Time Out
Posts: 14 
November 20th, 2006, 12:59 AM
Where do you go in the States if you visit such dumps with cheap cars and rude people? Treat yourself to a nice place
. Then you'll see a difference. And people are really much nicer in the States, they are happy, not like those depressed Canadians...
Quoting Andem
Hah, you think that Toronto has less crime? Go to Scarborogh...
Actually travelling south of the border, I see more poverty, a lot of people with little to no education, segregation, loads of crime, mean streets and extremely rude and corrupt police officers :P
Taller buildings? Of which cities are you talking about?
More expensive cars? Where did you see this... Beverly Hills?
Salaries are higher.. Can't argue with that one; but I would prefer a society where income levels are not so highly concentrated among the upper-elite class.
Where did you find people were more pleasant? I'd love to know that one... I won't argue about Toronto, though; that city is rude.
Taller buildings? Of which cities are you talking about?
More expensive cars? Where did you see this... Beverly Hills?
Salaries are higher.. Can't argue with that one; but I would prefer a society where income levels are not so highly concentrated among the upper-elite class.
Where did you find people were more pleasant? I'd love to know that one... I won't argue about Toronto, though; that city is rude.
Where do you go in the States if you visit such dumps with cheap cars and rude people? Treat yourself to a nice place
. Then you'll see a difference. And people are really much nicer in the States, they are happy, not like those depressed Canadians...
November 20th, 2006, 01:20 AM
Well, I've been all over New York State several times... Chicago (drove through Michigan and saw Detroit on the way), Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tuscon, Los Angeles, San Francisco... been through Vermont (when I lived in Montreal.. nice people in Vermont) and many small and medium-sized cities inbetween each mentioned.
I gather by your English and the fact that you know Scarborough well enough that you are probably a "refugee" [of some kind], god knows how lucky to have made it to the First World and just want something to complain about. It also sounds like you've never even been to this 'paradise' of a country you are talking about and just take joy in spending your time, paid for on the doll, posting on Internet forums trying to get rise from people.
Well, I've been all over New York State several times... Chicago (drove through Michigan and saw Detroit on the way), Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tuscon, Los Angeles, San Francisco... been through Vermont (when I lived in Montreal.. nice people in Vermont) and many small and medium-sized cities inbetween each mentioned.
I gather by your English and the fact that you know Scarborough well enough that you are probably a "refugee" [of some kind], god knows how lucky to have made it to the First World and just want something to complain about. It also sounds like you've never even been to this 'paradise' of a country you are talking about and just take joy in spending your time, paid for on the doll, posting on Internet forums trying to get rise from people.
Time Out
Posts: 14
November 20th, 2006, 01:33 AM
.
Yes, I know how Scarborough is spelled, because it's in the news all the time. That seems to be a criminal center of Toronto, the criminal capital of Canada.
And sorry, I don't think that Canada is the "first world" country, that sounds just funny. Several cities, cattle, forests for 30 mln population...
Quoting Andem
Nice places... You probably should've gone from your trailer park to see more attractions in those cities
Well, I've been all over New York State several times... Chicago (drove through Michigan and saw Detroit on the way), Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tuscon, Los Angeles, San Francisco... been through Vermont (when I lived in Montreal.. nice people in Vermont) and many small and medium-sized cities inbetween each mentioned.
I gather by your English and the fact that you know Scarborough well enough that you are probably a "refugee" [of some kind], god knows how lucky to have made it to the First World and just want something to complain about. It also sounds like you've never even been to this 'paradise' of a country you are talking about and just take joy in spending your time, paid for on the doll, posting on Internet forums trying to get rise from people.
I gather by your English and the fact that you know Scarborough well enough that you are probably a "refugee" [of some kind], god knows how lucky to have made it to the First World and just want something to complain about. It also sounds like you've never even been to this 'paradise' of a country you are talking about and just take joy in spending your time, paid for on the doll, posting on Internet forums trying to get rise from people.
