[IvanT]

The U.S. could do a lot to subtley 'push' Canada more towards conservatism. It wouldn't take much. Especially given the current grass roots movements both in the west and many parts of Ontario. I would welcome it, personally, but I don't think anything too drastic would be required, the U.S. already has considerable 'oompf' in it's influence on Canada.

[George W. Bush]

I think subtle is fine but it must be done. I don't want punishment for Canada but I insist on regime change in Canada. If we have to ratchet things to the point that Canada collapses before it recognizes our continental partnership, then so be it. Look at what the Liberals are doing to Canada right now. Any overt American acts to institute regime change in Canada would be no more harmful to the average Canadian than is their own present government, a corrupt ally of France who profits from the same miserable money pit that the Chirac regime is mired in. Their actions in the war against terror are extremely disturbing. And they actively stirred up trouble internationally against us over Iraq, something that will most certaily be repaid economically and diplomatically. They've demanded that treatment, just like the Weasels did. We may be more gentle about it but Canada will change its direction diplomatically or it will be punished very very heavily. It is very easy for us to destabilize a socialist country like Canada and make its failing economy crash and burn without causing much trouble to American business.

Today, Bush is in Arkansas to give a dull speech on tax breaks, having cancelled his Canadian trip. And this after inviting Howard & wife to Crawford for not just one night but for two nights, the full treatment. The message here is very clear.

Canada is simply not independent any more. Except for a period of a few decades, they never were independent, always under the aegis of Britain and/or America. They are not free to stab America and England and Australia in the back while continuing to be America's most favored trade partner and hiding behind our defense shield. And Team Bush will make that very clear, first to the ruling classes, and if necessary, to show it to the voters in their own pocketbooks.

That's how it's going to be, regardless of what the chattering classes think about it.

[jodorowsky]

IMO the last thing we need to do is help the socialists identify Canadian non-socialists more with the U.S. You have probably experienced how they take profitable advantage of the genetic fallacy as it is now.

Arguments against socialism are American arguments and, therefore, the rhetorical tools to replace Tim Horton's with Krispy Kreme and replace CBC with the right wing propaganda organ CNN, while denying medical care to the starving poor generated by capitalism.

Direct deposit by private citizens into savings accounts of Canadians posting to this board would be an excellent idea, OTOH. ;)