NationStates Jolt Archive

So folks, I'm new here, but have been reading all the posts very closey. I'm excited to have been shown this site because it seems like a great place to talk politics and the world in general, as it seems we have so many backgrounds here and everyone is willing to share their opinion in a mature way.

That said, I'm feeling dissatisfied with America in some ways, and was wondering what everyone thinks about Canada.

Seriously.

I looked at Canada's website and have spoken with a few Canadian friends, and it just seems like a whole different world. Their government is enviromentally concious, the residents seem to be just as friendly as can be, and they even force minority representation in their government (which America has yet to do.)

What do you think? If you're an American and had to choose another country to live in, what would it be?

shhhh, don't tell him about Harper, maybe he'll move to Canada....

shhhh, don't tell him about Harper, maybe he'll move to Canada....

Gasp! You'd let me move to a country where someone from this forum posts?! FOR SHAME!

I would rather live in Canada than the US, but I'm happy where I am.

I would rather live in Canada than the US, but I'm happy where I am.

So many areas in the US are so profoundly different, I haven't felt the need to live anywhere else (although I have lived in a lot of other countries off and on). More of a "I want to go there" kind of thing.

There are places in the US I won't set foot in.

And I'm very happy with where I live in the US.

Gasp! You'd let me move to a country where someone from this forum posts?! FOR SHAME!No, he's referring to the current conservative Prime Minister of Canada, Steven Harper.

As a Canadian, I'd love to give an opinion, but undoubtedly I'd just be told by the other posters to stfu, as I am not an American.

"the residents seem to be just as friendly as can be, and they even force minority representation in their government (which America has yet to do.)"-----Bookislvakia


eh, like the US, some Canadians are shining examples of how to be polite and generous, and some are flat out boorish and rude. i've yet to find a country where i could classify the residents as anything but a mix of good and bad.


thank goodness the US citizens get to pick our government instead of the government picking our government. that's about the worst method i can imagine

you're from virginia, eh?

I'm living in Chattanooga right now, I guess I could update my user CP while I wait for my next class...

Maybe I should start looking around the US for a quiet, liberal town with a small university nearby. That way I could start a practice, be around people I like, and commute from my heavily armed house at least a 30 minute drive away.

you're from virginia, eh?

I'm living in Chattanooga right now, I guess I could update my user CP while I wait for my next class...

Maybe I should start looking around the US for a quiet, liberal town with a small university nearby. That way I could start a practice, be around people I like, and commute from my heavily armed house at least a 30 minute drive away.

Try Boulder, Colorado.

Or Charlottesville, Virginia.

As a Canadian, I'd love to give an opinion, but undoubtedly I'd just be told by the other posters to stfu, as I am not an American.

Blast! send me some sort of private mail, or if you have a nation, send a TG to Bookislvakia.

Try Boulder, Colorado.

Or Charlottesville, Virginia.

I recognize the names of those cities, and also a subtle attempt on my life.

Touche.

As a Canadian, I'd love to give an opinion, but undoubtedly I'd just be told by the other posters to stfu, as I am not an American.

I don't have a problem with you expressing what you claim are facts about Canada.

No, he's referring to the current conservative Prime Minister of Canada, Steven Harper.

I had heard there was a conservative movement going on. I wonder if there's a multi-national conservative movement on the rise?

I had heard there was a conservative movement going on. I wonder if there's a multi-national conservative movement on the rise?

This sort of thing ebbs and flows in the US - ask Dobbs if it ebbs and flows in Canada.

No, he's referring to the current conservative Prime Minister of Canada, Steven Harper.

You mean Harper doesn't post on NS General?

You mean Harper doesn't post on NS General?

Dobbs is really Harper, posting as a guilty conscience. Ever wonder why Dobbs announced not too long ago that he got a job?

This sort of thing ebbs and flows in the US - ask Dobbs if it ebbs and flows in Canada.

I do recognize the pendulum effect that occurs between especially strong presidents of opposing factions, such as the swing from conserative to liberal after Reagan and Bush munched on America for awhile, then back to conservative after Clinton.

then I guess it was like a game of Russian roulette, America kinda looked at both candidates, loaded a gun, and put the barrel to their collective heads.

Canada's cool...but you have a lot of oil. That's good as long as the US doesn't start eyeing you up, but if it doesn't happen by 2008 you should be ok.

If I could live anywhere, I'd probably choose the UK or China

I'd really like to take a massive (and massively expensive) foot/animal/bike trip through Europe, Central Asia, and eventually China in order to recreate travel along the ancient Silk Road. I would spend a few days or weeks in each major city, learn about the culture a little, have their foods and drinks, and appreciate their artwork and architecture. Eventually, I'd reach China where I would spend several months or even a year travelling through there and really learning the culture and language.

