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Great White North
Stop bashing us, US tells Canada
2005-12-14
Canada to US: "c'est la vie" In American that translates as, "Nyah, nyah, you aren't the boss of me!"
The United States made an unprecedented foray into Canada's election campaign on Tuesday, warning politicians not to bash Washington in their bid to win the January 23 election. But an unapologetic Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin responded immediately by saying "c'est la vie" -- that's life -- if the United States did not like his remarks, and he would not accept anyone telling him he cannot defend his country.
Bush can say "c'est la vie" the next time Martin — assuming he's reelected — is left cooling his heels on a state visit. If you're friends with someone, you don't call them names. If you're not friends with someone, then you can't expect friendly courtesies from them; the best you can expect is correct behavior. We don't even get that, since calling names is not correct behavior. The reason for that is not that we're so evil, but that we're not; the name-callers don't expect any repercussions. Some of us in this country, though, are willing to repercuss.
In a hard-hitting speech in Ottawa, U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins lamented what he called relentless and incessant criticism of his country, which he speculated might begin to sow doubt about the strength of the binational relationship. "Canada never has to tear the United States down to build itself up," Wilkins said. "It may be smart election politics to thump your chest and constantly criticize your friend and your No. 1 trading partner. But it's a slippery slope and all of us should hope it doesn't have a long-term impact on our relationship."
We're about halfway down that slippery slope at this time. We haven't hit bottom yet, but people like Martin will get us there if they can.
Wilkins did not name the prime minister directly, but he specifically targeted a comment made last week at the Montreal climate change conference in which Martin called on the United States to heed a "global conscience" and join efforts to combat global warming. That remark -- on top of criticism of U.S. policy on lumber, guns, passports and Iraq -- appeared to have riled the White House the most, particularly since Canada has a proportionally worse record than the United States on reining in greenhouse gas emissions. "I would respectfully submit to you that when it comes to a 'global conscience' the United States is walking the walk," Wilkins said, addressing the Canadian Club of Ottawa. "And when it comes to climate change, we are making significant progress, greater progress than many of those who have been most critical of the U.S." In the campaign for the June 2004 election Martin regularly said Canada did not want U.S.-style health care, fiscal deficits, taxes or attack ads.
After all, who in his right mind would want a health care system that actually functions, deficits that can be paid off by the national economy, or low taxes?
Martin, whose minority government was brought down on November 28 after an official report detailed Liberal kickbacks which were used in election campaigns, currently leads Conservative leader Stephen Harper in the polls but not by enough to regain a majority in Parliament.
Good. May you lose the election, you consummate ass!

And from a related article:
Canada generally tilts more to the left than the United States, and opinion polls show most Canadians dislike U.S. President George W. Bush.
Their privilege, of course, but likewise it's the Americans who elect America's president.
Posted by:trailing wife

#34   If you (the US) are going to be a superpower then you should be prepared to have a thick skin.

I do have a thick skin. That's why I don't see what Wilkins is whining about. If we returned the favor often enough and promptly enough, maybe the Canuck politicos (and some of the population) will come to their senses. If not, it'll just keep on keepin' on until they do.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-12-14 22:26  

#33  Canuck - understand too, that all the Americans I know have a positive ideal of Canadians. That could change. Nobody can expect to play the prodigal son forever, we just may not be as good and understanding as the fabled father. Just as the Democrats in our countru risk opening wounds that haven't been opened before, and may never heal, Canada's demagogues will bear a heavy burden. Telling us to suck it up and take it as a "superpower should" is unacceptable. I, for one, am reconsidering the trip to Banff I'd planned...woulda dropped a lot of $, too bad...looks like Idaho and Montana (sorry AP- not this year)
Posted by: Frank G   2005-12-14 21:50  

#32  I just have to say sorry about Caroline Parish. She is not running again.

She's not running but oddly enough she's backing the Conservatives this time around.

Canuck, you paint a rosy picture of Canada which is real, but which applies only to a specific segment of the population. I can paint a much, much uglier picture. And it disconcerts me very much, not to mention how embarassing and offensive it is.

If you're from the Toronto area, take a listen to Spaceman on Mojo radio. Listen to the people calling in. The anti-American venom (anti-Bush specifically) is incredible, even if it is just "entertainment". And it's hurting us badly. Enough with this shit already!
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-14 21:35  

#31  OK, folks, there was some good Canada bashing there and I hope everyone feels better. But, let's face it. If you (the US) are going to be a superpower then you should be prepared to have a thick skin. I doubt if there is any country on the planet that doesn't bash the Americans during an election. It works. Its like the same way everyone complains about their boss at work. We don't and will not know the pressures and responsiblity that the US has.

Having said that I am embarased at a few remarks we have made in the past but shit happens. I just have to say sorry about Caroline Parish. She is not running again.

Also, for your amusement JFK called Diefenbaker a prick, LBJ told Pearson not to piss in his backyard and Nixon called Trudeau an asshole. And Bush2 (at least his staff) called Cretien a dinasaur How does that compare to comments on climate change?

