Re: RE: United North America
Andem said:
The EU vs. United States of North America is a totally different scenario. Canada and the United States are almost polar opposites of political stature. In Canada, we put value on different aspects of life than the US. We are (while some argue the opposite) totally different culturally in that most Canadians accept multiculturalism while there is still a lot of segregation in the U.S.
Americans accept multiculturalism as well. Look at CNN, there's a man and woman of every race on that show. They named a month "Black History Month" and a day "Chinese History Day." They are definitely multi-cultural.
Moving along, Canada and America are defintiely polar political opposites. Canada favors a more centralized form of government that gives all power to a single body (the senate is elected by the parliament, as are judges and committees). America is decentralized and puts all power in the hands of three legislative (presidency, senate, and congress) branches and two judiciary branches.
Nothing would ever pass in Canada if we had this kind of system. And yet if America had our kind of system the Republicans would win three times as much as they do now.
A union strictly between America and Canada would not work. Add in the rest of North America (including Cuba) and add in some similar legislation with what they have in EU (1 country = 1 vote) and it could work. BUT, a two union confederacy will never succeed.
This site gives some really odd pros for Canada joining:
Reduction in taxes by up to 50%.
Elimination of red tape, customs and duties on trade (US is Canada's largest trading partner), and increase in trade/commerce within North America.
Reduction in all costs for products that originate from the USA (73% of Canada's imports).
Increase in industrial and consumer goods available (eg. machine parts, clothing & apparel, fruits), and thus reduce costs for the average consumer.
Significant increases in funding on the federal level in all areas (eg. technological, medical, infrastructure, military)
Increase in national security by means of a uniform continental defense perimeter, and elimination of border guards at the Canadian border, so that they may be used in more important areas (eg. airports, harbors and Mexican border).
Increase in job opportunities in present-day Canada during transition stage (eg. tax & law specialists, city planners) and afterwards due to economic stimulus from merger.
Increase in health care quality.
Gain ability to choose a President in 'national' elections, and participate in a Triple-E Senate.
Gain a seat in the strongest and most powerful nation on the planet, and thus have a voice within it.
Reduce debt burden .
Attain a stronger economy and nation.
A decrease in taxes means a decrease in services.
Most red tape on the border is gone through NAFTA.
Canada chooses a Prime Minister via choosing a representitive so choosing a President would not be that grand.
Finally the second last one, if we merge our nations we would also inherit America's national debt. Ours will be paid off in about 20 years, there's won't be paid off until the next millennia.
