NationStates Jolt Archive

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

I'd like to know too. They complain about how we talk big and how we're the bigger, badder nation on the block. And they watch our elections while we let theirs pass us by.

Whilst I dont live in Canada (I am a candian citizen though:)) i would say it could be because America has more of an impact on Canada than Canada would on America

Hell America pretty much has some impact most on countrys

Whilst I dont live in Canada (I am a candian citizen though:)) i would say it could be because America has more of an impact on Canada than Canada would on America

Hell America pretty much has some impact most countrys

And, judging by this thread alone, many americans wouldn't realise if Canadian foreign policy did have a major impact upon them, anyway...

so if American foreign policy is the only reason why you care who wins the US election, do you even give a shit about the canidates views on US economics, social programs, education, etc.?

Much as we Brits hate to admit it :wink: the POTUS is probably the most influential man in the world.

We all have a vested interest in who he is as a result.

I don't get the Kerry support though, I'm no Bush fan, but Kerry is not a good candidate.

I'm Canadian and I can describe our concern for the US presidential election this way, I heard it in gr 8 (note: that was 4 years ago, so my memory is hazy).

The Canadian and American economies are very tightly linked, 13 billion dollars cross our borders each day. Since the US's economy is far stronger then Canada's (250 million people vs 30 million people), lulls in the US economy is reflective to Canada's, think of it this way.

If you get a cough, we get a cold
if you get a cold, we get the flu
if you get the flu, we're kinda screwed.

There are exceptions of course, Canada's economy bounced back much faster then the US's after 9/11 (I don't mean to brag). and recently we've been having a pretty strong dollar.

Another reason we give a damn is because we care so much for our neighbors.

Another reason we give a damn is because we care so much for our neighbors.
neighbors? Unless you want to put a rail line over the north pole into Russia, we are your only neighbor. Do you agree, eh?

I'm Canadian and I can describe our concern for the US presidential election this way, I heard it in gr 8 (note: that was 4 years ago, so my memory is hazy).

The Canadian and American economies are very tightly linked, 13 billion dollars cross our borders each day. Since the US's economy is far stronger then Canada's (250 million people vs 30 million people), lulls in the US economy is reflective to Canada's, think of it this way.

If you get a cough, we get a cold
if you get a cold, we get the flu
if you get the flu, we're kinda screwed.

There are exceptions of course, Canada's economy bounced back much faster then the US's after 9/11 (I don't mean to brag). and recently we've been having a pretty strong dollar.

Another reason we give a damn is because we care so much for our neighbors.
Nitpick. We have about 290 million people. :) California's going to have about 65 million by 2050, and the entire country between 390 million and 520 million. Yes, you read California's projected population figure correctly.

Believe it or not, our government affects other countries.

Simple fact - The US President is the most powerful man in the world, that's why us non-Americans care. Allot of us seem to care more than Americans do.

Maybe they are worried in case the US decides to invade to free the freedom loving people of Quebec from the tyranny of the Canadian Administration! :shock:

By the way, isn't it a bit boring to only have 2 choices?

No Monster Raving Loony Party to vote for?

No Greens?

No Natural Law?

No Liberal Democrats or Scottish Nationalists?

A bit like Britain then, where despite the small parties there have only ever been Labour or Tory Governments since the 40s! Oh and New Labour which should not be mistaken for Labour as they have nothing in common.

:twisted:

PS I seem to have become a Diplomat, I used to be an Envoy. I think maybe I post too much.

we have a third party, and the Democrats hate it the same way Republicans hated Perot in 1992 and 1996.

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.
Then why didn't our minions obey the capital and follow us into Iraq?

An awful lot did...

so if American foreign policy is the only reason why you care who wins the US election, do you even give a shit about the canidates views on US economics, social programs, education, etc.?
(Speaking as a Brit here rather than a Canadian...)

Well, insofar as as a human being one cares about the welfare of human beings in general. I don't care about Random Q. American any more or any less than I care about any given individual from Burundi, Myanmar or indeed Britain, unless I happen to know them personally, but I'd rather people got a higher standard of living than not.

And yeah, the election results affect far more than the USA. We'd rather have someone who can be a good ally, and is willing to compromise to that effect.

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.
Then why didn't our minions obey the capital and follow us into Iraq?

Because they're not really your minions. They just don't have as many guns and bombs as America has.