I'd keep a journal of my experiences with me that would detail the entire trip...it would be incredible.

As a Canadian, I'd love to give an opinion, but undoubtedly I'd just be told by the other posters to stfu, as I am not an American.
You won't get that response from this American. ;)

If Canada has designated bicycle lanes on its highways/roads, then I'm moving there (but not Quebec, I'll stick with the English language for now).

Also, what about western Canada, I recently read that an average 40 percent of the western Canadian pop either:

A) Wants to declare independence
B) Join the US
C) Be not with Canada

I looked at Canada's website and have spoken with a few Canadian friends, and it just seems like a whole different world. Their government is enviromentally concious, the residents seem to be just as friendly as can be, and they even force minority representation in their government (which America has yet to do.)
I think you may have an overly idealistic view of Canada. That said, it's still number 2 on my list of nicest countries.

Canada's cool...but you have a lot of oil. That's good as long as the US doesn't start eyeing you up, but if it doesn't happen by 2008 you should be ok.

If I could live anywhere, I'd probably choose the UK or China

I'd really like to take a massive (and massively expensive) foot/animal/bike trip through Europe, Central Asia, and eventually China in order to recreate travel along the ancient Silk Road. I would spend a few days or weeks in each major city, learn about the culture a little, have their foods and drinks, and appreciate their artwork and architecture. Eventually, I'd reach China where I would spend several months or even a year travelling through there and really learning the culture and language.

I'd keep a journal of my experiences with me that would detail the entire trip...it would be incredible.

i wouldnt want to live in china but i would love to take just that trip you described. that plus travelling along the route of the long march, and a trip down both the yellow river and the yangtse.


the only trouble with canada is that its COLD. really cold. visciously cold. when its not cold they have bigass mosquitos!

if canada could change places with mexico, it would be perfect.

If Canada has designated bicycle lanes on its highways/roads, then I'm moving there (but not Quebec, I'll stick with the English language for now).

Also, what about western Canada, I recently read that an average 40 percent of the western Canadian pop either:

A) Wants to declare independence
B) Join the US
C) Be not with Canada

Well, Montreal has one of the best bicycle path systems in North America, and an amazing amount of services for the cyclist (pdf):
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/download/bs199905.pdf#search=%22montreal%20bike%20path%20ranking%22

And you get to learn french.

As for western Canadian independence, there has always been a certain amount of sentiment in that direction. It has flared up recently because of the tar sands, in that Alberta feels imposed upon because money is flowing out of that province into federal coffers faster than it is going back in. Fortunately,the rest of the Canadian provinces west of Ontario are receiving more money than they're giving, so Alberta would have to go at it alone. Since there are no other reasons for demanding independence, I doubt that Alberta will do anything.

Herndon, Va is covered in bike paths (a lot of the people here commute that way). I find it easy enough to walk to work along the bike paths.

A huge number of bike stores in the area with professional services:
http://yellowpages.aol.com/sports-and-recreation/bicycle-shops/va/herndon/

If you're dumb enough to try to drive through Herndon at rush hour, you'll find that a man on foot or on a bike will always beat you (and unless weather is really bad, have a nicer time).

And you get to learn french.

Like I said, I ain't speaking any language but English (unless it's an East Asian language....)

Like I said, I ain't speaking any language but English (unless it's an East Asian language....)

But that's the language all those catholic schoolgirls speak.

There are places in the US I won't set foot in.

Like Harlem and Oakland? ;)

Like Harlem and Oakland? ;)

Newark, New Jersey.

All of Philadelphia.

Parts of Chicago.

Parts of Baltimore.

All of Los Angeles County.

But that's the language all those catholic schoolgirls speak.

But are they Asian? If they are not, then I refuse to speak French, and I boycott the language on the grounds that it is...something. I was going to make a rather witty and somewhat offensive joke, but the lack of red bean cakes in my house seems to stifle my brain.

I had heard there was a conservative movement going on. I wonder if there's a multi-national conservative movement on the rise?

I think/hope that this is temporary. He was elected mostly because after the sponsorship scandle people no longer trusted the liberal party.


Also, what about western Canada, I recently read that an average 40 percent of the western Canadian pop either:

A) Wants to declare independence
B) Join the US
C) Be not with Canada

There is resentment in Alberta but I've never really seen any in Manitoba/BC/Saskatchewan but there are very few seperatists in Alberta and when our oil drys up they'll shut up.