. Yes, I know how Scarborough is spelled, because it's in the news all the time. That seems to be a criminal center of Toronto, the criminal capital of Canada.
And sorry, I don't think that Canada is the "first world" country, that sounds just funny. Several cities, cattle, forests for 30 mln population...
Time Out
Posts: 14
November 20th, 2006, 01:41 AM
You just need to tell to the world that you do indeed know the city like Berlin.... Uhh, culture, civilization!
Quoting Andem
And you are so "civilized"
Then get out.
(ps. You're bright. It took you 12 minutes to compile 3 poorly constructed sentences).
(ps. You're bright. It took you 12 minutes to compile 3 poorly constructed sentences).
You just need to tell to the world that you do indeed know the city like Berlin.... Uhh, culture, civilization!
November 20th, 2006, 01:48 AM
Quoting katrina
Actually I know Toronto better than I do Berlin.
And you are so "civilized" You just need to tell to the world that you do indeed know the city like Berlin.... Uhh, culture, civilization!
You just need to tell to the world that you do indeed know the city like Berlin.... Uhh, culture, civilization!
Time Out
Posts: 14
November 20th, 2006, 01:57 AM
Quoting Andem
That explains it... You might want to go to Deutsche Opera (the one on the postcard you attach as a signature), or at least visit museums. The Egypt Museum must have a very good collection of ancient art, including the famous Nefertiti. There is more to culture than restaurants and bars on Kudamm Street...
Actually I know Toronto better than I do Berlin.
Senate Member
Posts: 6,460 
November 20th, 2006, 07:20 AM
What the heck ????
What could have been a terrific topic - "What makes you a Canadian"? drew my attention because I would love to have added my feelings for that nation.... but reading people's comments made me wonder what Canadians are up to these days.
I repeat: comparing yourselves with the U.S. becomes your identity - when defining your Canadian heritage you bash the U.S. It just doesn't make sense. What has the U.S. got to do with Canada and its nationality?
Then there are those who absolutely deny a love and avoid any desire to show patriotism. Go out of their way to write about not caring for Canada at all as if it isn't "done" these days. Puffery - sheer puffery...
And when another speaks disparagingly about Canada (as Canadians often do when writing about the U.S.) she is banned? It is ok to disparage the U.S. but not Canada?
So.... there is censorship again.... opinions must be accompanied by an on demand apology?
When did you guys become such softies?
I have always believed what makes a Canadian was a sense of fair play, honesty, sincerity, strength and
understanding - a nation who weighs their options and duties before making any rash moves. A great people with a wonderful sense of humor - especially when giving themselves a bash on occasion and above all meeting adversity chin first with a strong will and heart.
It can't be easy governing such a huge gift of land as Canada maintains with an "understaffed" population and to top that adversity off - you have a contiguous smaller land mass to the south who is "god's evil child" roiling away in perpetual motion. It ain't easy but many countries would have folded long ago under the competition - not Canada.
Yet it demeans all Canadians to constantly compare. There is no comparison. There should be none - the U.S. does not define Canada at all.
I just didn't see any of that here.... As I have often said before "Who stole my Canada?"
OK Kreskin - my apology as previously accepted by you for whatever you feel is remiss.
And Juan - over the years you preface many of your posts with .... my ancestors arrived on the Mayflower to the United States.... my parents were American. Now at this late point you are revising your tale to suit?
What the heck ????
What could have been a terrific topic - "What makes you a Canadian"? drew my attention because I would love to have added my feelings for that nation.... but reading people's comments made me wonder what Canadians are up to these days.
I repeat: comparing yourselves with the U.S. becomes your identity - when defining your Canadian heritage you bash the U.S. It just doesn't make sense. What has the U.S. got to do with Canada and its nationality?
Then there are those who absolutely deny a love and avoid any desire to show patriotism. Go out of their way to write about not caring for Canada at all as if it isn't "done" these days. Puffery - sheer puffery...
And when another speaks disparagingly about Canada (as Canadians often do when writing about the U.S.) she is banned? It is ok to disparage the U.S. but not Canada?
