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> > >
> > > A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are
> >likely to
> > > be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not
> >pissing
> > > us off for a change.
We’re not "part of the problem" is used by the Black Panthers, or George W's simplification of the world as in you either support American action, or you are supporting the terrorists. Way too simple for this conflict, and it's frightening to hear threats from powerful forces.
As for the rest of our "histories of the Middle East", ultimate causes are open for debate. I actually don't dislike the U.S. but I dislike what it's doing in parts of the world. (One problem many of us have is American reluctance to understand that disagreement does not mean dislike or enmity). I admire the fundamental values that the founders of the nation envisioned. I fear those values have strayed, and the consequences are now thousands of dead people on both sides.
Rhetoric like the original post is not funny. If no one really thought that way, maybe it would be to some, but people are dying because too many with too much power actually do think like that.
Power is a grave responsibility. The U.S. has tremendous economic, cultural, and military power. Such power must be very carefully used because power always brings with it the potential to do great good, or great harm. Too many are ignoring, or are unaware of the harm being done in this situation, and of the fact that military force can never solve this kind of problem. It will only kill people. Both sides.
Why does Quebec keep coming up in this discussion? The Prime Minister of Canada has already declared Quebec to be a "Nation". We're not going to kill thousands of English or French over this. Could be some economic slaughters as a result, I suppose, but very few people will die. We tend to talk a lot.
The whole history of Quebec separatism involves a lot fewer deaths than the Oklahoma bombings. Our disagreements with our government tend to be long winded and boring. Occasionally we kidnap someone or blow up a mailbox, but that’s pretty rare. A long time ago some Metis and Cree got shot for trying to defend their rights and the government hung one of them, but we have never managed to work up a good Civil War like Americans did. I don't think you should be concerned. Worst that could happen to you is you'll get to have French directions on all your products sometime.
By the way, we ARE trying to have something done about the gun laws, but I don't expect Harper will have the balls to anger every city slicker in Toronto or Montreal by doing anything.
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