Other countries care about US elections because the results can have profound effects on the economy and stability of the world -- as the election of GWB, followed by the sudden decline in the world's economy and stability have demonstrated. George screws up the US economy, and everyone suffers. George (with a little bit of help from Tony Blair) blunders into Iraq, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Of course we care who's in the White House. What's surprising is that 50% of Americans don't seem to.

In some instances the results of a US Presidential election are far more significant for non-Americans than they are for US citizens. Most of the planet is hoping that Kerry gets elected in 2004 because he looks like he's more prepared to consider international opinion than Bush is. I can see how a Bush supporter might regard GWB's blinkered isolationist stance as a sign of "strong leadership", but you can appreciate that other nations might not see it that way. In any case, Kerry's got to be better than a gun-happy glassy-eyed fundamentalist knucklehead puppet run by a cabal of equally dim neo-Cons. In my opinion.

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?
Probably because their country is so boring that they need something to do. Canadians seem to be busybodies.

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?
Probably because their country is so boring that they need something to do. Canadians seem to be busybodies.

Not really. they just tend to be better informed about the world than most "Americans" are -- heck, most of the rest of the world, apart from the totalitarian dictatorships and the third-world countries with no media, tend to be better informed about the world than we are.

As a consequence of knowing what's going on in the world, Canadians and others realize that when a country as rich and as militaristically oriented as ours starts acting as though it has a foreign policy, that country needs to be watched carefully, like Floridians watching a tropical storm in the Caribbean, or a shop-keeper watching a bull at the door of his china shop. So they watch. And like the Floridians they hope the storm turns out to sea again; like the shop-keeper, they hope the bull smells an interesting pasture (or female) in the opposite direction from the shop door.

And right now, vast numbers of people around the world are hoping for someone more reasonable and less ignorant of world affairs than our incumbent president.

Is Kerry the best we can do? Probably not. Trouble is, all the really good people have no desire to wallow in the muck that is "American" politics.

PT

is this question serious?
have you not noticed the importance of america?
the whole world watches your elections, it affects the entire planet

Gee... why would anybody be interested in who is leading the world's superpower, their neighbour, their largest trading partner.... after all - the policy decisions of that country couldn't possibly have any extraterritorial effect which might have impacts on our own wellbeing could it?


And yes, the fact that you are our largest trading partner does give us good reason to also maintain an interest in your domestic policies that affect the business climate in which we operate.


However, don't assume that those of us who dislike Bush really support Kerry. Frankly, I think he's just a slightly less bad choice.


The better question might be "Why don't most Americans take more of an interest in Canadian politcs?"

We take nearly 25 percent of your exports, which is to say that we consume about $160 Billion US of the products you make. If we go in the crapper, so do a ton of your jobs.

-Z-

However, don't assume that those of us who dislike Bush really support Kerry.
Which is why Kerry will lose.

However, don't assume that those of us who dislike Bush really support Kerry.
Which is why Kerry will lose.

Quite possibly. Frankly I think the Dems could have found a better candidate.

Although at least they didn't go with Dean... that would have been embarrassing.

The better question might be "Why don't most Americans take more of an interest in Canadian politcs?"

We take nearly 25 percent of your exports, which is to say that we consume about $160 Billion US of the products you make. If we go in the crapper, so do a ton of your jobs.

Just emphasizing this point in case our American cousins somehow missed it.

As a Canadian, living in Canada, I watch American Politics on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I like to mix my comdie and politics.

But I follow American politics because I would like to see what is going on down there. America highly influances Canada, unfortunaly, and they are also the most powerful nation in the world.

It's to our benifit to see who is running it.

And as to why Americans don't follow Canadian Politics, they are too full of themselves to care.

It's not that we Americans don't want to care. We were just raised to not care. And Real world affairs are kept out of corporate media because the corporations dont want the American public to know what they are doing to teh rest of the world.

Whilst I dont live in Canada (I am a candian citizen though:)) i would say it could be because America has more of an impact on Canada than Canada would on America

Hell America pretty much has some impact most countrys

And, judging by this thread alone, many americans wouldn't realise if Canadian foreign policy did have a major impact upon them, anyway...

Of course we'd notice. It has just never happened.

:shock:

Whilst I dont live in Canada (I am a candian citizen though:)) i would say it could be because America has more of an impact on Canada than Canada would on America

Hell America pretty much has some impact most countrys

And, judging by this thread alone, many americans wouldn't realise if Canadian foreign policy did have a major impact upon them, anyway...

Of course we'd notice. It has just never happened.

