I am a proud Canadian born and raised, our country has much to offer the world, and has done just that for decades. To say we are Americans is very vague, we speak the same language, eat the same food, enjoy the same toys, but aside from these types of things that other countries also partake, we more importantly have different values, our own values. We are an accomplished nation, few people talk about our accomplishments, perhaps because most do not know of them, but hopefully not because they don't care. Canadian technology and people played a major part in America's success in space, remember Avro ? Of course I did not like traitorous actions of the then Prime Minister Defenbaker. Living past that, ever notice how many great actors and actresses are Canadian. Medical break throughs ? Canada has tremendous technical abilities, how about our natural resources? Nothing to do one night ? search the web on these issues and you would be surpised.
I heard today a commentator from the United States say that they really do not need Canada, I guess he doesn't realize how much the U.S. really depends on Canada, granted we rely on the U.S. as well. We are it's largest oil supplier, without our hydro California would most likely be dark. I am not saying that I dislike Americans or that Canada is perfect. The fact is that we are very close neighbours, we have differences and should be proud of this, it makes us what we are. There is alot of crap slinging going on lately by overly mouthy people from both countries, some think that we are not friends with the U.S. and vice versa, some loath the Americans and vice versa. I had my tires slashed by in the U.S. by someone that was upset Canada didn't attack Iraq. ( the idiot left the reason on a note ). That aside, it is nice to know that we stood by our values despite U.S. pressure. You acn buy tires, but you can't buy pride or integrity.
Canadians are generally well accepted through out most of the world we travel as we are. Remember when American traveller's were putting Canadian flags or Maple Leafs on their luggage, why was that ? Simple, we are better liked, we don't go around imposing our values forcibly. Do not confuse peace keeping with this, we try to keep the peace for innocent people, not walk in and over throw their governments. Democracy is nice, but lets not destroy people's lives in the process. I am not a tree hugger, anti war advocate or protester, I just think that how would we feel if some country forcibly came here and felt we should adopt their way of life. Should a country or a group threaten our values and way of life, I will defend Canada. I would not go doing pre-emptive strikes " just in case ".
As for the province of Quebec, not all resisdents, just the hardcore separatists......??? Where will you go ? France will have nothing to do with you, the U.S. does not want you ( they have seen the trouble you make ). But I suppose that that is not an issue, since you do not want to be Canadian, you most likely wouldn't want to be American, or anything else anyway. Good luck with your new republic, considering that the Native people let you keep the land that is. What currency will you use ? Canadian Dollars ? American Dollars ? How much do you think a Quebec Dollar will buy ? You should pick a country, it is tough to make one nowadays. You really should feel lucky that Canada has enough compassion to keep you as part of this country. I am sure your reply may be " you just don't understand us " you are totally correct, I do not. There has been no more suffering in Quebec than the rest of Canada, you have not earned anything more in my eyes. If anyone, the native people of this land should come before you, they did come first and have given this country more support.
Canadians, be proud, we have earned it. Teach our children.