Domestic politics aside, consider this:

While we are not in Iraq, we are putting 2000 troops into combat in Kandahar which allow the US to redeploy or return home some of their troops.

After Huricane Katrina, we sent three navy ships, two navy dive teams, and an urban rescue team to the New Orleans area. Our Navy busted their asses 24/7 to load the ships with everything we could think of. AND we offered our country's entire emergency national supply of medicine.

After 9/11, our army, the Princess Pats by the way, went to Afghanistan and fought alongside the 101st Airborne under US command. Our snipers were credited with saving several American lives.

During 9/11, the US closed its airspace and Canada had to land all the incoming transatlantic flights. The American passengers that were billeted still go back to Newfoundland each year to be with their hosts because they were so welcoming. All this while the American media was reporting that the terorists came in from Canada.

The list goes on.

So, say what you want. But, push come to shove, you won't find a better friend than Canada.





Posted by: Canuck   2005-12-14 21:16  

#30  draft dodgers

tsk tsk, Frank. It's draft resisters.

think about the Americans we've sent them

Gee thanks. What's your return policy on those disaffected democrats that came streaming north? (the two of them) We'd like to return them.
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-14 21:12  

#29  think about the Americans we've sent them: draft dodgers, et al.... small wonder. Time for Canada to grow up, though. Things there could get painful with "Operation STFU While We Inspect Everything Slowly Enough To Strangle Your Economy - Merry Christmas Assholes"
Posted by: Frank G   2005-12-14 20:32  

#28  Then why are the Canadians doing it, ZF?

It was always like this, you just never paid any attention until now. Though it has become more virulent recently. I was told in elementary school that Canadians don't really like Americans. No reason for it was given. Probably something to do with an inferiority complex.
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-14 19:28  

#27  It makes no sense to turn Canada into a Mexico - a borderline hostile country.

Then why are the Canadians doing it, ZF?
Posted by: Secret Master   2005-12-14 18:47  

#26  "The Canucks must heal when told to heal, damn it."

Yeah, thet's what the Ministry of Health said too.
Posted by: mojo   2005-12-14 18:06  

#25  One more thing, Canada won't make a good pimple on the US's ass.
Posted by: Captain America   2005-12-14 16:50  

#24  The Canucks must heal when told to heal, damn it. Martin is a poor excuse for a homo sapien. Flush him at your leisure.
Posted by: Captain America   2005-12-14 16:49  

#23  BS: Who or what are the "Princess Pats"?

That would be Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment.
Posted by: Zhang Fei   2005-12-14 16:46  

#22  OK - I'm stupid.

Who or what are the "Princess Pats"?
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut   2005-12-14 16:32  

#21  lotp: when the borders are porous, when by the government's own admission tens of thousands of driver's licenses are sold/forged/stolen (but are sufficient for crossing the border), when Canadian officials say foul-mouthed hateful things about the US and our president, when jihadis captured in Afghanistan originate in Canada and are able to return there to live comfortable lives on the dole while studying chemical engineering and jihadism ....

that might turn out to be a bit too charitiable ZF. We'll see.

When a bunch of Canadian jihadis kill a few thousand Americans, I'll start worrying about it. It's not happened yet, and I don't think it ever will. Like I said, they're like a bunch of beatniks past their prime.

UC3683: Right lotp, And they are a big free rider on American defence expenditures, more than any other country in NATO, except Greece, I think.

We'd have that military regardless of what Canada did. It preserves our freedom of action and enables us to do things like Iraq without Canada's approval.

UC3683: They have a controversy with Norway or Denmark over an iceberg somewhere. We should come down big time on the Scandinavian side, too.

I don't really see why we have to take sides - that could result in a permanent breach with what is essentially a harmless neighbor. (If we simply remained neutral, the dispute would become one between the EU and Canada - I think Canada would back down/realize it's good to have Uncle Sam guarding your flank). It makes no sense to turn Canada into a Mexico - a borderline hostile country.
Posted by: Zhang Fei   2005-12-14 15:30  

#20  Except for British Columbia. And probably Sasketchwan. Alberta's a good deal though.
Posted by: lotp   2005-12-14 15:14  

#19  Those western provinces ARE looking mighty tasty!
Posted by: Secret Master   2005-12-14 15:12  

#18  Right lotp, And they are a big free rider on American defence expenditures, more than any other country in NATO, except Greece, I think.
They have a controversy with Norway or Denmark over an iceberg somewhere. We should come down big time on the Scandinavian side, too.
Posted by: Unavitle Chert3683   2005-12-14 13:57  

#17  "... Ya hosers!"
Posted by: mojo   2005-12-14 13:13  

#16  Think of Canada as the foul-mouthed peacenik from the '60's who was in the movement for the free sex - left-wing cranks who are embarrassing, but essentially harmless.

when the borders are porous, when by the government's own admission tens of thousands of driver's licenses are sold/forged/stolen (but are sufficient for crossing the border), when Canadian officials say foul-mouthed hateful things about the US and our president, when jihadis captured in Afghanistan originate in Canada and are able to return there to live comfortable lives on the dole while studying chemical engineering and jihadism ....

that might turn out to be a bit too charitiable ZF. We'll see.
Posted by: lotp   2005-12-14 13:06  

#15  Ask the Princess Pats to go home.

