GreyMatter said:
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1. The right to bear arms - the US fought for its independence and embedded the right of arms into their consititution, while it was handed to us free on a platter as a defensive measure against US expansion.
- Untrue. The US codified RKBA which originates as far back as the Magna carta inspired democratic writings in middle aged England. We have the same rights under common law, but are voluntarily giving them up as time passes by. You use a right or lose it.
GreyMatter said:
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2. Foreign policy - the US has throughout history believed it has the right to 'correct' countries which do not think the same way as they do. I dont believe Canada has ever 'invaded' another country (I'm sure anti-war groups will dispute this, but there you are...).
- It was the rest of the world who begged and pleaded and coerced the USA into helping with WW1 and WW2. If you want the USA to return to a policy of economically self-sufficient isolationism, just say so. Be careful what you wish for.
GreyMatter said:
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3. Use of economic and diplomatic power - our country uses its political and economic influence far less agressively and more cooperatively than the US.
-And far less effectively. Had we their power, would we be so magnanomous? Doubtful.
GreyMatter said:
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4. Respect for the military and military achievements - US citizens, on average, have far greater respect and suppoirt for their military than our population does.
- Maybe that's because a lot of our current population are plastic Canadians, as compared to being real Canadians who have a personal 'Canada First' policy.
5.
GreyMatter said:
... Health care - nuf said.
- Yup. That's why our Prov Health Care 'Crats send so many of us to the USA when we are sick, right? And why they have policies regarding limiting expensive procedures for Canadians over 80, right? And why only Steve Harper waits in a waiting room while the rest of the former Junta get special treatment, right?
6.
GreyMatter said:
...Socialism - a lot of the ways we do things in Canada are regarded as 'communist' in the US. They only call us 'socialist' to distinguish the bears from teh beavers.
- Are they right? Are we Communist?
7.
GreyMatter said:
...Loyalty of entertainers and sports figures - too many of our (former) citizens go to the US because 'thats where the money is', which I dont blame them for doing if thats how you have to earn a living, but then they become US citizens permanently.
- It's a free country. Jamaicans, Sri Lankans and Somalis can say the same about us.
8.
GreyMatter said:
...Power of provinces versus states - our provinces have far less influence than a state has in regard to their right to control natural resources that the local populations are dependent on.
- BNA Act gives resources to the provinces.
9.
GreyMatter said:
...Showing the flag - US citizens are proud to show the flag wherever they are, no matter where they are. Canadians are far less 'flag-happy'.
- We are rapidly becoming "Ugly Canadians". Too smug. Too arrogant.
10.
GreyMatter said:
...Popularity among other countries - again, nuf said.
- Everyone hates a winner. Envy.
GreyMatter said:
...These are only my observations of course, and not everyone else may agree with them. Regardless of the differences, I dont think they are enough to jusitify continued villification of a neighbouring country, especially since we are going to be neighbours for a long, long time.
- We should all agree with you on this. Who else would you rather have as a neighbour?