:shock:

American elections influence Canada's economy more than many people think. When Bush implemented the Steel protections in order for the local industry to reform and recover it hurt everything up here, alot of companies opened call centers are rated themselves American companies in Delaware in order to avoid most of the new barriers.

As to why Americans don't follow Canadian politics...you think the Chinese or the Soviets followed the politics of their neighbors? And by this I mean the average person...not the government. I think the way local media presents the news has somethind to do with it...whatever happens on the I-95 is "national" and stuff that happens in Cali and Japan is all put into one segment...its accross the world so who cares? :shock:

Whilst I dont live in Canada (I am a candian citizen though:)) i would say it could be because America has more of an impact on Canada than Canada would on America

Hell America pretty much has some impact most countrys

And, judging by this thread alone, many americans wouldn't realise if Canadian foreign policy did have a major impact upon them, anyway...

Of course we'd notice. It has just never happened.

:shock:

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

I second this.. (as a Canadian)

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.
Then why didn't our minions obey the capital and follow us into Iraq?

Because they're not really your minions. They just don't have as many guns and bombs as America has.

Other countries care about US elections because the results can have profound effects on the economy and stability of the world -- as the election of GWB, followed by the sudden decline in the world's economy and stability have demonstrated. George screws up the US economy, and everyone suffers. George (with a little bit of help from Tony Blair) blunders into Iraq, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Of course we care who's in the White House. What's surprising is that 50% of Americans don't seem to.

In some instances the results of a US Presidential election are far more significant for non-Americans than they are for US citizens. Most of the planet is hoping that Kerry gets elected in 2004 because he looks like he's more prepared to consider international opinion than Bush is. I can see how a Bush supporter might regard GWB's blinkered isolationist stance as a sign of "strong leadership", but you can appreciate that other nations might not see it that way. In any case, Kerry's got to be better than a gun-happy glassy-eyed fundamentalist knucklehead puppet run by a cabal of equally dim neo-Cons. In my opinion.

*clap!

Much as we Brits hate to admit it :wink: the POTUS is probably the most influential man in the world.

We all have a vested interest in who he is as a result.

I don't get the Kerry support though, I'm no Bush fan, but Kerry is not a good candidate.

Did you know our POTUS is a pilot. Does that make him POTUS PILOT?

I am sure you're aware that Bush got the job under - to be charitable - less than optimal circumstances in November 2000. As in most countries with what amounts to a two party system polar opposites will go one way or another. In the USA the Republicans are the conservatives or right while the Democrats are the liberals or left. The majority shifts, depending on circumstances, either way. In general I think it can be safely said few are ever happy with either choice. Generally it is a matter of the perceived lesser of two mediocre choices.

:shock:

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.
Then why didn't our minions obey the capital and follow us into Iraq?

Because they're not really your minions. They just don't have as many guns and bombs as America has.

Other countries care about US elections because the results can have profound effects on the economy and stability of the world -- as the election of GWB, followed by the sudden decline in the world's economy and stability have demonstrated. George screws up the US economy, and everyone suffers. George (with a little bit of help from Tony Blair) blunders into Iraq, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Of course we care who's in the White House. What's surprising is that 50% of Americans don't seem to.

In some instances the results of a US Presidential election are far more significant for non-Americans than they are for US citizens. Most of the planet is hoping that Kerry gets elected in 2004 because he looks like he's more prepared to consider international opinion than Bush is. I can see how a Bush supporter might regard GWB's blinkered isolationist stance as a sign of "strong leadership", but you can appreciate that other nations might not see it that way. In any case, Kerry's got to be better than a gun-happy glassy-eyed fundamentalist knucklehead puppet run by a cabal of equally dim neo-Cons. In my opinion.

*clap!

Indeed, well said!

Americans and Canadians have a great deal of interest in keeping friendly relations and trade. The amount of daily commerce and back-forth traffic over our border is staggering - there's absolutely no border like it in the world and it's a true success story of goodwill and freedom.

There are even a surprising number of people who live in one country and work in the other one - commuting over the border every day.

Many Americans who live near the norther border have expressed frustration that some Washington politicians (including Bush) are so ignorant of the vital trade, deep connections and inter-dependence between our 2 countries. Of course these concerns are felt by all Canadians too.

Lastly, I'd ask all Canadians and Americans whose family roots in the New World go back a few generations to research their family trees. Know what you'll find? Many of you will learn that you have blood relatives living on the other side of the border.

So it's just goofy for Canadians and Americans to think of each other as foreigners and look down on each other - we are cousins who think a bit differently on some things but are fundamentally related nonetheless.

bump...