So.... there is censorship again.... opinions must be accompanied by an on demand apology?
When did you guys become such softies?
I have always believed what makes a Canadian was a sense of fair play, honesty, sincerity, strength and
understanding - a nation who weighs their options and duties before making any rash moves. A great people with a wonderful sense of humor - especially when giving themselves a bash on occasion and above all meeting adversity chin first with a strong will and heart.
It can't be easy governing such a huge gift of land as Canada maintains with an "understaffed" population and to top that adversity off - you have a contiguous smaller land mass to the south who is "god's evil child" roiling away in perpetual motion. It ain't easy but many countries would have folded long ago under the competition - not Canada.
Yet it demeans all Canadians to constantly compare. There is no comparison. There should be none - the U.S. does not define Canada at all.
I just didn't see any of that here.... As I have often said before "Who stole my Canada?"
OK Kreskin - my apology as previously accepted by you for whatever you feel is remiss.
And Juan - over the years you preface many of your posts with .... my ancestors arrived on the Mayflower to the United States.... my parents were American. Now at this late point you are revising your tale to suit?
jimmoyer
Posts: 4,977
Location: Winchester Virginia
Location: Winchester Virginia
November 20th, 2006, 10:38 AM
Of all the comparisons between the western democracies, it is interesting
to notice that many of them have the same income disparities.
Whatever else the comparisons between Canada and the US are, it
is surprising how similar both countries are in income disparity.
For all the socialist and capitalist comparisons between the two nations,
they are still very similar except that the poorer in Canada pay a greater
share in income taxes than the American poor, but not by too much.
CANADA STATS:
Income group % of federal personalincome taxes paid
............................................1990.. ........2002
50% with lowest incomes..............6.7%..........4.4%
40% with intermediate incomes.....47.3%........43.0%
10% with highest incomes............46.0%........52.6%
Americans in the 50 percent lowest incomes pay less than 3 percent of the total income tax
collected by the federal government.
Notice US-onian stats:
For Tax Year 2003
Percent Ranked by Adusted Gross Income -------column 1
AGI Threshold on Percentiles ---------------------column 2
Percent of all Federal Income Tax recieved------column 3
Top 1% ..........$295,495...............34.27
Top 5%...........$130,080...............54.36
Top 10%..........$94,891................65.84
Top 25%..........$57,343................83.88
Top 50%..........$29,019................96.54
Bottom 50%...... $29,019............... 3.46
Of all the comparisons between the western democracies, it is interesting
to notice that many of them have the same income disparities.
Whatever else the comparisons between Canada and the US are, it
is surprising how similar both countries are in income disparity.
For all the socialist and capitalist comparisons between the two nations,
they are still very similar except that the poorer in Canada pay a greater
share in income taxes than the American poor, but not by too much.
CANADA STATS:
Income group % of federal personalincome taxes paid
............................................1990.. ........2002
50% with lowest incomes..............6.7%..........4.4%
40% with intermediate incomes.....47.3%........43.0%
10% with highest incomes............46.0%........52.6%
Americans in the 50 percent lowest incomes pay less than 3 percent of the total income tax
collected by the federal government.
Notice US-onian stats:
For Tax Year 2003
Percent Ranked by Adusted Gross Income -------column 1
AGI Threshold on Percentiles ---------------------column 2
Percent of all Federal Income Tax recieved------column 3
Top 1% ..........$295,495...............34.27
Top 5%...........$130,080...............54.36
Top 10%..........$94,891................65.84
Top 25%..........$57,343................83.88
Top 50%..........$29,019................96.54
Bottom 50%...... $29,019............... 3.46
November 20th, 2006, 10:53 AM
Well there was only two references to USA before Katrina injected the highly polarizing remarks. I'll grant that one was a blatant slam pointed at the politics down south, compared to D.S. who had the choice to be either, and he weighed the pros and cons before he made his decision.
As to Katrina being banned, I don't think it was censorship as much as it was the lack of respect she showed, at least that is my opinion of her contribution here.
