iohkus wrote:There's a reason why Canada's army is so small and insignificant, we have no enemies in the world and would rather spend our taxes on public institutions and insuring public health, education, retirement etc... besides, with the US practicing uni-lateral pre-emptive fun, Canada has little reason to commit.
Well its not really all about joining the US in it's missions (though that's a part of it), but trust me, there will come a time when you do need that military and you won't have it since it's in shambles. If China ever did think about invading the US (in the small chance that would happen) the main path would be through Alaska and Canada. Social services, public health, education, and retirement (which are all services the United States has anyway, with a strong military) may be great, but it won't do jack shit when someone's steamrolling across your borders. Because your neighborhood is quiet for a few days, do you dismantle the entire Police force?
"You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you"--Leon Trotsky
As much as Albertan politicians disagreed with Jean Chretein's decision not to throw Canada into a war (which would make us an easy target for global terrorism) it still has nothing to do with Canadians wanting to become part of the United States under ANY level. Infact any Canadian who says they wish their region was under the US borders isn't a Canadian at all and should go ahead and populate North Dakota.
And many already do and their rightist ideals won't be missed by the majority of true Canadians.
My point about Alberta and BC not being happy with the Canadian government really had nothing to do with Iraq, because the last thing I want is whining bastards who don't want to be involved anyway; in fact it had more to do with representation (or lack there of). Western Canada, has long been tired of domination by "Central Canada" (Ontario and Quebec) and wants more autonomy. Central (or Eastern) Canada has resisted their demands for a "Triple-E Senate" � Equal (each province having the same number of Senators), Elected (the current Canadian Senate is appointed), and Effective (having real power against the all-powerful House of Commons).
Alberta is Canada's prime oil and gas producer. Ratification of the Kyoto Accord (I think they recently ratified it right?) will cost billions of dollars in Alberta, resulting in thousands or tens of thousands of lost jobs, company closures, and an economic disruption that would be inconceivable. I'm just telling you what many Canadians told me, and as I said previously, both of these provinces have seriously considered breaking apart from the rest of Canada (though not rushing to become a US state). I personally could care less whether or not Canada would join the US, but it was a nice thought though. But what if I told people who disagreed witht the current US administration "if you don't like what this country's doing, get the fuck out you liberal bastards!"? Because America is their home also, and their say matters just as much as mine. If citizens don't like the current US administration, they can speak with their vote. That's basically what you're saying to the provinces with their conservative ideals. You're telling them to get the hell out, instead of giving them the representation they desire.
Also, most BC residents have more reason to despise the US than adore them. The lumber dispute with america has cost BC $1.5 billion dollars in revenue and jobs.
Also Albertans have no reason to like the US either considering that they lost hundreds of millions of dollars per month in banned beef exports to the US this past year. I'm not sure of the exact figures but it's pretty easy to find them.
Well the US is responsible for about 60-70% of Canada's commerce, so for whatever few billions Canada isn't getting from the US, the United States is still Canada's primary customer. I think the figure is around 90% of Canada's population is situated within 100 miles of the US-Canada border.
You may think Canada has no enemies, but you are a Westerner, therefore YOU are the enemy to many in the middle east, whether you like that or not. Trust me, I've been there and you won't believe half the things they feed these guys in their state-run media and schools. I'm actually surprised they don't even hate westerners MORE from the garbage they brainwash them with. But I'm not a Canadian citizen, so what I think doesn't matter all that much. Don't get me wrong though, I love Canada, spent alot of time there, and I have plenty of friends from there. But as long as you're happy with your country, then so be it, makes no difference what I think.
You got a fancy economy, but shitty social structure. I'm hungry after that economy-part to be implemented nicely in the EU.
