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Time to Kiss and Make Up (The snuggle-bunny country north of the Canadian/U.S. border)
The American Spectator ^ | November 4, 2003 | Steven Martinovich

Posted on 11/04/2003 7:24:41 AM PST by quidnunc

It appears that the average Canadian has realized what most in the federal government have yet to. A poll commissioned by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada found that 44 percent of Canadians believe that Canada should have stronger ties to the United States. It's an increase of 18 percentage points since March and is at its highest point in three years.

While Canadians are clearly growing concerned about their ties to the United States, Canada's government has done little to bridge the distance. Thanks in part to undiplomatic talk before and after George W. Bush's election, the president has yet to make a visit to Canada — outside of attending two international conferences — and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has only made one visit to the White House. To add injury to insult many prominent Canadians — including officials in the prime minister's office — seemed to take an "unholy glee" at what happened to the United States on and the days after September 11, 2001, stated historian J.L. Granatstein in a recent speech in Toronto.

"These Canadians and their friends did very serious damage to Canada's relations with the White House and the State Department," said Granatstein.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham best expressed the federal government's view on October 30 when he denied relations were in a "deep freeze." Said Graham, "This is a mug's game to go into that. The fact of the matter is that when we have specific problems, when we had the electricity blackout, the prime minister phoned up Mr. Bush, he took his call, we worked on it."

Despite Graham's assertion, it's safe to say that relations are at their frostiest since the days of Pierre Trudeau and Ronald Reagan and not surprisingly the problem partly stems from philosophical differences in approaches to policy. As an example, for Canadians foreign policy is about maintaining dialogue at all costs while Americans prefer a more pragmatic approach. Canada is in the business of trying to export its values while the United States is interested in protecting what it determines is in its national interest. As Granatstein pointed out in his October 21 speech, "Values or principles are for individuals, while nations have interests, above all."

Canada's "soft power" approach has been a dismal failure. The influence that Canadians believe they wield through kind words and understanding has had remarkably little effect in achieving our goals. Like Europe, Canada's influence is diminishing because cultural exchanges and foreign aid don't sway nations like Iran and other unstable rogue states — at the cost of its relationship with the United States. As much as Canadians don't like to admit it, the velvet glove occasionally must reveal the iron first. As Canada's ability to project power has diminished over the past two decades, so has its voice. Particularly with the United States.

-snip-

(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...


TOPICS: Canada; Extended News; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: canada; nonallycanada
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Comment #121 Removed by Moderator

Comment #122 Removed by Moderator

To: IoCaster
Since Canada is our number one supplier of gas and oil (yes we import more from them than from Saudi or Venezuela) I have a few questions:

1. How easy do you think it will be to replace that source?

2. If it was easy, why didn't we do it before?

3. Why would we continue to import oil from Saudi - a country that sent the majority of WTC bombers and funds Wahhabism, while boycotting Canada because of a few insults? Don't you think we have more in common with Canada than from the financiers of terror?

4. How do we replace the natural gas that heats many of our homes in the northern states - NG piped in directly from Canada?

To mikes-opinon,

Don't think we didn't notice your Jew-hating remark you pestilent, anti-Semite...

123 posted on 11/05/2003 4:59:12 AM PST by Dr. Luv
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To: Sunsong
The CDC was asked to come in and advise.

I'm to understand that the CDC offered advice? As in? And what in the protocol was changed because of the CDC ?

Or did they observe how they should deal with it . It did and you have no idea how many died in the US , do you ? It doesn't really matter because it was the Ontario Government dealing with SARS. Not the Canadian Government, which , on a good day , couldn't run a wheelbarrow down hill .

You seem to be under the impression I am trying to change your mind. No, I really don't care what you think beyond seeing the list . You know the list. The list of things that America and Americans have done for Canada is long indeed That list.

What any country has the "right" to do is not what I am talking about. Whether they are a friend of America *is* what I am talking about

Maybe you should reflect on this . In the real world countries do not have friends, they have self interests . In the real world tis only you and I who could be friends , never our governments . You and I never will . But there are millions on each side of the border that are . And that is in both governments , our best interest.

124 posted on 11/05/2003 5:53:26 AM PST by Snowyman
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To: Dr. Luv
I don't hate jews. I dislike Zionists, but I do not hate Jews. But you place a label of anti semite every time anyone brings up the subject of jews.

I understand.... If you want to use labels, all you conservatives are all a bunch of redneck bigots aren't you?
125 posted on 11/05/2003 7:57:17 AM PST by mikes-opinion
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To: Dr. Luv
You do know who and what are Semites don't you? Arabs are Semites, Jews are Semites, Africans are Semites.....

The term Semites is applied to a group of peoples closely related in language, whose habitat is Asia and partly Africa. The expression is derived from the Biblical table of nations (Genesis 10), in which most of these peoples are recorded as descendants of Noah's son Sem.

