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I'm in a US govt. and comparative class at my high school where we compare the US govt to Britain, France, Russia, Mexico and China. I think that we don't study Canada because your government (i'm guessing here) doesn't vary enough from the french and british government and/or there isn't enough study/writing about the Canadian government for us to study it, for example, the french government unit will be dropped in two years because there isn't much being written about it and it doesn't vary enough from other eur. nations. On a side note, Government classes are required in the US whereas they don't have that in France or Britain. Of course, France and Britain aren't Canada, but a lack of knowledge of foreign countries, or even one's own country is not isolated to the US. And I'll point out that asizable portion of Americans is disgusted by flagrant patriotism...did anybody watch the Daytona 500 today, I wanted to, but the pre-race crap completely turned me off.

   

I tuned into Daytona just in time to see Georgie invoke his god one more time. I quit watching the comprehensive coverage last year because of the jingoism and haven't watched a pre-race show since. I'm likely not the only Canadian to have cut back on NASCAR coverage...it was carried by A-Channel here.

Our government is based on the British parliamentary version, Yossarian. The biggest difference is likely that we have an appointed senate instead of a House of Lords.

It isn't the lack of knowledge about how countries that are governed that is the big difference though. You are right about ignorance going both ways in that regard. The real problem is arrogance. Look at it this way...your government feels they can install an American version of capitalism/democracy in Iraq. Notice how I put capitalism first? That's because your government does the same. Another example...Chuck Heston coming up here and telling Canadians that they have a constitutional right to bear arms. We don't, we have a Canadian Constitution, not an American one.

Examples like that are endless and most of us can name more than a few just off the top of our heads. They seem small at first, but things build up.

   

Re. NASCAR

I have been surpirsed by the Canadian reaction to the pre-show at Daytona (I've read similar complaints about the Super Bowl.) Nascar stands for National Stockcar Assn. and NFL stands for National Football League. The "nation" referred to in each case is the United States and since these are organizations are owned and operated by Americans and targeted toward the American public, as an American it seems odd that someone from a foreign country would have complaints. Certainly, anyone is welcome to watch or even participate..but these are American events. As a vistor to this site I expect to encounter Canadian folks who are proud of their country and to take a Canadian slant on things. Why should it be any different for vistiors to an American event?

As to what kind of democracy Iraq might choose, I can assure you that it will not be an "American version". It is more likely to be something unique to Iraq that uses components from many examples. I'm sure that suggestions from Canada would be welcome.

   

Its funny, you said "Iraq might choose". Irag wont choose anything, the USA will install a goverment that will be friendly towards them, and American oil companies.

   

I disagree Adam. Although the reasons for this war are suspect, and the war itself appears to be dragging on longer than most thought, many countries have provided money and/or written off loans to Iraq to assist them during these embroiled times. The US has requested the assistance of the lame-duck UN to assist in transition. That's a good move and hopefully they will be able to stop arguing amongst themselves long enough to provide the visualy required assistance.

As far as generosity is concerned, there is no more generous country in the world than the US. So what if they expect quid pro quo - who wouldn't. That's the way of the world.

I don't understand the hate and vitriol spewed forth against the Americans. Where does it come from? Don't you live in a glass house too?

   

Just curious Adam- what are the historical benchmarks from which you formulated your opinion? Could it be Japan? Germany? or even France? Did we take anything or install our own government in Liberia or the Balkans?

If grabbing oil and installing a more friendly govt. were our motivation, why wouldn't we have done the same for Canada by now?

It is good to question world events but automatic accusations and misplaced hate are simply distructive. Wouldn't it be far better for everyone to work together for common good rather than throw spears at your neighbors?

   

I think he was likely looking at the USA's overall record and Bush's record, TRguy. Check out PNAC...those are the guys that really write Bush's policy...and then think about it.

   

Throughout history the USA has overthrown goverments to put in dictaors that are frienly towards them, its happend many mnay times before and it will happen this time. You want examples, read this http://www.canadaka.net/cka/modules.php ... 1354#21354

i know its veyr long, but you get the picture.

   

AdamNF, I have read the posts and they are indeed revealing. What is revealed is a twisted record of history taken from a biased view of world events. Some of this could have been written by Stalin himself.

   

Check out the forums,the book reviews,and Chomsky's comments on Saddam's capture:

http://www.americanempireproject.com/

   

Do you have a more accurate version of history, TRguy? One that shows that the School of the America's doesn't exist, the CIA doesn't put dictators in power, and the only 9-11 that matters is one that happened in the US?

You can't just deny facts because you don't like them.

   

Bang on buddy, you are 100% correct on those ones. As Canadians we often feel entitled to dictate what is right/wrong given the large percentage of American TV content in our country. But we can choose not to watch, as RB did.

But riddle me this, what countries does the National Hockey League (NHL) represent? MLB and the "World Series"? Don't let the acronyms fool you about what "nation" is represented, it can be deceiving - I still understand your point

m

   

Thanks for the assurance! roflmao! It is more likely to be civil war, chaos and anarchy, to be sure. That isn't unique, it's just aweful. I love how the US refuses to let any other nation in on any type of controlling roll in Iraq, but claims they are not influencing the make-up/content of the government there.



Bush and Powell sure weren't singing this tune when the rest of the world said no to military action the UN. It would be far better for everyone to work things like this out in the UN - where global neighbors work together for commond good. We are throwing "spears", which is better than laser guided bombs!

lol, too funny. you're killin' me.

m

   

I pretty sure Kofi learned at least one thing from his appraisal of the Iraq situation. The Iraqis are not in the mood to accept a US, UN or any other version of government but their own and on their own terms. They have waited long enough for the chance to actually have a voice and no one will silence them now.

   

[quote]It would be far better for everyone to work things like this out in the UN - where global neighbors work together for commond good. [/quote}

Wow Mukluk! Now whose rotfltao.

The United Nations, mmmm, time for a new thread?

   

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