

Can't really have it both ways.

[Who's Doing What?]

What?

WWII ended over 60 years ago. Does the Maple Leaf still open doors?

I said "after" meaning recently after. When the generation that had been liberated was alive, and the memory of the Nazi's was still fresh. I'm sorry, I forgot you have trouble connecting the dots. How is it you don't already know this, when you seem to know everything?

Are you really saying there were Mexican thieves who would turn up their nose at stealing from Canadians because the Canadian dollar was worth a lot less than the US dollar? Sounds like a very odd mindset indeed. Who was making this *recommendation*?

Yes. When the American dollar was worth almost 50% more than the Canadian dollar, it is not odd but smart business. Although, that could explain why you can't grasp it.

[Who's Doing What?]

A couple of reasons why people wear the Canadian Flag abroad:

1. In Europe after the World Wars, Canadians were treated with special respect and kindness in part due to the sacrifices they made to keep the continent free. Wearing the flag or Maple Leaf, could open doors for you.

2. When going to poor countries like Mexico, it was recommended that you wear the Canadian flag so you would be less likely to get robbed. When there was a large difference in exchange rates, thieves didn't want to waste their time robbing Canadians when American currency was worth alot more. With a closer exchange rate I'm sure thieves aren't so picky.

1. Did Canadians do more than others? I thought most of the allies fought pretty equally to establish and secure a free, democratic Europe.

2. I don't buy this. People don't carry around their native currency when overseas. A Canadian tourist and an American tourist hitting the silver markets in Mexico are each going to carry what they need (a few thousand in Mexican pesos) and leave the rest of their valuables at their hotel.

1. You are American so how would you know? The Americans didn't jopin until after Pearl Harbour. The Canadians fought right from the beginning. Go and read some Canadian war time history and you might begin to understand. The reputation the Canadians had in Europe was top notch bar none.

2. I didn't say overseas.

[Ricki Bobbi]

I said "after" meaning recently after. When the generation that had been liberated was alive, and the memory of the Nazi's was still fresh. I'm sorry, I forgot you have trouble connecting the dots. How is it you don't already know this, when you seem to know everything?

Ahhh, so a discussion of why Canadians where the flag and pins now lead to you proving the case by what worked 60 years ago.

Yes. When the American dollar was worth almost 50% more than the Canadian dollar, it is not odd but smart business. Although, that could explain why you can't grasp it.

I guess I was unaware how Mexican thieves are renowned for their business knowledge? At what exchange rate does the saavy Mexican thieve start stealing from Canadian tourists again?

What's with the personal insults?

[ft.niagara]

Are you really saying there were Mexican thieves who would turn up their nose at stealing from Canadians because the Canadian dollar was worth a lot less than the US dollar? Sounds like a very odd mindset indeed. Who was making this *recommendation*?

Yes. When the American dollar was worth almost 50% more than the Canadian dollar, it is not odd but smart business. Although, that could explain why you can't grasp it.

Isn't it appropriate that "Who's Doing What?" is making comment on the strategy of criminal activity in Mexico. After all, who better qualified to comment than Mr. "Who's Doing What?"?

[Who's Doing What?]

I said "after" meaning recently after. When the generation that had been liberated was alive, and the memory of the Nazi's was still fresh. I'm sorry, I forgot you have trouble connecting the dots. How is it you don't already know this, when you seem to know everything?

Ahhh, so a discussion of why Canadians where the flag and pins now lead to you proving the case by what worked 60 years ago.

Yes. When the American dollar was worth almost 50% more than the Canadian dollar, it is not odd but smart business. Although, that could explain why you can't grasp it.

I guess I was unaware how Mexican thieves are renowned for their business knowledge? At what exchange rate does the saavy Mexican thieve start stealing from Canadian tourists again?

What's with the personal insults?

What a waste of time you are. I'm not going to explain the obvious to you any further.

[Who's Doing What?]

Are you really saying there were Mexican thieves who would turn up their nose at stealing from Canadians because the Canadian dollar was worth a lot less than the US dollar? Sounds like a very odd mindset indeed. Who was making this *recommendation*?

Yes. When the American dollar was worth almost 50% more than the Canadian dollar, it is not odd but smart business. Although, that could explain why you can't grasp it.

Isn't it appropriate that "Who's Doing What?" is making comment on the strategy of criminal activity in Mexico. After all, who better qualified to comment than Mr. "Who's Doing What?"?

