For your wtf files....

[GrahamD]

Well all I can say is remember blow back is a Bit‘ch Have a great red (communist color I think ...OOPS) Maple leaf day. You wonderful patriotic canadians....

And there it is. Put an American on the defensive, and right away you‘re nothing but a communist. Doesn‘t really matter to the Americans that socialism is nothing like communism, because if it‘s not capitolism, it‘s un-American, and if it‘s not American, it‘s communism.
Maybe during his rant buddy failed to notice that his own flag also sports the colour red, "OOPS".

All I can say is that if anyone here valued your input in the past, you‘ve probably severely compremised that respect by having a tantrum like a 10 year old, and then insinuating that we are all communists.

I‘m not even going to touch that weird thing you said about your mom being proud of you. I‘m not sure if that was supposed to be some kind stab at Canadians in general, or if it was a defensive reply to the thoughts expressed here that maybe it is Americans who are a little "overly enthusiastic" with the flag waving.

I mean someone jump in and correct me if I‘m wrong, but I‘ve always had the sense from foreigners that it is widely regarded around the world that Americans are quite over the top when it comes to patriotism. I think that is why this article we are reading has struck a nerve with the members of this forum. It seems a little ironic that some focus groups in the U.S. are deciding that we are too patriotic. Some seem think its worth getting upset about, others seem think its pretty funny, like me.
What‘s not funny is that some insecure American has to get pissed off and call us communists on a message board designed for Canadian soldiers.
Even though it‘s a pretty weak and childish insult to a Canadian, the knowledge that down in paranoidville USA it is the ultimate insult, makes it (in my opinion) a pretty rude slap in the face.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

When things don‘t go in favour of the US they tend do do one of three things:
1) Blame it on the fact we are socialists (as witnessed here)
2) Blame it on the fact that the Monarchy is our Head of State (although purely ceremonial)
3) Blame it on Quebec.

 

[Marauder]

Hey GrahamD, what unit are you with?

And speaking of communists, Che, sir, if I may inquire, is your screen name an homage to Gueverra and his attempts at inciting uprising in LATAM or are you merely a Zach De La Roacha fan?

 

[RCD]

Major I‘m curious.Aren‘t some of your States & Cities unpatriotic for buying Drugs off us?

 

[muskrat89]

I agree that the article makes me scratch my head, too. A little ironic that some Americans would think someone else too patriotic

Che & Jutes - you two are latte-sipping clowns, and don‘t have the foggiest idea what you are talking about. Jutes - tell me your experience with "Corporate America". I‘ve worked on the fringes of it for a dozen years, and haven‘t seen anyone working 15 hour days. Living in one of the hottest places on earth has obviously made you delirious, over time. Che - grow some huevos. Posting something you know will be offensive to someone, then saying "no offense meant" is chickensh*t. If that‘s your opinion, state it, and stand behind it.

I‘ve always hated (politically) Canada‘s socialist tendencies. Rather than crying on message boards, I was active in politics trying to change it. I‘ve seen too many able-bodied people content to suck on the teat of the Government instead of getting off their a55 and doing something with their life. If you‘re cozy pumping your hard-earned tax dollars into supporting everybody else, in addition to Govt waste, extravagance, and patronage - so be it. THAT, my pointy-headed friends, is taking advantage of the downtrodden working folk.

 

[Enzo]

One thing is for certain. Event‘s of the past few years have changed many things around the world. But the paranoia that permeates the media and the gov‘t to the south is disturbing.

I always thought that there was a fun rivalry between our two countries. When discussing issues with friends and travellers from other areas of the world. I point out that at the end of the day we are the mouse that trades with an elephant. When you‘re nestled up against the world‘s largest power (economic and militarily) you have to be willing to pick your battles, so to speak.

The intolerance shown towards others who voice their opinions or their sense of identity when it comes into conflict with the US agenda, is simply too much. That inflexibility will cause problems for the US in the future. We are a "Global" community now. Nationalism is a relic of the past. We all will have to adapt to that fact one day. And I say this as a hypocrite for I have the requisite "Maple Leaf" tattooed on my arm (although it‘s a design I created and identifies my Canadian identity and my Celtic heritage) and I wear it with pride.

