Canadian/U.S. Thaw???

The AmericasGet article background
Canadian-American relations

Ready for a thaw
Feb 23rd 2006 | OTTAWA
From The Economist print edition

Canada's new government hopes to repair relations with the United States


FEW Canadian ambassadors have headed to Washington under quite such a weight of expectations. Michael Wilson, a silver-haired investment banker and former politician, takes up his new job in the American capital in mid-March. He has been entrusted by Stephen Harper, Canada's newly elected Conservative prime minister, with a delicate mission. His task is to rescue a bilateral relationship that has gone sour, without for a moment giving Canadians back home the impression that their new government is in any way kowtowing to the superpower.

Over the course of a dozen years of Liberal government north of the 49th parallel, Canada's access to the highest levels in Washington has been steadily eroded. Under Jean Chrétien, Canada chose not to join America's war in Iraq. Under Paul Martin, Canada decided not to participate in America's plans for missile defence. Some Canadian diplomats fret in private that Australia nowadays gets a much warmer reception in the State Department. The deteriorating relationship may not much trouble Americans, but it spells problems for Canada. The United States buys about 85% of Canadian exports and provides some 60% of its imports. In theory, a change of government in Ottawa presents a chance to mend some fences. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> continued

There definitly will be fence mending , but Mr Harper will not hold power long enough to damage this country. I believe his election has given Canada an oportunity to open discussion internally. That national examination of Canadian prioritys will highlight the disstructive nature of right wing politics and corporate mishandling of social and economic structures. It is my belief that the light of day will send the conservative right wing back to nothing where they can properly contemplate christian fundamentalism and free markets till they turn to dust.

Why do you focus on the fringies ....

So we didn't join the Iraq war, or Missile Defence.

Big deal, if relations with America turn a bit sour because we wouldn't follow America in everything they do. I don't really mind. However, that is why we should diversify to India, China, South America, and to Europe, and other places as well so we are not so dependent on America so we have to worry if we please it or not.

And it doesn't matter if you are right-wing or left-wing, having 85% and 60% go in and out of one country is not good.

Canada and the American Empire

By JOHN RYAN

As a long time supporter of progressive political policies in Canada I was perplexed and dismayed by the results of our recent federal election. My consternation led me to write the article that is attached to this letter. The essence of my analysis is summed up in the opening comments:

The 2006 federal election has set the stage for a possible dismantling of Canada's distinctive social and economic fabric. The newly evolved Conservative Party, in many respects a chilling echo of the USA's Republican Party, is poised for a two-stage attack to reshape Canada in line with its Canadian version of America's neoconservative ideology.

The purpose of this letter is to urge the NDP and the Liberals to begin the process of forming a coalition and, if this turns out favourably, to consider the prospect, under the right conditions, of eventually merging the two parties into a centre-left Liberal Democratic Party.

Ah Beaver....

I disagree - but you knew I would. Fringies latch onto one theme or mission or goal and run with it - not looking for consequences or long term possibility of misuse and failure.

The moderates - because they have no dedicated agenda favoring either of the two sides, tend to take their time, weigh what they believe to be the best on issues - and even (horror) break party lines to vote with their research.

You have applauded the nutbars and freakazoids who get into the press screaming their malcontent.... I don't want a fringie making laws for me to follow .... I want people who have given it some thought and attention.... and encompass the large group as a whole regardless of party affiliation.

Things aren't always the classic Passion Play of Presidential Elections...but you seem to be locked into that sordid media driven mentality .... when actually it is the another attempt at resurrecting Barnum and Bailey, with as little concern for the "customer" as the old snake oilers had.

Have a good day and I appreciate your response. Save your energy for JimMoyer.... looks like you two have some unfinished biz.