(I am intrested in some more Canadian opinions, eh)

Who's Canada's president right now anyway?

Who's Canada's president right now anyway?
They don't have a President, they have a PM, and his name is Paul Martin I think.

also, look at it from an environmental standpoint. i would rather have someone who would follow through on the kyoto accord especially in one of the more populated and more polluting countries in the world. bush has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't give a rat's ass about the environment.

also, as there aren't many giant telescopes in canada, i might end up working in the u.s. some day... so i would like there to be freedom to dissent and you know... some social programs should i have to move there.

aside from that, i have american citizenship as well though i can't vote due to never having lived in the country.

also, look at it from an environmental standpoint. i would rather have someone who would follow through on the kyoto accord especially in one of the more populated and more polluting countries in the world. bush has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't give a rat's ass about the environment.

also, as there aren't many giant telescopes in canada, i might end up working in the u.s. some day... so i would like there to be freedom to dissent and you know... some social programs should i have to move there.

aside from that, i have american citizenship as well though i can't vote due to never having lived in the country.
Kyoto was voted down by Congress, not Bush.

Here is a letter from Former EPA head Christine Todd Whitman regarding Bush's stance on the enviroment.

"I question where John Kerry has been in recent years when environmental issues have been debated. Kerry's silence was notable when the Clinton Administration failed to act on mercury emissions from power plants. President Bush's Clear Skies proposal is the most aggressive presidential initiative in history to reduce power plant emissions of three of the worst pollutants, including the first-ever cap on mercury emissions from power plants.

"Kerry calls the environment a top priority, yet he missed the vote on Healthy Forests legislation. Kerry also blocked the President's Energy Bill, which included a provision to phase out MTBE use and increased funding for renewable energy.

"The truth is that President Bush's leadership on environmental issues has given us cleaner air, water and land. The President's non-road diesel engine rule will dramatically reduce emissions from construction, agricultural and industrial equipment, thereby preventing annually 9600 premature deaths and 260,000 children respiratory problems. Coupled with the 2007 diesel rule for highway trucks and this Administration's School Bus Retrofit Program, these actions will be the most far-reaching diesel programs in the world.

"This Administration's Beach Program strengthens beach standards and testing, provides faster laboratory test methods, invests in health research, and better informs the public. Clean-up plans are underway to eliminate 150,000 pounds of PCBs from the Hudson River. Fifteen million dollars in grants are going to 20 watersheds to ensure cleaner and healthier waters in America. The largest civil penalty a company has paid in EPA history was due to this Administration's enforcement of the Clean Water Act. This Administration set rules to protect surface water from animal waste, resulting in 25 percent reduction in related water pollution. President Bush recently re-affirmed his policy of 'no net-loss of wetlands.'

"President Bush signed Brownfields legislation that will encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of old industrial properties, cleaning up our environment and creating new jobs. His 2005 budget includes a 24 percent increase over 2004 for cleaning up these abandoned industrial sites.

"In short, John Kerry's attacks on the President's environmental record ignore the progress that has been made by this Administration."

Okay, you have asked a fair question and I will try to give a fair reply.

I only speak for myself here:

Why I Like the US:

I have vacationed many times in the US over the past 34 years.

Florida 6 times (gotta love Disney World), Fort Myers, Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Naples, and Aligator Alley. Prefer the Gulf coast.

Mrytle Beach 6 times. What can I say----golf, golf, and more golf!!! Great restaurants, great food. Although a few were a bit ticked at me when I walked in with my Blue Jays World Series Champions sweatshirt on, one week after beating Atlanta Braves :lol:

Washington DC 1 day whirlwind on the way back to Canada by car, back in the early 70's

Old Saybrook Connecticut 2 days on the ocean. Gore Mountain New York State, Elmira, Corning, and Niagara Falls. Had a wonderful 9 days.

Chicago 3 days on business. Rush St.!! One night of Blues!!

Las Vegas 3 days---only once thank God!! That was back in 1976 during bicentennial.

Los Angeles, stayed on Queen Mary at Long Beach. Disneyland and Universal Studios. 3 days in San Fran, Carmel, Monterey. All in 1976.

Last month, 4 days in L.A., 14 days in San Fran. Awesome vacation.

The US is our number 1 trading partner and vice-versa.

Last US President that I truly admired-----JFK. I thought Clinton did a credible job with the economy.

I have friends in the US that I have never met but played Spades with them online for 5 years.

