Posted on 12/14/2005 6:09:11 AM PST by Flavius
The United States last night issued an extraordinary warning to Canadian politicians to tone down their anti-American rhetoric or face the consequences.
Washington's ambassador to Ottawa intervened in the Canadian election campaign after politicians north of the border attacked their closest ally and biggest trading partner.
In a televised speech, David Wilkins said: "It may be smart election politics to thump your chest and constantly criticise your friend and your Number One trading partner.
"But it's a slippery slope and all of us should hope it doesn't have a long-term impact on our relationship."
The intervention by a US official in Canadian affairs is virtually unknown and it underlined the strains between the countries as anti-American feeling has soared in the former British dominion. While Mr Wilkins did not name any politicians, his words were primarily aimed at the prime minister, Paul Martin, a once pro-US figure who has won votes in recent years by attacking Washington.
Last week during climate change negotiations, Mr Martin said the Americans should listen to the "global conscience" on the environment. Mr Wilkins said America's emissions of greenhouse gases were growing more slowly than those of Canada.
The relationship has been damaged in recent years by a series of personal attacks by leading Canadians against President George W Bush.
A spokesman for Mr Martin's predecessor, Jean Chretien, was overheard telling reporters that Mr Bush was a moron and an MP from the ruling Liberal party once said: "Damn Americans, I hate the b*****ds."
Mr Martin's government lost a confidence vote last month and a general election will be held on Jan 23.
Cana-who?
Paul Martin's reply (paraphrased) 'I'm not anti-American you stupid Yankees'
What would be the consequences? I'm really curious.
It's that big blank spot on the weather map north of the US where they never have any weather because it stops at the border.
whadda' ya' talkin' aboot ya hoser? ;)
I watched that movie just this morning while I was working out. It is hilarious. I can't believe Michael Moore made a movie that I like -- he even does a cameo.
Because, ya know... you really do need us a lot more than we need you.
Considering our agriculture and auto industry, I wonder at the repercussions of trade embargos. Their runaway inflation is nothing to envy either.
When I lived in Detroit I dated two Canadian women. Their politics were far different from the politicians, and did nothing but complain about the National Health System.
Keep it up Canada, and the US military will destroy your plane, your boat and your tank. And then we'll take both your guns.
...at the same time! Giggidy giggidy!
Was there much of a language barrier?
I just broke up with my Canadian girlfriend..I got tired of all the US bashing....she is a nurse...she works here in the US because "she can't make any money in Canada"....then she bashes the US again....see ya...
We will no longer allow Canada's national anthem before hockey games...thatll show em.
I liked the one scene where the truck with anti-Canadian slogans gets cited, because the insults were not also written in French. Now that's funny.
Take away the anti-American cancer at the heart of the Canadian Left, and what remains?
What is left are the unbridled appetites of those who seek to suckle at the public teat or to gorge at the public trough, depending upon their ambition and status.
The Canadian Left is a truly disgusting political movement.
Don't forget that Canadians are fighting with us in Afghanistan. I like good-natured Canada-bashing as much as the next guy, but let's not forget that they are doing some things with us.
Not our gun!!!!
Reminds me of a couple British tourists I met who looked down on American culture. Then they mentioned that they got "married again" by an Elvis in Las Vegas. They'd seen more of the USA than I have and planned to keep coming back.
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