Canadian/U.S. Thaw???

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5555702

It is possible?

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
 

jimmoyer

jimmoyer
Apr 3, 2005
5,101
22
38
69
Winchester Virginia
www.contactcorp.net
You know ITN (I Think Not) was doing some project
on American-Canadian relations. He might have put
a link on this. Curious how that project is going
or what happened.

Anyway, it is a different outlook when you grow
up in a country that is powerful and that little fact
does have a way with its citizens.

It can best be explained by a question: What if you
grew up in a small less powerful nation.

Of course you would see things differently.
 

darkbeaver

the universe is electric
Jan 26, 2006
41,035
201
63
RR1 Distopia 666 Discordia
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. :lol:
 

Jersay

House Member
Dec 1, 2005
4,837
2
38
Independent Palestine
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.
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
Re: RE: Canadian/U.S. Thaw???

darkbeaver said:
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. :lol:

DarkBeaver

I wonder when you think in terms of the U.S., you realize that the majority of the people - those lodged firmly within the moderate range of thought and political philosophy outnumber the total population of Canada five times over (at least).

For example: 300 million people (est) - Left Fringe 20% = 60 million;
Right Fringe 20% = 60 milion; totalling 120 million fringies. Out of a total of 300 million - less 120 million fringies = 180 million moderates, compared with 30 million (est) Canadians' combined political philosophies, you are painting a skewed picture of the U.S. population and its philosophies. Even removing 30 million U.S. people who don't bother to vote, or don't care about politics, have no right to vote, you still have a huge moderate centrist movement actively participating at the local, state and yes federal level. The moderates remain in the majority.

Whereas you only see the picture the press wish to impart for whatever their agenda of the day happens to be (generally unsettling the public), instead of trying to break through your biased observations.

Your right of course to remain biased. But why would you?

Why do you focus on the fringies when they are an impotent group no matter whether they are on the left or right side of
how they believe things should be carried out. Whatever their mission, they actually cancel each other in many issues with their causes and in-fighting, thus leaving the real legislation to the moderates.

The fringies do provide great material for the late nite talk show hosts however but even then, the jokes are boring because nothing ever changes from extremists of all types. They remain in their ruts with nothing of vision coming from their minds.
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
Jersay

You make sense regarding outsourcing and diversification. Many of the young graduates from American Universities are now starting another level of corporate wealth rather than trying to smash down the entrenched barriers within the American corporate structures are now actually setting up their little shops
in India and elsewhere.

Remembering their fathers' dotcom explosion of an earlier time perhaps? They are now following their independent dreams too.

As Japan invaded the U.S., we now see a trickle of U.S. returning some favors and sailing to far-off distant lands....where the living is easy and "cheaper" for these new fresh minds.
 

darkbeaver

the universe is electric
Jan 26, 2006
41,035
201
63
RR1 Distopia 666 Discordia
The moderates control nothing, thier not even aware, the moderates as you call them are nothing but blind dumb consumers. The fringe is where all invention all art and all real change occur. There is no deeper rut than that which the moderates you applaud exist in. What you call my biased observation is conviction and direction. God save us from moderate dumb consumers.
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
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. :lol:
 

Jay

Executive Branch Member
Jan 7, 2005
8,366
3
38
Re: RE: Canadian/U.S. Thaw???

Wednesday's Child said:
Why do you focus on the fringies ....


Their both fringies themselves.
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
Morning Jay!!!

I know there are some people who see straight ahead and they are sincere.

In our world - even driving a car isn't safe unless you occasionally look to the sides and even the rear!
 

Jay

Executive Branch Member
Jan 7, 2005
8,366
3
38
Good Morning my sweet Wednesday's Child.....it is snowing like crazy here and it's cold. Consider your California self lucky!!
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
Hey Jay

Snow - it was bound to happen - the weather has been pretty nice up until the new year right?

Kids are already starting to get into shorts for school and play now... it's warm....but you have us beat in the summer when nobody should live in that blazing sun!

I miss ITN - Day 2 - I thought he would at least send us a message by now....imagine working being more important!!
 

Jay

Executive Branch Member
Jan 7, 2005
8,366
3
38
ITN called me....all is well with him, he's just in a busy period at the moment.


The weather has been a little warmer than usual here. Our January thaw lasted a little longer than usual, but were right back in the thick of it again!
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
Jay

I'm way off topic - but please say hi to ITN for us??? Glad you are in touch. Also glad he is busy - that's a good sign for a business.
 

Jay

Executive Branch Member
Jan 7, 2005
8,366
3
38
I might be hooking up with him Friday...I will say hi for you!
 

Curiosity

Senate Member
Jul 30, 2005
7,326
138
63
California
Jay

The case of you two and the way you feed each other in trouble-making - I'd say it is much more sane! Vive la Alexander Bell! ooops...that's a bit late eh?
 

Canuckgirl

New Member
Mar 1, 2006
10
0
1
Jersay said:
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.

I so agree with you, we definitely need to start having a bit of a backbone as a country and start looking out for ourselves outside of this one-way relationship with the Americans. I myself can't wait. It might be bumpy and things could be tough for a while, no doubt, but in the end we might actually achieve a bit of sovreignty from the US, woohoo!