What I don't like about US:

Too many guns, too many murders. Death Penalty. Ultra Capitalism. People with no health insurance. KKK. Viet Nam. Cambodia. Chile. Iraq. Racial disparity (although we have some in Canada too). Waco. Columbine. Kansas City.

US illegal invasion of Iraq to me spells big trouble for the world. More terrorism, not less. More needless killing of innocent Iraqis that were no threat to US. Weakening of the UN. Bush economic plan could spell disaster for global economy. Bremer's Orders spell disaster for Iraq economy.

This Canadian is very concerned who is the next US President, and I know that many around the globe feel the same way.

Quote for the day:

"The destruction of your enemy is the destruction of yourself"
~~~~~~Dalai Lama~~~~~

I think everyone in the world is interested in who the next POTUS will be. (especially Bin Laden)

When I was in Japan in 2000 everyone was on the edge of their seats about the pres elections then.

Japanese policy is strongly dictated by who is the POTUS, same as in Canada. During Kyoto, the Canadian delegation was told to follow the US lead. So when the US set ambitious redcution goals.. Canada followed suit. Moreover, Canada has gone to every warzone with the Americans with the noticeable exceptions of Vietnam (although we had observers there at one point) and the Iraq II (although some Canadians were there on military exchange)

Actually I support Bush, (much to the chagrin of many of my countrymen), mostly because I think he's sincere if not always right. Sincerity in a politician is hard to find... especially in Canada. I don't buy into the mass conspiracy theories that left-wingers offer about Bush and oil.

There are a number of Canadians that support Bush... but only about 1/3 at best.

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.
Then why didn't our minions obey the capital and follow us into Iraq?

Because they're not really your minions. They just don't have as many guns and bombs as America has.

Other countries care about US elections because the results can have profound effects on the economy and stability of the world -- as the election of GWB, followed by the sudden decline in the world's economy and stability have demonstrated. George screws up the US economy, and everyone suffers. George (with a little bit of help from Tony Blair) blunders into Iraq, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Of course we care who's in the White House. What's surprising is that 50% of Americans don't seem to.

In some instances the results of a US Presidential election are far more significant for non-Americans than they are for US citizens. Most of the planet is hoping that Kerry gets elected in 2004 because he looks like he's more prepared to consider international opinion than Bush is. I can see how a Bush supporter might regard GWB's blinkered isolationist stance as a sign of "strong leadership", but you can appreciate that other nations might not see it that way. In any case, Kerry's got to be better than a gun-happy glassy-eyed fundamentalist knucklehead puppet run by a cabal of equally dim neo-Cons. In my opinion.
I would agree with that to a point that the international opinion is more important to John Kerry, but the calling Bush an isolationist is insane. And to blame him for the decline of the global economy is an even bigger shame. The second quarter of negative GDP growth was reported in January of 2001. So while the global economy did fall because of the decline of the U.S. economy, it had nothing to do ith Bush's presidency. Then, 9 months after his election we were attacked; a moment that I think we can all reflect on and say it was a major inflection point in the way we live our lives.
Before I digress further, the real reason the international population is concerned with the election is because they want to know if the US Dollars they used to receive are going to come back to them, or if they are going to be used to try and insure the the WTC doesn't get blown up for the THIRD TIME, or if the money is used to make sure our foreign embassies are blown up, or if they money goes to protecting our naval ships from being destroyed in ports during peace time. So you may call it isolationist, but from my perspective I think it is just the greed of less wealth nations.

Possibly because American foreign policy effects the outside world to a significant degree... I'd be worried if Germany elected Hitler's-brain-in-a-cyborg.

Yah. Americans saeem to have a complex for themselves. They have an isolation complex, yet dont realise their country has a significant effect on the world. America IS the capital of the world.
Then why didn't our minions obey the capital and follow us into Iraq?

Because they're not really your minions. They just don't have as many guns and bombs as America has.

Other countries care about US elections because the results can have profound effects on the economy and stability of the world -- as the election of GWB, followed by the sudden decline in the world's economy and stability have demonstrated. George screws up the US economy, and everyone suffers. George (with a little bit of help from Tony Blair) blunders into Iraq, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Of course we care who's in the White House. What's surprising is that 50% of Americans don't seem to.