I'll tell you all what makes me Canadian. The access to free health care, without which I would be dead by now. Funny now how I'd like to see more privatized services! I am very active outdoors, and spent lots of time recouperating in the hospitol as a result. I still play hard, that's just my way.
Well there was only two references to USA before Katrina injected the highly polarizing remarks. I'll grant that one was a blatant slam pointed at the politics down south, compared to D.S. who had the choice to be either, and he weighed the pros and cons before he made his decision.
As to Katrina being banned, I don't think it was censorship as much as it was the lack of respect she showed, at least that is my opinion of her contribution here.
I'll tell you all what makes me Canadian. The access to free health care, without which I would be dead by now. Funny now how I'd like to see more privatized services! I am very active outdoors, and spent lots of time recouperating in the hospitol as a result. I still play hard, that's just my way.
Senate Member
Posts: 6,460
November 20th, 2006, 11:20 AM
There were more and I won't belabor the point - it is an old argument noticed by me alone. If you think banning is ok - I have no argument with your opinion. Anyway it is Andem's call - it is his place. I read lots of lack of respect here - but Katrina perhaps posted one too many.
I have also made the choice as you point out DS did - and I chose to stay in the U.S. for many reasons. I weighed the pros and cons for me personally - took me 16 years to decide to remain. The primary reason was not that I loved Canada any less than the U.S. Any more than a mother can love only one child. Impossible.
The medical care argument is old hat: I have had two events which required more than the usual medical care annual checks.
I inhaled a toxic pesticide during one of my internships. I have damaged lungs - I was hospitalized more than at home for two years - and I never saw a bill for services.
I broke my arm a summer ago - had ER film - then Ortho care for six sessions to determine healing and knitting and then Rehab Therapy for two months. Never saw a bill for services.
I pay medical insurance at $40 per month - and $10 each for prescriptions required for breathing assistance which generally cover three months of use. I have never waited to see any doctor for any reason longer than a half hour except to have my broken arm X-ray'd. The techs were at lunch.
Quoting Tonington
Tonington
Well there was only two references to USA before Katrina injected the highly polarizing remarks. I'll grant that one was a blatant slam pointed at the politics down south, compared to D.S. who had the choice to be either, and he weighed the pros and cons before he made his decision.
As to Katrina being banned, I don't think it was censorship as much as it was the lack of respect she showed, at least that is my opinion of her contribution here.
I'll tell you all what makes me Canadian. The access to free health care, without which I would be dead by now. Funny now how I'd like to see more privatized services! I am very active outdoors, and spent lots of time recouperating in the hospitol as a result. I still play hard, that's just my way.
As to Katrina being banned, I don't think it was censorship as much as it was the lack of respect she showed, at least that is my opinion of her contribution here.
I'll tell you all what makes me Canadian. The access to free health care, without which I would be dead by now. Funny now how I'd like to see more privatized services! I am very active outdoors, and spent lots of time recouperating in the hospitol as a result. I still play hard, that's just my way.
There were more and I won't belabor the point - it is an old argument noticed by me alone. If you think banning is ok - I have no argument with your opinion. Anyway it is Andem's call - it is his place. I read lots of lack of respect here - but Katrina perhaps posted one too many.
I have also made the choice as you point out DS did - and I chose to stay in the U.S. for many reasons. I weighed the pros and cons for me personally - took me 16 years to decide to remain. The primary reason was not that I loved Canada any less than the U.S. Any more than a mother can love only one child. Impossible.
The medical care argument is old hat: I have had two events which required more than the usual medical care annual checks.
I inhaled a toxic pesticide during one of my internships. I have damaged lungs - I was hospitalized more than at home for two years - and I never saw a bill for services.
I broke my arm a summer ago - had ER film - then Ortho care for six sessions to determine healing and knitting and then Rehab Therapy for two months. Never saw a bill for services.
I pay medical insurance at $40 per month - and $10 each for prescriptions required for breathing assistance which generally cover three months of use. I have never waited to see any doctor for any reason longer than a half hour except to have my broken arm X-ray'd. The techs were at lunch.
