secondly, back to the subject. because i've been reading a lot of american 'alternative' boards, ie. alternet.org, zmag.org, tompaine.org, villagevoice.org, motherjones.org etc..., i find myself saying things to myself like 'i can't believe it' or 'that can't be true' or 'how can americans let something like that happen' and 'don't they realize what's happening?'.

now, i think it's easier for me to say, being canadian, and sitting on the (literally) sidelines. but is it that much greater being a canadian? like these questions come to mind:

is there no poverty in canada? - answer 'no'

is there no racism in canada? - answer 'no'

is education accessible to all, ie. university - answer 'no'

are we environmentally more caring and proactive than americans? - answer 'i don't think so'

so, here's me thinking all those things that happen in the U.S. are shocking, but can and do happen in canada. but what's the difference? it's like when michael moore tries to define why we don't have them same problems (with guns) as the U.S. and he's stumped as to an answer.

The fact that people come here from Bangla Desh and Ethiopia is not much of an argument in our favour, though. You might have noticed a dearth of Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, French, and Belgian immigrants for example; that's because those countries are comparable in their decency to Canada.

There are many things happening right now that are undermining the Canada that we know and love. (Both internal and external)

I live in the west so:

1. SE2 - a power plant across the border that will put billions of tons of pollution into the already fragile air quality of the Fraser Valley.

2. The selling of BC Hydro -- There is going to be a coalition set up for the "west coast". This will include 1 vote for each: British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and Mexico. They are saying that Canada will have EQUAL REPRESENTATION! (I'm so mad, I'm shaking as I write this! )

3. The trees are for sale! Gordo wants to sell off all BC's crown land! It will go to the highest bidder! Here's what will happen: The US (Warehauser) will buy up all the trees around Prince George, then Canfor (who owns all the mills in PG) will not have any freakin' wood! Warehauser will then ship the RAW LOGS, DUTY FREE to the US to be processed in their mills. ARRRGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

BRITISH COLUMBIA WE NEED TO PULL TOGETHER AND FIGHT THIS!!

*That's just BC! I shudder to think what is happening throughout the rest of the country!

quote:

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Originally posted by jeff house:
I like Canada. But there's plenty of room for improvement. On poverty, on education, on justice, on lots of stuff.

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And I think that's laudable. We're not there yet; we're aware that we're not there yet; but we keep trying.

I came to the U.S determined to keep an open mind. However, I feel now, I can honestly say from experience, that Canada is a better place to live.

BadlyDrawnGirl, I think that you are right to say that we have a long way to go, but by comparison... we are at least starting in a much better position than the U.S to move forward!

I work for a progressive organization in the U.S and I cannot count the number of times that my American co-workers have commented on Canada, and how "lucky I am to come from a country that actually has Public Health Care, a social safety net, or gay marriage." They consistently tell me that they look to us as an example of what they can attain. It honestly gets a little embarrassing at times to take the compliments modestly.

So many things in the past year have just made my Canadian heart swell with pride. For instance, keeping public healthcare, opposing the war in Iraq, decriminalizing marijuana, gay marriage.. etc