In some instances the results of a US Presidential election are far more significant for non-Americans than they are for US citizens. Most of the planet is hoping that Kerry gets elected in 2004 because he looks like he's more prepared to consider international opinion than Bush is. I can see how a Bush supporter might regard GWB's blinkered isolationist stance as a sign of "strong leadership", but you can appreciate that other nations might not see it that way. In any case, Kerry's got to be better than a gun-happy glassy-eyed fundamentalist knucklehead puppet run by a cabal of equally dim neo-Cons. In my opinion.
I would agree with that to a point that the international opinion is more important to John Kerry, but the calling Bush an isolationist is insane. And to blame him for the decline of the global economy is an even bigger shame. The second quarter of negative GDP growth was reported in January of 2001. So while the global economy did fall because of the decline of the U.S. economy, it had nothing to do ith Bush's presidency. Then, 9 months after his election we were attacked; a moment that I think we can all reflect on and say it was a major inflection point in the way we live our lives.
Before I digress further, the real reason the international population is concerned with the election is because they want to know if the US Dollars they used to receive are going to come back to them, or if they are going to be used to try and insure the the WTC doesn't get blown up for the THIRD TIME, or if the money is used to make sure our foreign embassies are blown up, or if they money goes to protecting our naval ships from being destroyed in ports during peace time. So you may call it isolationist, but from my perspective I think it is just the greed of less wealth nations.

However, don't assume that those of us who dislike Bush really support Kerry.
Which is why Kerry will lose.

Eh? As I read Zeppistan's answer, I'd guess [s]he is Canadian. Last I heard Canadians don't vote in our elections, so why would the "us" [s]he refers to as not really supporting Kerry affect Kerry's chances?

Or did I read that wrong?

PT

Whilst I dont live in Canada (I am a candian citizen though:)) i would say it could be because America has more of an impact on Canada than Canada would on America

Hell America pretty much has some impact most countrys

And, judging by this thread alone, many americans wouldn't realise if Canadian foreign policy did have a major impact upon them, anyway...

Of course we'd notice. It has just never happened.

:shock:

Or maybe we wouldn't notice anyway. Maybe we'd just rewrite history, partially with the help of a distorted Hollywood mis-portrayal of events, so that most of us would believe our country was the center of events. Maybe we'd even end up making movies that depict events as we wish they would have worked out, so that we could imagine that things always went the way we want them to do.

Maybe this has already happened.

PT

Another reason we give a damn is because we care so much for our neighbors.
neighbors? Unless you want to put a rail line over the north pole into Russia, we are your only neighbor. Do you agree, eh?

Not to dwell on the semantics but our neighbors also include Denmark (Greenland) and France (they maintain a small island in the middle of our maritime provinces).

As for your question, 1.4 billion dollars a day go between our borders, one million a minute alone between GM's plants in Canada to the US. Any action that results in Americans increasing border security drasticaly affects our revenues.

That is one of the many reasons why we care. Also consider this, most people in the world cannot tell the difference between an American and Canadian accent. As anti-American feelings rise, Canadians working abroad are often targeted be groups mistaking them for Americans. The recent case of the Canadian citizen taken captive in Iraq while doing humanitarian duty. He was first thought to be an Israeli spy, then an American spy. He was released when they releazed they had a Canadian (a dud to kidnappers as our government doesn't pay for the release of citizens).

Wonder why so many American backpackers wear Canadian flags on their packs?

EDIT: Jesus my spelling is awful today.

I would agree with that to a point that the international opinion is more important to John Kerry, but the calling Bush an isolationist is insane. And to blame him for the decline of the global economy is an even bigger shame. The second quarter of negative GDP growth was reported in January of 2001. So while the global economy did fall because of the decline of the U.S. economy, it had nothing to do ith Bush's presidency. Then, 9 months after his election we were attacked; a moment that I think we can all reflect on and say it was a major inflection point in the way we live our lives.
Before I digress further, the real reason the international population is concerned with the election is because they want to know if the US Dollars they used to receive are going to come back to them, or if they are going to be used to try and insure the the WTC doesn't get blown up for the THIRD TIME, or if the money is used to make sure our foreign embassies are blown up, or if they money goes to protecting our naval ships from being destroyed in ports during peace time. So you may call it isolationist, but from my perspective I think it is just the greed of less wealth nations.

Yes, because America doles out money hand over fist to every nation on earth, doesn't it? Oh, wait a minute -- no it doesn't. Some countries, like Israel, might have cause to fear the tap being shut off (except no US government would do that), but America is economically important to most nations because its economy is so big. You buy a lot of other countries' exports (except when your President slaps illegal tarrifs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1887072.stm) on our steel, for example, to shore up his vote -- but that only lasts until he's sent running off with his tail between his legs).