I am proud to be Canadian. I am proud of some of this countries accomplishments. I am unhappy with the lack of vision shown by our leaders and the level of corruption in our institutions, but that‘s an effect of peace. And an issue for another time. I am especially proud that we live in a society where I can honestly say any ****ed thing I like, on air, and not worry about someone coming for me in the middle of the bloody night. I can read anything I like with the exception of articles that are illegal due to flagrant legal violation (child porn, etc...) and even then we have such a liberal system that arguments abound as to the value of art vs. societies safety, etc...

So by your criteria Major, I identify myself as a Canadian, and I am definitely NOT an American. I watch tv, primarily US but also Canadian, British and Australian. I go to the movies, many seem to be filmed in Canada and then shown under a US banner. I read books by US authors - including Chomsky (Ever read one of his books? Did you have to purchase it in a socialist country?)

I am not a Communist, nor am I a terrorist. I am a member of the nation that is your closest ally, shares a very long border with you and although we‘ve had to contend w/ NAFTA for a long bloody time, deals from a weak position in almost every area of trade at the whims and agenda imposed by your government. Your veiled threat is ridiculous. What else could you do to us? Forcibly take our energy and raw resources? Why, it‘s much more fun to tariff us when your senators are facing re-elections in states with poor economies. Softwood anyone?

I‘ve lived in the US, I‘ve dated American girls, loved some and almost married one, for the right reasons. Some of my family lives in Washington State and I enjoy them very much. Sound familiar? It should, many Canadians can say the same.

So for you and that response you posted. How is that productive? Yes some of the remarks were a bit much. I concur. Especially the quote you chose to focus on, but look at the source. How would you react to a similar situation?

Think for a moment. If after the events and actions of your nation in the past 2 years you‘re at a point where this is the road you are going down with your strongest ally (and one joint op w/ Britain does not replace the economic, political and social ties with Canada) where will it take you over the next few?

The inability of many Americans to understand that there is a world out there and that forcing a way of life (and the mass consumption ethic that accompanies it) may not be the answer to every problem. This is a direct result of that. In the past, Canadians embraced their identities to stand out from such a domineering neighbour. Now, we‘re doing it with gusto.

PS

Personally, I‘d like to see a copy of that letter. Post it.

 

[muskrat89]

Enzo - I agree with much of your post, some of I don‘t agree with. I just wanted to say that it is nice to read a post that, even though I don‘t agree with it wholeheartedly - is civil, thoughtful, and appears to be written by someone who stayed awake through school. A post based on ACTUAL experience, to a certain degree.

Here‘s the deal - some of you have enough grown-up, real world experience to form (in my view), credible opinions. Some of us have lived and/or worked, in both countries. We are all taking these jabs personally, to a degree. I may think my mother is ugly. I better not hear it from someone else, though....

Neither country is perfect, both have flaws. Remember, both countries are made up of people. Normal, everyday people. Most aren‘t any different from the people to the north. I grew up listening to some Americans‘ stereotypes about Canadians. I‘ve seen, on these boards, a lot of stereotypes about Americans. Some of you act more like Americans, than Americans do....

Oh - NAFTA? Funny thing about NAFTA is that no one seems to like it. Well, maybe the Mexicans. I know most US Businesses don‘t like it either. Softwood is a good example from the Canadian side, but there are some examples from this side as well.

 

[muskrat89]

Contracts in Iraq? Any country that didn‘t support the war in Iraq shouldn‘t be whining about not bidding on re-building. If I was fundamentally opposed about going to war in Iraq, than I should be ooposed to taking part in it‘s re-building. Otherwise, it would be like taking "blood money", right?

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

For more WTF File Goodness:

http://www.americandaily.com/item/3809

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

[/QUOTE]maybe we should start calling all Canadians Ba‘stards, morons, failed statesmen, burn flags and stomp on them...that be okay with you? I love it! [/QB][/QUOTE]

Do what you want you are a free country after all oh no not really, you have that Patriot Act now sorry.

