Posted on 11/30/2004 5:34:26 AM PST by OESY
...So it's refreshing to learn that Canada's hoi polloi (i.e., the silent majority) take a far different view of the U.S. According to poll results released yesterday, some 71% of Canadians identify the U.S. as their country's closest friend. In addition, 60% say they have "positive" feelings about America, while a further 25% say their feelings are "somewhat positive".... The main reason given for the close ties is trade and economic relations.
The poll was commissioned by the non-profit Friends of America....
Despite occasional disagreements, the two countries have a better relationship than any other border states in the world -- starting with the $1.2 billion in trade that crosses the border every day. Many Americans would be surprised to learn that Canada -- not Saudi Arabia -- is the biggest oil exporter to the U.S.
The U.S.-Canada relationship has been strained in recent years by disputes over Canadian exports of softwood lumber and beef and by Canada's decision not to participate in the war on Iraq. It didn't help that until a year ago Canada had a prime minister who was openly scornful of America. But now there's a new PM, a new attitude and a new commitment to improving ties with the U.S.
For his part, Mr. Bush's promise last week to work to lift the absurd ban on Canadian beef will also help. The ban was put in place in 2003 after a solitary Canadian cow tested positive for mad cow disease. The President's visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to thank Atlantic Canadians for their assistance on September 11 is an important gesture. Some 250 aircraft carrying 44,000 people were diverted to Canadian airports that day; many of the displaced travelers were welcomed into Canadian homes....
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Those results are amazing when you consider the relentless bashing that this country takes every day in the Canadian press and media.
They got Coffee Crisps and McIntosh Toffee after all.
Polls can be easily slanted to get the intended response. Not to long ago a poll/survey of Canadian youngsters showed that a majority of them viewed the U.S. as the "evil empire".
I don't trust the results. Canadians are not going to become kissing cousins anytime soon.
The main reason given for the close ties is trade and economic relations.
It's not because we share the same values or that we both have representative governments or that we want to see freedom spread around the globe or that they are willing to help us protect ourselves and free countries around the world from Islamo-fascism. No, it's simply a question of the money in the form of trade and economic relations.
They are an extension of the EU on our northern border. They race towards socialism and a corruption of moral values just as the EU does. They can have their warm and fuzzies concerning America, but we know the score, and when the chips are down don't call Canada unless it involves more trade or better economic relations.
This Canadian has lots of American lady cousins and yes we do kiss and hug one another when we initially meet and when we leave.
It really isn't Canada vs. America.
It is liberals vs. conservatives.
Our liberals (they happen to be in control of the country, the media, the education system, etc.) are on the same page as your liberals. Our conservatives are on the same page as your conservatives.
We have, unfortunately, a population which does not dig a little deeper to learn more. They basically listen to what is pumped into them by the Canadian media. It is a wonder there are any conservatives up here at all, considering what we are up against.
It doesn't help either that our immigrants import their anti-American sentiments with them.
"when the chips are down don't call Canada"
The issue is not trade relations, but the fact that Americans cannot count on Canada for much of anything beyond trade.
Make no mistake, the change has been on the American side not Canadian. I, and others that I know, do NOT see Canada as an ally, we are not "friends" and Canada could fall off the Earth tomorrow with hardly any notice from me. It would be good riddence for bad rubbish.
The post above that states the divide being liberal vs. conservative is correct except that the liberalism has been institutionized to such an extent that no future conservative government (pretending for a moment that Canada has something other than 1-party rule)will be able to purge the liberal from institutional life. Remember, the fat lady was singing as she was stepping on the George Bush doll. Canada is over!
And further, Judy--correct me if I'm wrong--its "red" and "blue" provinces, is it not? With Quebec & Ontario mostly blue; Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, & BC mostly red; the Atlantic Provinces mixed.
Bingo
Canadian "liberal" press and "liberal" media you mean.
So you do trust the polls that conclude otherwise?
Good thing we Conservatives up here aren't as 'optimistic' as yourself.
Well, the Conservatives are gaining ground while the libs are losing theirs ... if you look at the results of the 2000 and 2004 federal elections. I only wish it was a faster process. Don't give up on Canadian Conservatism just yet.
"Don't give up on Canadian Conservatism just yet"
I understand it is an uphill battle, believe me! I live in socialist occupied California.
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