A little side note: my wife is a Girl Scout leader, and the Scouts often sing (and have for a long time) a silly song based on the Princess Pats' unit song. Apparently the PPs are none too pleased about it and want it to stop. My wife's getting this second or third hand and wants to get an official statement from the PPs before accusing them of whining about the GSA.

Seems to me that the publicity from lodging such a complaint would do far more to damage a military unit's reputation than just accepting it in the good fun it's intended for.
Posted by: Xbalanke   2005-12-14 13:00  

#14  Canada isn't our enemy. We're not giving China a hard time even though they have generals who make ghoulish threats every so often. Think of Canada as the foul-mouthed peacenik from the '60's who was in the movement for the free sex - left-wing cranks who are embarrassing, but essentially harmless.
Posted by: Zhang Fei   2005-12-14 11:55  

#13  Martin should tone down criticisms of U.S.: Duceppe

Friggin hilarious.
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-14 11:15  

#12  You don't win elections when the majority are not on your side.

It's not enough that Martin lose, Harper must win. So far all I see is Martin's lost votes going to the NDP.

And then there's Toronto and the GTA. I predict another landslide for the Liberals here.

The only hope is for Quebec to go totally Bloc, with Ontario (ex-GTA) going totally Conservative. I'm not sure what's going on in the Maritimes, but it doesn't seem like a Conservative bastion. As for the west, Vancouver might be a problem as usual.
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-14 11:07  

#11  The United States made an unprecedented foray into Canada's election campaign on Tuesday, warning politicians not to bash Washington in their bid to win the January 23 election.

This is crazy. Leave them to their politics and simply return the favor at every possible opportunity. The Canucks can dispense it; let's see if they can take it.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-12-14 10:57  

#10  "Sauce for the goose..."
Posted by: Ptah   2005-12-14 10:55  

#9  The criminal conspiracy formerly known as the Liberal Party are running a terrible election campaign. Their vision is limited to beer and popcorn. Martin is playing a deparate card, wrapping himself in a Canadian flag and crying "Woe is us". What he needs for this strategy to work is for the Stephan Harper's Consrvatives to respond in some embarrassing way to make this a campaign issue. Harper had already made his comments to US issues in the Washington Times and has said nothing more.
The Canadian MSM, Liberal to the core, are beginning to see the turkey that Martin has become. According to the latest polls which still show the Liberals ahead of the Conservatives, 58% of voters see a need for "change". You don't win elections when the majority are not on your side.
Posted by: john   2005-12-14 09:20  

#8  Kanuckistan is a suburb of Frankistan. Treat it that way. It is a neighbor as friendly as Mexico. Start the fence. Ask the Princess Pats to go home. Have some guy at Bud write a rant on how proud he is to be an American, denigrating Canada in every statement. Stop drinking Canadian Club.
Posted by: Unavitle Chert3683   2005-12-14 09:18  

#7  Let the bloody Kanuk communists rant on, pay them no mind. Kanada is to the US what ice skates are to football, no worries.
Posted by: Besoeker   2005-12-14 08:06  

#6  Yep, makes real sense. Piss off the Americans and when your western oil producing provinces decide they’d get a better economic and social deal from Washington rather than Ottawa, we’ll be real considerate of your feelings.
Posted by: Glaising Fleretch2781   2005-12-14 07:13  

#5  Hay Canada! STFU! We don't care what you think, just keep standing at the fench of the greatest nation and wish you were here.
Posted by: 49 pan   2005-12-14 06:19  

#4  The Canucks have obviously opted out of the Anglosphere. Time to treat them a lot more harshly. Make them see that there are serious costs for their actions and they'll start thinking about what they're doing. As for Martin, he's just another crooked Liberal politician trying to distract attention from their latest political scandal.
Posted by: mac   2005-12-14 05:46  

#3  Martin is just pressing the anti-American button, which usually works pretty well in election campaigns. What a total loser. You don't have to like Bush, but for cryin out loud, for the sake of Canadians doing business with Americans, STFU!!

I just looked around and see nothing but Liberal and NDP signs on front lawns. God help us. No really, help us.
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-14 03:21  

#2  Canada was FOUNDED on America-bashing. It's self-castrating nanny-statism is a just fate for those blinkered idiots, good guys like Mark Steyn and Colby Cosh aside.

Check out the link for a good explanation of this from Shiny Happy Gulag.
Posted by: Ernest Brown   2005-12-14 01:21  

#1  Consider thoroughly inspecting all cargo crossing the northern border until further notice. Could you transporting a dirty bomb you know.
Posted by: ed   2005-12-14 00:59  

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