Canada and US --- combined??

[wolfsoul]

In my socials class, we have frequently been talking about an issue that has been around for quite some time --- Canada and the United States joining.

I'm sure we hear stereotypes about eachothers' countries all the time that cause us to dislike eachother. Canada hears about the terrible weapons and power that the states have and how they always say "huh," and the states hear about how dumb Canadians are and how they always say "eh."

But most have to admit that it would be a fairly smart decision when it comes to our economy and such. Think about it -- we'd have the most powerful country in the world! The US has the money, and Canada has the resources.

But does the good outweigh the bad? Some Canadians --including me -- are worried that it would cause the other countries to turn on us. We hear horror stories all the time about how US citizens are attacked outside of their country for being...a US citizen. And we hear that that is why most US people pretend that they are Canadian when they go on Vacation outside the country. And not only that, but statistics say that the US is the most hated country around the world.

What do you think? Do you think that it would be better is the US and Canada joined, or should things stay this way, and why? It's just something I've been thinking alot about lately.

[RubyMutt]

Well, I for one, would LOVE to have the Canadian health care system!
My cousin was in a car accident in BC a few months ago and ended up having to spend a few weeks in a Canadian hospital. He was amazed that his stay was completely FREE! I want that!
And I must say I'd like to have the drinking age be 19. I do not think it's fair that I can go to war and die for my country, but I cannot buy a bottle of wine to make my favorite peach soup!
As for the US and Canada combining... I just don't know. I love going up to Canada and spending a few hours, days, or weeks there. I go up at least a few times a year. It's funny that in only a short drive I'm suddenly in a foreign country! Even though it's not much different than home
And since Canada is part of the Parliament, wouldn't that be a little hard to work out? I guess we're fine the way we are (except for the US's bogus health care )

[binka_nugget]

Annexation? Naw

Don't get me wrong, I love America. But there are just some things that I don't want canada to lose. It could work but bush seems to love war or something. Maybe one day..but right now, I don't think we're ready.

[babolaypo65]

I'm American (and travel to Canada a lot). Why exactly would Canada WANT to join the U.S.???? I can see why some americans would want to "annex" them, but thats a whole other issue. To "annex" them makes them US (not U.S., but US). No one has really, rationally discussed the United States and Canada joining to create a NEW place that has some of each. in theory the best of each. The discussion in the U.S. is always to ADD canada to US. Meaning more U.S., not a "different" U.S.....

Run Canada, Run.

A devils advocate question: why is it never the idea to annex the U.S. into Canada????

[Cataholic]

I have never really been aware of much animosity between the US and Canada. In fact, I thought it was one of the countries we generally were at peace with, always.

As to the health system....I must have misunderstood something, somewhere. I was under the impression that the majority of Canadians favored the US's sort of health system over their own.....I am not being sarcastic...really, this is what I thought.

And as for annexation, I wasn't aware anyone really thought this would happen.....

[RubyMutt]

Here's a few articles comparing the US and Canadian healthcare systems. I don't mean to change the subject of the thread, I just thought they were informative.

http://abilitymagazine.com/news_CanadianHealthCare.html

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/23...lthcare+.shtml

http://www.nutritionreallyworks.com/JAMA.html

[babolaypo65]

Cat, I missed the animosity. what did i miss? Did I not read a post well? (hey thats been known to happen!) Or was it something unintended in my own post? its not what i intended.
I personally dont see the relationship as one characterized by animosity. Perhaps slightly a different sense of self, of country, of place, but not animosity.
I guess for me, why combine? Two countries that are separate and distinct, each with pluses and minuses...

Originally posted by Cataholic
I have never really been aware of much animosity between the US and Canada. In fact, I thought it was one of the countries we generally were at peace with, always.

As to the health system....I must have misunderstood something, somewhere. I was under the impression that the majority of Canadians favored the US's sort of health system over their own.....I am not being sarcastic...really, this is what I thought.

And as for annexation, I wasn't aware anyone really thought this would happen.....

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by Cataholic
I have never really been aware of much animosity between the US and Canada. In fact, I thought it was one of the countries we generally were at peace with, always.

Not in the war of 1812. We kicked yer butts. lol

I think that we act fairly peaceful towards eachother. But I also think that most would be surprised by the things I hear people say, and the things I see on TV.

