Our neighbors to the north seem to be struggling with a bit of an identity crisis: are they allies or opponents to the U.S., contributors or pretenders as members of NATO and the international community? Ben at The Tiger in Winter takes an interesting and critical look here (hat tip to Damian Brooks at Babbling Brooks).
We are unsteady as an ally. And this is not only a Liberal failing. In fact, the most egregious example was under a Conservative government. Diefenbaker did not co-operate with the Americans during the Cuban Missile Crisis — he refused to put the Canadian military on alert. (Canadian commanders, on the other hand, put themselves on alert.) That display prompted Bobby Kennedy to say of us, “in an emergency Canada will give you all aid short of help.”
Go give it a read. Mr. Brooks adds his two cents to the piece.
[Canadian conservatives] want Canada to live up to its potential, both domestically and internationally, so bad it hurts. That means making Canada stronger – economically, socially, and yes – militarily. The Canadian left likes to talk about charting an independent foreign policy from the U.S., but how can you remain independent with no assets to devote to your international goals – foreign aid, consulates and embassies, and yes again – military? How do you maintain true sovereignty over Canadian domestic issues without a strong and expanding economy – one that’s competitive worldwide without the crutch of a weak dollar?
Comments
2 responses to “A Little Canadian Self-Examination”
Canadians always have and always will hate Americans. Clinton wa simply a TOOL to get money from the US, period. There is alot of violence in the States and Canadians have to be bribed not to screw the US with the UN in Iraq.
Sorry, but if they could they would bankrupt the US tomorrow and bury them(in the gound-like in dead).
Eope, good comment. I always find it’s best to form an opinion that has only a passing acquaintance with the facts.
That is, of course, if you want to appear a complete fool.
Canadians don’t hate Americans. Some Canadians hate the U.S. Some Americans hate Canada. Quite a lot on both sides of the border like each other a good bit.
For Canadians, the question remains what policies are in our own best interests, and to what degree do those policies match up with American ones.
For Americans, the question remains what level of agreement do you require from your allies, and on what issues?
Not easy questions for either country. But they need to be answered.