Genius
Posts: 814
Location: Eastern Ontario
Location: Eastern Ontario
November 20th, 2006, 11:29 AM
Why is it that each and every discussion on what it is to be Canadian turns into a "what's wrong with America"?? I like the U.S. but if I did or not..what does there way of life have to do with how we think of ourselves? Why are we all so insecure? Canada is no great because its better than the U.S. and more then it is great because Albania is horrible...
Canada could be better, but all in all it's a good country to live in..period... You really don't need to compare with our neighbors...do you???
Why is it that each and every discussion on what it is to be Canadian turns into a "what's wrong with America"?? I like the U.S. but if I did or not..what does there way of life have to do with how we think of ourselves? Why are we all so insecure? Canada is no great because its better than the U.S. and more then it is great because Albania is horrible...
Canada could be better, but all in all it's a good country to live in..period... You really don't need to compare with our neighbors...do you???
Executive Member
Posts: 9,070
November 20th, 2006, 11:42 AM
Since under current laws, the average California family will spend $2788 in 2006 for health. insurance premiums and health services., you must be very lucky. Your employer obviously pays most of your medical
Quote:
I pay medical insurance at $40 per month - and $10 each for prescriptions required for breathing assistance which generally cover three months of use. I have never waited to see any doctor for any reason longer than a half hour except to have my broken arm X-ray'd. The techs were at lunch.
Since under current laws, the average California family will spend $2788 in 2006 for health. insurance premiums and health services., you must be very lucky. Your employer obviously pays most of your medical
November 20th, 2006, 12:03 PM
Hahah, I wasn't really serious about the medicare making me Canadian. I would have survived in any other democracy in the western world, though perhaps with less money in my pocket.
I have no reason to say anything about the US when talking about what makes this nation great, or what this nation has instilled in me. I can see where others who have had to make choices can include that. The whole America is the greatest nation on earth, or Canada is, or whatever nation you're from reminds me of those childish arguments about whose Dad could beat who up.
To me Canada is the greatest nation on Earth, you won't catch me arguing that against someone who believes otherwise. I'll never know, because I have no reason to leave this country. It provides me everything I need. What trully makes me Canadian is my love for my country, my love for our ways, my love for every single Canadian out there, regardless of what they think of me.
Hahah, I wasn't really serious about the medicare making me Canadian. I would have survived in any other democracy in the western world, though perhaps with less money in my pocket.
I have no reason to say anything about the US when talking about what makes this nation great, or what this nation has instilled in me. I can see where others who have had to make choices can include that. The whole America is the greatest nation on earth, or Canada is, or whatever nation you're from reminds me of those childish arguments about whose Dad could beat who up.
To me Canada is the greatest nation on Earth, you won't catch me arguing that against someone who believes otherwise. I'll never know, because I have no reason to leave this country. It provides me everything I need. What trully makes me Canadian is my love for my country, my love for our ways, my love for every single Canadian out there, regardless of what they think of me.
Genius
Posts: 814
Location: Eastern Ontario
Location: Eastern Ontario
November 20th, 2006, 12:44 PM
Quoting Tonington
QUITE AGREED!!! but there are many Canadians who jump on the "being Canadian is not being American" bandwagon. It's so pathetic... I am a proud Canadian because of my country period!!! Have a go-day eh
Hahah, I wasn't really serious about the medicare making me Canadian. I would have survived in any other democracy in the western world, though perhaps with less money in my pocket.
I have no reason to say anything about the US when talking about what makes this nation great, or what this nation has instilled in me. I can see where others who have had to make choices can include that. The whole America is the greatest nation on earth, or Canada is, or whatever nation you're from reminds me of those childish arguments about whose Dad could beat who up.
To me Canada is the greatest nation on Earth, you won't catch me arguing that against someone who believes otherwise. I'll never know, because I have no reason to leave this country. It provides me everything I need. What trully makes me Canadian is my love for my country, my love for our ways, my love for every single Canadian out there, regardless of what they think of me.