The term Semite was proposed at first for the languages related to the Hebrew by Ludwig Schlözer, in Eichhorn's "Repertorium", vol. VIII (Leipzig, 1781), p. 161. Through Eichhorn the name then came into general usage (cf. his "Einleitung in das Alte Testament" (Leipzig, 1787), I, p. 45. In his "Gesch. der neuen Sprachenkunde", pt. I (Göttingen, 1807) it had already become a fixed technical term. Since then the name has been generally adopted, except that modern science uses it in a somewhat wider sense to include all those Peoples who are either demonstrably of Semitic origin, or who appear in history as completely Semitized.
126 posted on 11/05/2003 8:02:28 AM PST by mikes-opinion
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To: mikes-opinion
"If you want to use labels, all you conservatives are all a bunch of redneck bigots aren't you?"

I don't think my neck has ever been red - given the very, very dark pigmentation of my skin - it's not surprising. If you examine any of the threads I participate in, you will note that I am constantly being referred to here as a liberal. That's because I often defend Canada from specious and pointless attacks. I will not, however, put up with some unctuous Canadian who claims that "Israel does not count due to them running the actual USA"

This is the type of Jew-hatred I expect to see from members of the far left who have been co-opted by their wahhabi masters. Jews do not run the world as you and your friends from the ISM suggest and Israel has every right to defend herself from the homicide bombing monsters who gain glory from targeting pizzerias and murdering infants.

127 posted on 11/05/2003 8:30:04 AM PST by Dr. Luv
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To: Snowyman
You are not going to see any list from me. I would not put that kind of time into any discssion with you, Snowyman. You, who claims that there is nothing you can do but wait for an election to do anything about what is happening in your country. Your country that has been helped so much and so many times in so many ways by America and Americans.

I repeat, you may want to check your facts, the CDC was asked to come in an advise.

As to whether a country can have a friend. I don't agree with you. I think that countries *can* have friends. And I think that England is a friend to us, as is Australia and Poland, and others. Canada is not.

I also want to say this. I find you and so many Canadians to be dishonorable here at Free Republic. Here is what this site is about as stated on the Home page:

"Free Republic is an online gathering place for independent, grass-roots conservatism on the web. We're working to roll back decades of governmental largesse, to root out political fraud and corruption, and to champion causes which further conservatism in America. And we always have fun doing it. Hoo-yah!"

You do not participate in this site in order to further conservatism in America. That is dishonorable and disrepectful, imo.

128 posted on 11/05/2003 10:05:14 AM PST by Sunsong
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To: Sunsong
You are not going to see any list from me.

I never thought I would.

You , who claims that there is nothing you can do but wait for an election to do anything about what is happening in your country

Ah. Yes . And the Crouton is resigning , the conservative parties uniting , and the Liberals are ratting out each other . Guess what ? I'm still waiting to vote . Didn't have to shoot anyone . Or riot in the streets . Going to vote Conservative Party of Canada . That's how we change things . By voting.

And you're the one who denies Socialism in the USA . All those government programs that are not Socialism. All those medicaid, medicare, welfare, including free driving lessons , farm subsidies , food stamps , school lunch programs, dare I mention gun laws, drug programs , abortion . But according to you , that's not socialism. That's just good old government programs. Duh! How can anyone possibly disagree ? Without laughing.

Did you know that in the early 1800's the American government paid for the Erie Canal . Socialism.

. And I was mistaken. I thought this was about Learning . That's where all change begins.

But you are right , Canadians don't belong here . We've nothing to learn from you. And there's no disrespect in that. That's just being honest.

129 posted on 11/05/2003 12:38:23 PM PST by Snowyman
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To: Snowyman
"But you are right , Canadians don't belong here ."

We'll see if you mean what you say. As I pointed out, this is a site which exists in order to promote conservatism in America, and you have not honored that.

You would do well to "learn" about socialism. You don't seem to have a clue.

Funny, isn't it, that this whole site is about promoting conservatism in America -- and not about "waiting" to vote. People here are not "waiting". They are making use of the time between elections. Too bad you don't do the same in your own country. You could actually be doing something worthwhile instead of harrassing Americans on an American site.

130 posted on 11/05/2003 1:22:28 PM PST by Sunsong
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To: Sunsong
Anti American? I much prefer the label Pro World.....
131 posted on 11/05/2003 3:11:32 PM PST by mikes-opinion
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To: Sunsong
you have not honored that.

Bullshit. You pink little worm. Because some one doesn't agree with your crap it's not honouring this site ? Give your head a shake . You can't even back up what you say with facts. I notice you're first on the mark to deny the first amendment to anyone who disagrees with you. That's usually the first indicator a Liberal. Or worse. A Socialist . Maybe that's why you deny socialism's insidious existence in the US . You're part of it .

Maybe that's why you advocate closing the border. The damage that would cause to your countrymen is incalculable. You advocate true anti Americanism . Terrorism.

We've got nothing to learn from you .