What the hell are you talking about?

Crack kills man, take it easy.

[Guest American Woman]

Are we?

We may look and sound alike but our attitudes are poles apart.

Are you afraid to travel to Canada?

I and many people I know are afraid to travel to the US. In the early 90's I'd go at least twice a month but you will not ever get me to set foot there again. Not now. Anyone can be detained -- it's like Russia used to be. Scary shit IMO. Of course, not scary for you as an American citizen your rights are protected. Foreigners on your soil have no rights whatsoever.

We are planning a holiday in Mexico and I will only go if there is a direct flight and we don't have to touch down in the states.

Sorry but I am not the only one in the world who feels this fear. It's more real than your folks' fear of arabs.

No, I'm not afraid to travel to Canada. But then, I'm not afraid to travel to Muslim countries either. So much for my fear of Arabs, eh? (BTW, do you live in an igloo? )

In case you're unawer of it, as an American, I have no rights on Canada's soil. That's the way this world works. It doesn't make me scared to travel, though. But enjoy your trip to Mexico. I'm sure you'll be much safer there than on a layover in the United States, because nothing bad ever happens to foreigners in Mexico.

That Canadian couple that was killed had mafia type connections. I don't. I'm just a regular gal.

Actually you do have rights while in Canada. Just like any Canadian citizen you have the right to a phone call and a lawyer if you are accused of a crime.

Like I said, I used to to twice a month and I always enjoyed our weekends in Seattle. America HAS changed. Face it don't deny it. America is no longer the safest, bestest country. Its Russia revisited.

I don't live in an igloo but I did help build one back in the day. And snowforts -- how fun!

People across the world are afraid of America, afraid of its roughshod foreign policy, afraid to travel there. It's the new reality. Get used to it.

What Canadian couple?? What are you referring to here?

As for foreigners having rights in Canada, perhaps you should read about this incident: "Five Muslim men face deportation – to countries where they are at risk of torture – following the issuing of 'security certificates' naming them as national security threats in Canada. Four are currently in detention without charge, while another was recently released under stringent bail conditions." Link

I realize that foreigners have been unjustly detained in the United States, but I also know that not even one "regular gal" has been detained. I also know that your country's legal system/process isn't as pure as the driven snow. If you think otherwise, you have your head in the sand.

And I have to laugh about your comment regarding American's "fear of Arabs" as you speak of your great fear -- no, make that the world's great fear -- of America. You don't even see the irony of that, do you?

But comparing the U.S. to Russia is really accurate ( ), so I think while you're on vacation in Mexico, you should make it a point to enlighten as many Mexicans as possible about the terrible dangers of being a foreigner in the States. If you could only get them to understand how much better they have it in Mexico, how much more desireable Mexico is, perhaps the millions of Mexicans trying to get into our country every year would know better, and start thanking God that they live in Mexico instead of the U.S., and stop trying to cross our border.

America HAS changed. Face it don't deny it. America is no longer the safest, bestest country.

Since I have never claimed that America is the "safest, bestest country," I'd say that comment says more about you than it does about me.

[Guest American Woman]

1. You are American so how would you know? The Americans didn't jopin until after Pearl Harbour. The Canadians fought right from the beginning. Go and read some Canadian war time history and you might begin to understand. The reputation the Canadians had in Europe was top notch bar none.

I realize this comment wasn't directed at me, but I find it hard to believe that Canada had a better reputation in Europe after WWII than the U.S. did. The U.S. may have entered the war late, but we entered full force, and we played a huge part in rebuilding Europe after, too, all of which was very much appreciated. In fact, I think it was WWII that really gave the U.S. it's reputation as a Super Power. America was very much respected and admired at the time you are referring to.

I totally respect the fact that Canada fought right from the beginning, while we didn't, but I think the U.S. was every bit as respected for the role we played, too.

[Guest American Woman]

I've been to Holland a couple of times ... the first time was shortly after 9-11 and the second was after the Iraq war started. The first time I was with a group of Americans, and one of the guides at a tour we went on said "I can see I have a bunch of Americans here. How do I know? Because you don't all have a big Maple leaf all over your clothes and backpacks." The second time I was travelling with a Canadian. Hate to break it to you, but he wasn't any better liked than I was. He took as much grief for being Canadian as I did for being American.

The tour guide would have made me cry at how Canadian's *pride* while travelling has made us the butt of jokes.

Sorry. I love Canada, but that comment did make us all laugh.