The only one acting unprofessional here S_Baker is you. You say we cannot take criticism, I think you are a fine one to talk. Awhile ago I could not understand why people had such a problem with you. I now can see why. To me you are the stereotypical American you like to bully and take arrogance to a new meaning. You flaunt your Canadian heritage when it suits you but you are quick to drop it when it doesn‘t. If you are an example of the leadership that the US Army has today then no wonder they are so bogged down in Iraq. You wanted to get personal then there you go.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

Originally posted by muskrat89:
[qb] Contracts in Iraq? Any country that didn‘t support the war in Iraq shouldn‘t be whining about not bidding on re-building. If I was fundamentally opposed about going to war in Iraq, than I should be ooposed to taking part in it‘s re-building. Otherwise, it would be like taking "blood money", right? [/qb]

For the most part I agree with you muskrat, these companies should not so surprised that they are not getting contracts but at the same time should the US expect any of these nations to ante up in the help of rebuilding?

 

[Devlin]

Besides that I out-rank most of you anyway....

Oh yes let‘s bring Rank into it. Because that is sure sign of intelligence. Give me a break Major, the most important rank in the Army is that of Private.

 

[winchable]

Muskrat, Kind and gentle My *** .
First of all, calling me a latte sipping clown who has no idea what I‘m talking about and throwing me in with jutes is absolutely ****ing ridiculous.
Don‘t YOU ever tell anyone what they know, it‘s the first mistake anyone could ever make in a debate. You sir are the pointy headed clown, who is content to stand by in a right wing system (nay, actively PURSUE a right wing system) while people around you die of starvation and homelessness, YES I am a bleeding hearted socialist(Yes my screeen named is an homage to che guevara whoever asked)
Anyone who thinks that social security is a god ****ed waste of time and money can try living on the other side of the tracks for half their life like I did, Canaa‘s socialist tendencies are what makes us less corrupt, less evil and less heartless then our vile imperialist neighbours to the south.

"you‘re cozy pumping your hard-earned tax dollars into supporting everybody else"

You‘re god ****ed right I‘m cozy, because it‘s the Canadian ****ing way, I can proudly say that I live in a country where I know most people care more about those around them then their simple pin-headed, selves.
That is my opinion, and I stand by it no matter how many god ****ed latte‘s I sip, and It‘s an opinion I would go to the edge and past to back up.
And don‘t ever, tell me I don‘t know what I‘m talking about, and base it on the fact that I am trying to be as inoffensive as possible. You sir do not know what you are talking about, you did nothing to explain why I don‘t know what I‘m talking about, you completely avoided the main part of my post and skipped to the end. It is YOU that know nothing, becuase you seem to have a tendency to skip entire posts straight to the bottom. Do you read the first and last pages of books?

 

[winchable]

And the reason I said no Offence to my original posting is because I did not want the major to think I was personally insulting him, which i wasn‘t, because you cannot blame all Americans for what their country has done wrong, or is doing wrong.
So once again, you‘re left up "queen Creek without a guide", Or without any leg to support your argument on.

 

[muskrat89]

Boo hoo hoo, Che - cry me a river.

I‘ll tell you whatever I want, if it‘s my opinion - that is what makes Canada great

I‘ll tell you why they are the richest country in the world.
Any country that‘s foundations are rooted in "free" Labour, is going to have strong roots. If you trace the family lines of the richest people in America (The ones who bring the GDP up, and compensate for the people who make no money and get no help thanks to a messy social security system) their riches come from having a free start. Imagine creating a company and not having any startup costs at all!
They‘re also the richest country in the world because they are one of the largest country in the world (plenty of cheap labour if you catch my drift). Of course just being large isn‘t the only reason, you need some crooked sons of bitches at the top exploiting the dreams of the lower and middle class labourers.
To be fair there are the people who do work 15 hours a day and work very hard chasing the American Dream, which is commendable. And there are good people in America don‘t get me wrong I‘m not here to bash the everyday american, or the soldier or the sailor etc. and certainly not the major.
I just saw Jutes‘ comment on americas riches and thought I‘d point out something most people ignore when they talk about America being rich and powerful(no offence major, although i‘m sure this message is going to get a nice long reply)

Show me your data regarding the richest Companies or families in the US were borne of slavery. Tell me of your experience in the workforce - ANY workforce. YOUR experience. Tell me how many US Companies start with no costs. Lots of countries practiced slavery, including African countries. Including the Native Americans. Or maybe you were referring to some other kind of free labour. If so, my mistake. Funny you seem to resent me making assumptions about your background - you don‘t know where or how I grew up. You spout quaint little socialist platitudes based on, from what I can see - ZERO (or close to it) grown-up, real world experience. If you have, in fact, been in the workforce for 20 plus years - again, I apologize. You think socialism is wonderful - fine.