132 posted on 11/05/2003 3:42:10 PM PST by Snowyman
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To: Sunsong
But, but, but...these Iraqis have been attacking and terrorising you for years. They continue to kill your sons and daughters every day in Iraq and around the world. Yet they are your throat lump friends but Canadians are not.

Sunsong: proudly getting it completely backward since 1979!

133 posted on 11/05/2003 4:01:00 PM PST by Melinator (Ha! I guess I got a little carried away there!)
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To: vanmorrison
"I bet Canada needs the U.S. more than the U.S. needs Canada"

Good Bet! You should fire the first shot: stop buying Canadian oil, gas, electricity, lumber, meat, grain, etc. Your domestic manufacturing won't be missed since all your production moved out. I hear you have a bunch of nice shiny weapons to sell, and some really top-notch terrorist training squads, but Canadians prefer not to import death as a way in order to feed your morbidly obese children.

134 posted on 11/05/2003 4:10:09 PM PST by Melinator (Ha! I guess I got a little carried away there!)
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To: Snowyman
I repeat: this site is established to promote conservatism in America. You are not honoring that.

You are here to defend Canada. Is it that hard for you to just tell the truth?

And, like a liberal, because you are unwilling or unable to deal with the truth of your own behavior, you choose to attack me. How very "Canadian"

You said that Canadians do not belong here. Let's see if you keep your own counsel...

135 posted on 11/05/2003 4:33:53 PM PST by Sunsong
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To: Melinator
"Good Bet! You should fire the first shot: stop buying Canadian oil, gas, electricity, lumber, meat, grain, etc. Your domestic manufacturing won't be missed since all your production moved out. I hear you have a bunch of nice shiny weapons to sell, and some really top-notch terrorist training squads, but Canadians prefer not to import death as a way in order to feed your morbidly obese children."

More ugliness from Canadians. Isn't it astounding that they think they have some "entitlement" to come here to an American site and display their vile natures.

136 posted on 11/05/2003 4:39:04 PM PST by Sunsong
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To: Dr. Luv; kanawa; All
mikes-opinion spewed: I am sure you can use Google. I found a few there. Just select a string of text. I found 8 of them.... Maybe you can find more.....

Obviously anyone can use Google and find a quote supposedly from anyone on anything.

A search on the phrase, "SPACE ALIENS CONTROL THE UNITED STATES" reveals:

"A message from Andromeda Council: The vote of the 10% of the Earth's population would be enough for Earth to enter the Andromeda Council. Andromeda Council is confederation of many worlds and they are about 2000 years more advanced than Reptilians or Greys, Sirians or even Pleiadians. " An Andromedan Perspective

Well, I found it on google so it must be true, just like the Protocols of the elders of Zion. (sarcasm)

Actually, the Anddromeda quote is more credible than the source I found for "ISRAEL CONTROLS THE UNITED STATES SENATE" garbage--Mike's cousin Dave:

How Israeli terrorism and American treason caused the September 11 Attacks by David Duke.

If I got my info here I wouldn't link the source either.

137 posted on 11/05/2003 5:13:54 PM PST by Agitate (http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/)
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To: Sunsong
I repeat: this site is established to promote conservatism in America.

And ranting about Canada does that how? The only defence I offer for Canada is the truth.. The truth itself promotes conservatism here. You can't say the same. Not with your twisted self serving crap . If you could you'd post your infamous list and offer more concrete reasons for closing the border than your, man that feels manly foolishness . And to hell with the consequences to Americans .

Your words. Your own definition. Conservatism is about respecting individuality, personal liberty and personal responsibility within a Constitutional Republic and the rule of law

You don't even know what you stand for. A Liberal , a Democrat , can fit your definition.

Because that isn't what Conservatism is.

138 posted on 11/05/2003 6:00:26 PM PST by Snowyman
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To: Agitate
I posted many many quotes from all the leaders of Israel.
.
And they were all quoted with sources, telling dates and with whome they were spoken. They are a matter of record.
.
If you choose not to look them up, then that is your problem. You can go to any library and find them. You can go to any of the newspapers and read them. And you can even go to the Internet and find them.
.
But I don't know how you found aliens in flying saucers.... .
If that is your method of burying your head in the sand, then so be it. You might try holding your fingers tight to your ears and screaming "na na na boo boo" really loud so you won't hear anyone else....
139 posted on 11/05/2003 7:04:28 PM PST by mikes-opinion
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To: Snowyman
So I take it you were lying when you said that "Canadians don't belong here"?

You are not helping to promote conservatism in America. You are not respecting or honoring what this site is about. I am sorry that you choose to be dishonest. Clintonian double-speak doesn't cut it.

No matter how much you try to deceive yourself, this is an American site. And it would serve you well to develop some respect and appreciation for that. I think it would serve you well for you to develop some appreciation and respect for America.

Foreigners like you, who come here all the time would do well to remember the purpose of this site. And Canadians, especially, imo, would do well to exhibit some understanding of the betrayal that their country perpetrated on America over the Iraq war.

140 posted on 11/05/2003 7:20:43 PM PST by Sunsong
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