I have no reason to say anything about the US when talking about what makes this nation great, or what this nation has instilled in me. I can see where others who have had to make choices can include that. The whole America is the greatest nation on earth, or Canada is, or whatever nation you're from reminds me of those childish arguments about whose Dad could beat who up.
To me Canada is the greatest nation on Earth, you won't catch me arguing that against someone who believes otherwise. I'll never know, because I have no reason to leave this country. It provides me everything I need. What trully makes me Canadian is my love for my country, my love for our ways, my love for every single Canadian out there, regardless of what they think of me.
Senate Member
Posts: 6,460
November 20th, 2006, 04:08 PM
Don't know where you got your figures for the "average California family" but the amount fits the stats for a 4-famiy membership I expect. No doubt you think that is expensive. I do not. It is well within my budget as I probably have a higher annual income than a comparative person in Canada. I have no "employer" paying my way - I am my own employer and responsible for my expenses.
So a family of "one" as am I: my premiums and services cost me $730 per year....the breakdown is....
My premiums are $40 a month or = $480 per year paid to a Group Medical Plan I belong to.
My scrip co-pays are $10 x 3 scrips for approximately 5 refills each med per year = $150.00
My co-pays for doctor visits are $20 for approximately 5 visits per year = $100.00 [These include necessary preventive medical routine exams as well as an occasional visit to a Pulmonologist - which would cost $20 copay....but not every year. The prices fluctuate and are subject to increase.]
The broken arm had no meds, just aspirin, rehab was $20.00 per torture and I withstood ten = $200.00 *
Ortho visit was an additional $20 each for six sessions and radiography = $120*
* this was a specific incident over and above my regular medical expenses. The filmwork was free.
On a regular year I total up $480 premiums + $150 meds + $100 doctor visit/exam copay = $730/year
At that rate a family of four (4 x 730) would pay approx. $2,920 per year on average which is higher than your stated amount but as you provide no link I don't know where those figures were reported.
Each part of the country differs and of course anyone with a chronic disease would probably pay higher premiums. I pay more than the average person for one med I take, but fortunately it works and is worth every cent full price.
If I have made math errors - I can't find my little calculator and am too lazy to dig it out of the desk....
Quoting #juan
Juan Since under current laws, the average California family will spend $2788 in 2006 for health. insurance premiums and health services., you must be very lucky. Your employer obviously pays most of your medical
Don't know where you got your figures for the "average California family" but the amount fits the stats for a 4-famiy membership I expect. No doubt you think that is expensive. I do not. It is well within my budget as I probably have a higher annual income than a comparative person in Canada. I have no "employer" paying my way - I am my own employer and responsible for my expenses.
So a family of "one" as am I: my premiums and services cost me $730 per year....the breakdown is....
My premiums are $40 a month or = $480 per year paid to a Group Medical Plan I belong to.
My scrip co-pays are $10 x 3 scrips for approximately 5 refills each med per year = $150.00
My co-pays for doctor visits are $20 for approximately 5 visits per year = $100.00 [These include necessary preventive medical routine exams as well as an occasional visit to a Pulmonologist - which would cost $20 copay....but not every year. The prices fluctuate and are subject to increase.]
The broken arm had no meds, just aspirin, rehab was $20.00 per torture and I withstood ten = $200.00 *
Ortho visit was an additional $20 each for six sessions and radiography = $120*
* this was a specific incident over and above my regular medical expenses. The filmwork was free.
On a regular year I total up $480 premiums + $150 meds + $100 doctor visit/exam copay = $730/year
At that rate a family of four (4 x 730) would pay approx. $2,920 per year on average which is higher than your stated amount but as you provide no link I don't know where those figures were reported.
Each part of the country differs and of course anyone with a chronic disease would probably pay higher premiums. I pay more than the average person for one med I take, but fortunately it works and is worth every cent full price.
If I have made math errors - I can't find my little calculator and am too lazy to dig it out of the desk....