<snip>
I looked at Canada's website and have spoken with a few Canadian friends, and it just seems like a whole different world. Their government is enviromentally concious, the residents seem to be just as friendly as can be, and they even force minority representation in their government (which America has yet to do.)

What do you think? If you're an American and had to choose another country to live in, what would it be?
When you say "force minority representation in their government", it depends on which part of "government" you're referring to.

In the case of the bureaucracy/civil servants, the law states that each department is responsible for ensuring that their employees are representative of the country, so you're bang on (and this helps the little guy/girl looking for a good paying job).

In the case of the Cabinet, there is a tradition of having representation from across the country and a variety of minority/under-represented groups. It's not a law, but a convention that ought to be followed and the PM is criticized if it isn't.

In terms of our system of elections, there is very little forcing any party to select minority candidates for parliament, except for shifting public opinion and the desire to appeal to minorities/women etc... by ensuring a fairer proportion. By and large though, only a few parties enforce quotas.

In general though, in many ways we're very similar but we hold some very different values as well. Chances are people will like the land they come from.

I think a lot of people look at it like this: if you're rich, you're better off in the States. If you're poor, you're better off in Canada. If you're part of the majority middle-class in between, it's just personal preference.

Dobbs is really Harper, posting as a guilty conscience. Ever wonder why Dobbs announced not too long ago that he got a job?
"Not too long ago"? DK, that was last November.
You won't get that response from this American. ;)
You know, JuNii - I'm thinking I've had you pegged wrong for some time, now. Maybe I got you confused with another poster somewhere along the line.

Thanks for not being dismissive in an out-of-hand way.

I love it here. What more can I say?

So many areas in the US are so profoundly different, I haven't felt the need to live anywhere else (although I have lived in a lot of other countries off and on). More of a "I want to go there" kind of thing.
OK I think I would be happy in New York or Boston (with the other Irish!) but nowhere else, especially not the South or California.

I am also a big fan of cycling not driving so I don't think I'd fit in anywhere in your country.

Edit:... hmmm, Herndon VA. I don't know. You live there... I can't escape the fear that I might get nuked there!

Also, what about western Canada, I recently read that an average 40 percent of the western Canadian pop either:

A) Wants to declare independence
B) Join the US
C) Be not with Canada


I dont know of any that want to join the US, but anti-Americanism is not as prevailent here in western Canada.

More truthfully, we in the west would like the federal goverment to stop using extortion to take control of matters which the constitution deems provincial jurisdiction.

Certainly 40% of albertans do not seek any of those three items you listed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_Party_of_Alberta

and here is the actual website...

http://www.separationalberta.com/

So folks, I'm new here, but have been reading all the posts very closey. I'm excited to have been shown this site because it seems like a great place to talk politics and the world in general, as it seems we have so many backgrounds here and everyone is willing to share their opinion in a mature way.

That said, I'm feeling dissatisfied with America in some ways, and was wondering what everyone thinks about Canada.

Seriously.

I looked at Canada's website and have spoken with a few Canadian friends, and it just seems like a whole different world. Their government is enviromentally concious, the residents seem to be just as friendly as can be, and they even force minority representation in their government (which America has yet to do.)

What do you think? If you're an American and had to choose another country to live in, what would it be?
I would move to New Zealand.

However, I don't think running away from it is gonna solve anything. America is currently annihilating the environment, but if the environmentalists call it quits and move to nice eco-friendly Canada, it will just make things worse overall.

Not every place in Canada is super-nice and friendly. Come to where I am- Alliston (a hick town 45 minutes northwest of Toronto) and you'll literally receive a rude awakening. That's why I'm desperately trying to move out.

I do like my country but if I could pick an ideal place to live, it'd be California- it's warm and they're more along my line of thinking (liberal, though Ontario's up there as well). The winter gets to you after a while here...

I'd like to live in Canada, but I don't know if I could handle the winters.

I've never lived in the US, but as a mover, I've moved people between the two countries, and seen how people live at various areas throughout both nations.

My basic understanding is this; We're practically the same people.The differences are subtle. Americans have a very proud sense of self, and their place in the world. A lot of Canadians mistake that for arrogance when it's not always so. Canadians, in contrast, have spent the last 130 years or so building their nation in response to the US. Part of our national identity, is not being American. So Canadians take a certain offense when Americans don't know enough about Canada, when those same Canadians probably don't know the 1st thing about Mexico.

Beyond that, Canada has a long history of 'order', which stems back from the way we settled the west. Canada created the North-West Mounted Police (later the RCMP) to maintain order, while the west was 'won' in the US in a much less federalized way.

If you're a strong, self-motivated person the possibilities for advancement are greater in the US. There are more opportunities in America. Canadians generally worry less about gun crime and so on, but it exists in both countries, just as a strong middle class exists in both countries.

