Posted on 03/23/2014 5:27:20 PM PDT by markomalley
If Diane Francis had her way, the U.S. would share a lot more with its northern neighbor than the Great Lakes, maple syrup and Justin Bieber.
The editor-at-large for Toronto’s National Post argues that a complete merger of Canada and the United States would create a global colossus, add 13 stars to the American flag, eliminate the border and require just a few amendments to the Constitution. But, Ms. Francis acknowledged on a visit to Washington last week, not everyone up north is thrilled with the idea.
“I wanted to attack the Canadian establishment and say, ‘Wake up, there is [a merger] underway, let’s manage it to our benefit,’ and to attack American ignorance about Canada,” she said.
The “thought experiment,” first broached in a book she published late last year, was introduced on the 20th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement as President Obama pushed for much broader trade agreements with the European Union and Asia-Pacific nations.
Ms. Francis envisions a full-on economic and political merger in which Canada’s provinces would become 13 states in the U.S. Quebec would become a commonwealth like Puerto Rico.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
I married a Canadian.
Merging countries won’t work.
Throw in Mehico, too.
They are ruled out.
but you are American, right?
As someone who worked for almost 30 years with/for a Canadian-based firm, when it comes to a merger I’d have Nunavut ....
I like it, especially if am forced to look south.
Lets meet at Tim Horton’s to debate this issue ...
require just a few amendments to the Constitution
Not only no but hell no. Our first and second amendments would have to go from what I know of Canadian law and practice.
I’m not sure.
Canadians are an adapted country in part.
I agree they are much more civilized than Americans, but part of that may just be they’ve grown up dominated by Europe.
America is large enough to insist on our First and Second Amendments, or no way.
Just saying.
I think this would be a big challenge, but it’s an interesting idea anyway.
*Ahem* you know why Canada is more "Civilized" than the US.
I’m not sure who’s government is loonier theirs or ours.
JB
Curling. Will we have to carry curling stones to curling alleys?
Those things look really heavy. Canucks must be as strong
as gorillas.
I’m saying that as a statement of fact, and also because I think it’s important to discuss.
I think Canadians do honestly believe themselves to be more civilized. I have no problem with that, and will even say I think they are as well in ways.
We are not terribly hung-up about being civilized in America, and that is (part-way anyway) liberating.
I believe Canada could have a very positive influence on the United States, but Canada would have to give on the first and second amendments.
The rest would also be important, but those two would be complete deal makers or breakers.
In fact I would tend to think we might want to advocate Canada integrate sort of like Hong Kong is integrating with China right now.
Keep two separate systems, and set a timetable for eventual integration into the American system.
But keep the Canadian system for say, 20 years.
Or something similar.
Either than, or not. Just thinking is all.
We tried it twice. Canada kicked our butts both times.
“Might as well.”
As for the Canada and the 2nd Amendment, they might like it in Canada. When I go to Montreal to pick up my daughter from college, I sometimes pass through the Mowhawk Rez just south of the St Laurence. On the main road there is actually a store that sells Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, like the old joke for the perfect convencience store, or depanneur in Quebec. Plus they sell a lot of Chinese imports I never see here, like a Chinese knockoff of the Springfield M1A that goes for around $500.
Yup.
“I have a better idea.
One country should take all the libs, the other all the conservatives and may the best ideology win.
No sense messing up two countries.”
Oh...but honestly, on the other hand, I’ve met many wonderful Canadians, and would sure hate to ruin the prospect of being able to get the best maple syrup on the planet. And hotdogs. And bread. And coffee. And pastry. So...we will suffer 1/2, and Canada can suffer the other half. Is that fair, if this should come to pass? This way, each country will be inspired to make BOTH better.
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