[quidnunc]

Inkie wrote: Does anyone know which end of the trading relationship we're on -- are we the net importer or net exporter?

I think we import significantly more from Canada than we export to them.

I'm not sure how NAFTA would figure into the equation, but we really wouldn't have to stop imports to put a real hurting on their economy.

All we would have to do is slow them to a trickle by closely inspecting everything and everybody that crossed from north to south.

[Snowyman]

Only Buchanan could turn it around and call selling less a gift of 50 Billion to Canada. In the real economic world called an American trade deficit of $50 billion. I'd suggest you stop the NG and Oil imports first, followed by the Hydro. The details aren't that important right now but it'll make for an interesting winter.

[albertabound]

The recent gaffes caused by Cretien and his staff have exposed these cockroaches to the light of the American public. As a result they are rapidly self destructing before our very eyes. This is just one of many articles from the liberal media turning on their masters. Cretien WILL be gone soon and Conservative Canadians WILL get Canada up off the bench and back on the squad internationally. We share this continent and Free Trade between us is mutually essential. I am sure the enemy would like to see us at each others throats over some idiot remark by an irrelavent civil servant.You do need us, albeit to a lesser degree than we you, natural gas, petrolium, hydro power, fresh water and bad comedians are a few that come to mind.

[monday]

"All we would have to do is slow them to a trickle by closely inspecting everything and everybody that crossed from north to south."

Sure lets teach those Canadans a lessen by shooting ourselves in the foot. I guess hurting Americans and American companies with your schemes don't bother you does it? How about just leaving them alone like the Bush administration is? Would that hurt your ego?

It is their country after all. If they want to be butt heads thats their problem. You don't like it when other countries tell us how to run our country do you?

If you want to inspect everything that enters the country, do it. You don't have to slow trade to a trickle. That would hurt our economy more than it would hurt theirs.