It's a lot colder here. But if you live in Southern Ontario, odds are a lot of the US is colder, and gets more snow.

It's worth a visit, but don't trade up for Canada if you're expecting a totally different environment.

"Not too long ago"? DK, that was last November.

I felt you had been unemployed forever, that's why it doesn't seem like that long ago.

Cancun, Mexico!!!!!!!!

Real Cancun, not the Tourist District.

I went on mission trip down there this summer and it was beautiful. Everyone had a smile on there face, even though they have no material possessions. I could stay down there forever. I would love it. All I need to do is learn Spanish - not many people speak German or good English down there.

I've never lived in the US, but as a mover, I've moved people between the two countries, and seen how people live at various areas throughout both nations.

My basic understanding is this; We're practically the same people.The differences are subtle. Americans have a very proud sense of self, and their place in the world. A lot of Canadians mistake that for arrogance when it's not always so. Canadians, in contrast, have spent the last 130 years or so building their nation in response to the US. Part of our national identity, is not being American. So Canadians take a certain offense when Americans don't know enough about Canada, when those same Canadians probably don't know the 1st thing about Mexico.

Beyond that, Canada has a long history of 'order', which stems back from the way we settled the west. Canada created the North-West Mounted Police (later the RCMP) to maintain order, while the west was 'won' in the US in a much less federalized way.

If you're a strong, self-motivated person the possibilities for advancement are greater in the US. There are more opportunities in America. Canadians generally worry less about gun crime and so on, but it exists in both countries, just as a strong middle class exists in both countries.

It's a lot colder here. But if you live in Southern Ontario, odds are a lot of the US is colder, and gets more snow.

It's worth a visit, but don't trade up for Canada if you're expecting a totally different environment.

That was a really great post. I really enjoyed it. :)

That said, I'm feeling dissatisfied with America in some ways...


I can understand someone wanting to move to a different country to follow opportunity, or for a change of pace, or to run away from problems, or to find adventure. But, do you really think that you're going to move "anywhere" else in the world and not find something to be equally dissatisfied about???

I don't know.

NZ or Canada might be a pleasant change.

Except for that stupid metric system... *Shakes fist*

If Canada has designated bicycle lanes on its highways/roads, then I'm moving there (but not Quebec, I'll stick with the English language for now).

Also, what about western Canada, I recently read that an average 40 percent of the western Canadian pop either:

A) Wants to declare independence
B) Join the US
C) Be not with Canada

As a western Canadian:cool:
A-independence-no but we could easily do so
B-never-why would we? we don't need you
C-we like to complain but we will always remain Canadians

[QUOTE=they even force minority representation in their government (which America has yet to do.)

QUOTE]

force? where did you here that? absolutely untrue

I don't know.

NZ or Canada might be a pleasant change.

Except for that stupid metric system... *Shakes fist*

It won't be hard- it follows the decimal system, so conversion between the levels is real easy: 10mm=1cm. 10cm=1dm. 10dm=1m. 100m=1km. Easier than 12 inches to the foot and 3 feet to the yard.

I love Canada! Was supposed to be in Ottowa last Feb but unfortunaly for health decided a trip to the hospital was needed! Hope to go back there some time in 2007. Canadians are a great liberal ( for the most part!)

As a Canadian, I'd love to give an opinion, but undoubtedly I'd just be told by the other posters to stfu, as I am not an American.

Well, Im from Michigan.
Thats like southern, southern Canada.

In fact, its a common thing to use canadian coins.
Except for your crappy coins dont work in American vending machines.

Anyways, Obviously Ive been to Canada several times, and frankly, its a lot like home.

If I were to move out of the US, it would probably be Canada.
It IS a bit colder there though, and thats saying a bit, considering where Im from.

Well, Im from Michigan.
Thats like southern, southern Canada.

In fact, its a common thing to use canadian coins.
Except for your crappy coins dont work in American vending machines.

Anyways, Obviously Ive been to Canada several times, and frankly, its a lot like home.

If I were to move out of the US, it would probably be Canada.
It IS a bit colder there though, and thats saying a bit, considering where Im from.
What's cold like there?

Cold here varies greatly. Where I live in the west it may go a bit below 0F/-20C in jan/feb. On rare years you might see it hit -40F/-40C. Summer time temp will be at the highest point +100F/35C. Anything over that would be a major abberation of weather. Typically in the 80s F/mid 20's C.

We have low enough snowfall that roads generally do not close in winter, tornados are once in 100 years(we had one 2 years ago), no flooding, no earthquakes, no hurricanes and no pirates(darn).