And since Canada is part of the Parliament, wouldn't that be a little hard to work out?

Yeah, that's a big issue there lol. We don't have a president, we have a prime minister. We also don't believe in manifest destiny. And we have english AND french for our main lanuages. Hehe, I have to look at french and english labels on my cereal box.

[RubyMutt]

Originally posted by wolfsoul
And we have english AND french for our main lanuages. Hehe, I have to look at french and english labels on my cereal box.

LOL, I love that about Canada! I actually have a can of Five Alive soda in my fridge that I bought in Canada like 3 years ago. I like the French writing on it. I'm such a dork

[Cataholic]

Originally posted by babolaypo65
Cat, I missed the animosity. what did i miss? Did I not read a post well? (hey thats been known to happen!) Or was it something unintended in my own post? its not what i intended.
I personally dont see the relationship as one characterized by animosity. Perhaps slightly a different sense of self, of country, of place, but not animosity.
I guess for me, why combine? Two countries that are separate and distinct, each with pluses and minuses...

No, I was saying that I didn't think there was much animosity between the countries, not the posts..he he he. I realize, as an American, I see things largely intended for the American people, and maybe it is propaganda. In Wolfsoul's second paragraph...I didn't know those bunch of ice cube headed northernly people were kickin' dirt on us.


The war of 1812? Would you people get over that, puh-leeze?

Rubymutt- I skimmed a couple of those articles...it seems clear from the articles that the american health system costs more per capita...but, I mean what about the healthcare part....not that the money spent isn't significant, but, I mean...is the choice of care as it is in the US? Is the type of care the same? I complain about my chest hurting, and I go get a scan done...without much issue (slight exaggeration)...what do you know about that? I thought I heard people came across the border (where they should be shot he he he) to get care in the US?

[binka_nugget]

Lol I still have a pepsione from our visit to bellingham. I don't know why I saved it..

[babolaypo65]

Thanks Cat, guess I was just reading too much into tense (Im such a nerd!) I was reading it as a false belief, ie that "I DIDNT think there was animosity but I do now"
, or "I DIDN't thing there was animosity but maybe was wrong."

as opposed to a simple: no animosity.
duh
my bad!

thanks!

its funny, Im american. I like both countries. part of what i like is the difference. I'd hate to see them combine. I think the best of each (mostly canada) would be lost. We tend to be the Alpha country, if you will, evidenced by the whole English as a world language...etc. not saying thats bad, just... reality, in my opinion...

[Cataholic]

Bab...no, I think your initial thought was right. I was saying more along the lines of, "I didn't think there was much animosity between the countries, and am I that thickheaded to have missed it"? Like thinking outloud, "Is there animosity between the US and Canada, I wasn't really aware of that concept".

IS THERE? Does Canada, like the rest of the world, hate us, too? If you do, tell me now...and I will start making fun of you guys...like I do the rest of the world!

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by babolaypo65


its funny, Im american. I like both countries. part of what i like is the difference. I'd hate to see them combine. I think the best of each (mostly canada) would be lost. We tend to be the Alpha country, if you will, evidenced by the whole English as a world language...etc. not saying thats bad, just... reality, in my opinion...

It's true, the US is moreso that Alpha country, and Canadians totally resent this. We feel that we give so much and aren't getting enough in return. However, BC gets more from the US than Canada, which is why we are thinking of going into the US alone. We have the best resoucres of any place in Canada, and nobody really appreciates it lol.

But I still don't think it's a good idea to join with the US...

I shall quote my socials teacher...."We would have been really smart to join the US from the start. Now nobody will want to. They've got terrorists and whatever else runnin' around down there." LOL I thought it was so funny how he said that..Yeah, like they just let the terrorists in

But I have to admit that the terrorist thing is really scary....Another of my reasons to not join the US...No offense, it just seems like everybody loves Canada, it's so peaceful, good place to live, blah blah blah...and then the US is looked upon..well, not so good. Kinda scares me..

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by Cataholic


IS THERE? Does Canada, like the rest of the world, hate us, too? If you do, tell me now...and I will start making fun of you guys...like I do the rest of the world!

Hahaha I don't hate the US!! But Canada in general seems to...hum.

If you make fun of us, I shall make fun of you! LOL.

We won the waaar, we won the waaar