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?

Because if you get another war-hungery, prezel chocking on, psychopath like bush in the white house... WE ARE SOO SCREWED!!! :(

However, don't assume that those of us who dislike Bush really support Kerry.
Which is why Kerry will lose.

Eh? As I read Zeppistan's answer, I'd guess [s]he is Canadian. Last I heard Canadians don't vote in our elections, so why would the "us" [s]he refers to as not really supporting Kerry affect Kerry's chances?

Or did I read that wrong?

PT

Ummm did you read the initial post that started the thread?

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?

The post had the explicit "why do you care" question, and the implication that those of us who do not like Mr Bush are somehow overly enamoured of Mr. Kerry. I just tried to anwer both points.

But yes, we are aware that no matter how much we may entere discussion and hope to sway a vote or two, at best we are supporting by proxy. We are very much aware that we are not on your voting lists.

We actually don't mind that. We are as fond of our country as you are of yours.

-Z-

However, don't assume that those of us who dislike Bush really support Kerry.
Which is why Kerry will lose.

Eh? As I read Zeppistan's answer, I'd guess [s]he is Canadian. Last I heard Canadians don't vote in our elections, so why would the "us" [s]he refers to as not really supporting Kerry affect Kerry's chances?

Or did I read that wrong?

PT

Ummm did you read the initial post that started the thread?

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?

The post had the explicit "why do you care" question, and the implication that those of us who do not like Mr Bush are somehow overly enamoured of Mr. Kerry. I just tried to anwer both points.

But yes, we are aware that no matter how much we may entere discussion and hope to sway a vote or two, at best we are supporting by proxy. We are very much aware that we are not on your voting lists.

We actually don't mind that. We are as fond of our country as you are of yours.

-Z-

Sorry for miscommunicating, Z. I was answering solely the comment, "Which is why Kerry will lose" made by "Alt_spacebastards". I felt sure either I'd misunderstood him, or he was overlooking that you are Canadian. I just wondered which.

I'm of the opinion that "American" politics should be more informed by the opinions of its neighbours to the north (and to the south too, but for some Yanks that seems to raise certain issues regarding latent racism and xenophobia which cloud the discussion).

And BTW, I'm quite fond of Canada, too. If only you could manage a good beach for surfing... :)

PT

Alt_spacebastards was the return of Snubis. I'm sure he got going with the two Canadian flamebait threads just to needle Stephistan who is the Mod who DEATed him for his repeated trolling.

A juvenile and ineffecive tactic, and yet hardly unsuprising given him as the source.


As to surfing.... we do have some nice waves here and there... just bring a wetsuit. Or two! lol.

-Z-

Wonder why so many American backpackers wear Canadian flags on their packs?
They don't. Most Americans I know wouldn't wear something so silly.

Here in Hong Kong, we joke about how Canadians think they are superior to Americans. We have yet to figure out why though. :P

Wonder why so many American backpackers wear Canadian flags on their packs?
They don't. Most Americans I know wouldn't wear something so silly.

Here in Hong Kong, we joke about how Canadians think they are superior to Americans. We have yet to figure out why though. :P

because they don't think highly of Americans' intelligence.

Wonder why so many American backpackers wear Canadian flags on their packs?
They don't. Most Americans I know wouldn't wear something so silly.

Here in Hong Kong, we joke about how Canadians think they are superior to Americans. We have yet to figure out why though. :P


Gee, and earlier yesterday there was a long thread claiming that Canadians had an inferiority complex....


At this rate, next we'll get accused of having a culturally ingrained passive-aggressive tendency with the additional diagnosis of delusions of adequacy...


Or maybe people will stop the BS, and accept that pointing out cultural diferences does not neccessarily imply "better" vs "worse". It may be what we prefer, and we may articulate why we prefer it - but hey - it's your damn country so we expect it to reflect your preferences just as our country reflects ours.

Alt_spacebastards was the return of Snubis. I'm sure he got going with the two Canadian flamebait threads just to needle Stephistan who is the Mod who DEATed him for his repeated trolling.

A juvenile and ineffecive tactic, and yet hardly unsuprising given him as the source.


As to surfing.... we do have some nice waves here and there... just bring a wetsuit. Or two! lol.

-Z-


I can only apologize on behalf of those who don't know better for the flamebaiters -- sometimes we just have to admit we are the same species as people who embarrass us and accept a little corporate responsibility, don't we?