 

[kurokaze]

Everyone should knock it off. Nothing will be accomplished with this childish exchange of insults.

I wasn‘t happy reading the article either, nor am I pleased with what I saw written in other links posted in this thread. But does that mean we need to resort to pissing contests? What about the quiet dignity and professionalism we‘re known for? That, my friends, is the Canadian way.

Hurling insults at each other only serves to display how insecure we really are. I know for one I‘ll continue to wear the maple leaf abroad, and be **** proud of it. The opinion of one individual in California isn‘t going to change that.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

[/QUOTE]I gotta admit, you are pretty good....but seriously you obviously didn‘t catch the humor and sarcasim in my previous posts...Chief yah gotta take a chill pill....I hear they are cheaper in Canada.... How was that one? [/QB][/QUOTE]

Sorry I can‘t, one of the Mid Western states bought them all online. Good one BTW. When I find them I will post them.

 

[winchable]

I would like to apologise for my use of inappropriate langauge, in retrospect it had no place in this argument. I know it is censored, but most people just fill in the blanks themselves.

"Tell me how many US Companies start with no costs."

I was using an analogy, to look at America as a company who had no start up costs because of slavery.

"Show me your data regarding the richest Companies or families in the US were borne of slavery."

See Post below.
Also check out this website. http://www.corpwatch.org/news/PND.jsp?articleid=1830

"Lots of countries practiced slavery, including African countries. Including the Native Americans"

I know alot of countries practiced slavery, and many of them are still very powerful today (england, france, Spain etc.) As for African countries that practiced slavery, other then South Africa which excluded more then it oppressed, I will admit I am had pressed to recall of another one. As for the native Americans, if they did practice slavery at some point, any signs of that were wiped out with the large chunk of their population that died due to European contact.

"Funny you seem to resent me making assumptions about your background - you don‘t know where or how I grew up."

I originally wrote a long paragraph in response to this, but I will limit it to: with all due respects muskrat, you began by making personal assumptions about me before I made any about you.

As for my "quaint little socialist platitudes", Churchill said, "If you are not a socialist when you are young, you have no heart. If you‘re not a capitalist when you‘re old, you have no brain."

So perhaps I will grow into a right wing, conservative, capitalist, heartless person. But for now I will enjoy my youth (what is left) and I will continue to spout idealist platitudes, because as you have said the right to do so is what makes canada great.

 

[winchable]

Kurokaze Is right (sometimes all it takes is one person reminding you, that you‘re being a dumbass), I‘m willing to drop the childish exchange of insults its not doing much to further the thread.
I must say I lost my temper, what with the latte sipping clown thing..and being grouped in with a civi.

 

[winchable]

Alright, one last thing.

"Show me your data regarding the richest Companies or families in the US were borne of slavery."

Tobacco companies. The Lehman Brothers on the new york stock exchange (and that‘s only one companie on the exchange I can think of)
I‘m not saying that ALL of the richest American companies can thank slavery for their success, but some of the staples can.
It was this free start that they got from free labour that lasted as long as a lifetime that makes them so powerful today.

Here are some more: Aetna, New York Life and AIG and financial giants J.P. Morgan Chase Manhattan Bank and Fleet Boston Financial Group.
Investment banks Brown Bros. Harriman and Lehman Bros.

Railroads Norfolk Southern, CSX, Union Pacific and Canadian National.

Textile maker WestPoint Stevens.

Newspaper publishers Knight Ridder, Tribune, Media General, Advance Publications, E.W. Scripps and Gannett, parent and publisher of USA TODAY.

This doesn‘t mean that they own slaves now, not at all. It simply means that their roots were born out of slavery, and it is PARTLY because of their affluence that America is so powerful today.

This is all available at
http://www.corpwatch.org/news/PND.jsp?articleid=1830
As I posted before.