And as for the surfing, I'm barely more than a beginner myself, but I'd be interested in giving it a try in Canadian waters. I was also thinking of my teacher -- he has/had a nation here, but he went off on one of his surf-treks, and now his nation seems to be missing, according to my dossier. His nation was "Beach Boys". He's an old-timer who'll ride almost anything that floats, on any moving water smaller than a tsunami. I never heard him mention surfing in Canada although he's done cold water surfing elsewhere.

So where in particular -- like, what beaches? Next time I plan a trip north, I might try it.

PT

I was a little bit curious why so many of the staunchest Kerry supporters on NS are Canadian. The "Canadian inferiority complex" thread got me wondering about this. I know most Americans do not care who the next Canadian PM is, so why are you guys so concerned with us, eh?

I think it's got a lot to do with foreign policy and how the past international issues have been approached. Many Canadians hate Bush because of his "might is right" and trigger-happy and shoot-'em up the ass policies. We also care because we fear what will happen if he continues to be in power. Also, we care because we are tired of getting a raw deal when it comes to trade and being treated badly by the Bush Administration.

Like the US, most of the best surfing is on the West coast. You can catch waves off of Nova Scotia or PEI sometimes, but it is far from consistant in the summer. But if you don't mind freezing your ass off, there are a lot of guys that surf the winter storms near Halifax (http://aco.ca/extremesports/wintersurf.html)

Out west, that huge lump of rock called Vancouver Island blocks the surf from really getting to the mainland in the vancouver area. So people surf off the west coast of the island - mostly in the Tofino Area. (http://www.vancouverisland.ws/longbeach.html)

There are also some people who surf on the great lakes - but that is really a weather-dependant activity. Lake superior is the only one big enough to have fairly consistant swells, but even then it's not always surfable.

Living in the center of the country as I do.... I stick to sailing.

-Z-

Bush's policies are bad for Canada?! :shock: Have you heard what Kerry wants to do?

1) On the campaign trail he denounced companies that set up telemarking centers in Canada (cuz we give special tax breaks to them up here)

2) He wants to take more cases of breach of WTO agreements to court aggresively. (think of all the US-Canada disputes - softwood)

3) He wants to remove special status for companies that move out of the US (into countries like Canada)

4) He proposes a starkly economically isolationist policy (bad for Canada)

because they're the 51st state but don't know it yet... :roll:

never

Just a sideways thought here: why should it be so remarkable for Canadians (and other nations) to care about who is president of the USA? After all, our government --- if not our country --- care about who is running other countries. Isn't that why we waste so much time and money propping up this regime or undermining that one, and we infiltrate so many nations with CIA agents, and if "necessary" we deploy so many troops around the world and invade other countries, in order to make sure we approve various governments we regard as key to our economic and political priorities?

The difference is, the Canadians (and most other nations) limit themselves to having opinions about our politics, as befits civilized human international relations. They do not share our current penchant for interfering with, undermining and invading other countries.

The fact that some nations now are considering becoming active against us is as much a result of our bad habits and bad example in our international relations as anything else.

Perhaps instead of being amazed that they care whether we have a war-monger or an idiot or a narrow-minded fanatic in office for another 4 years, we should be amazed that the whole world doesn't react in unison to ostracize us from the international community until we learn to "play nice" with everyone else in the sandbox.

Like I said, just a thought.

Peace.

PT

Very well expressed! You prove that there are still sane voices of goodwill in America. No doubt some morons will jump on your views as "un-American" but they forget that the truest patriotism is to constructively criticize your own government when it goes badly astray.

You also demonstrate the mature abilty to put yourself in the shoes of people in other countries and guage how we feel. If only others could see so clearly beyond their own noses like you do.

Why-oh-why can't more Americans on this site be as intelligent, rational and polite as Pure Thought is? Let's buy him or her a drink.

For the same reason people don't want to live next to a child molester.

Very well expressed! You prove that there are still sane voices of goodwill in America. No doubt some morons will jump on your views as "un-American" but they forget that the truest patriotism is to constructively criticize your own government when it goes badly astray.

You also demonstrate the mature abilty to put yourself in the shoes of people in other countries and guage how we feel. If only others could see so clearly beyond their own noses like you do.

Why-oh-why can't more Americans on this site be as intelligent, rational and polite as Pure Thought is? Let's buy him or her a drink.

wow.. is it just me or is that just really hypocritical?

You call people 'morons' and that they can't 'see so clearly beyond their own noses' and then try to lecture about people not being 'polite'?

I guess that people are 'intelligent, rational and polite' only when they agree with your views eh?