Although I'm sure to get a lot of flack, there are a few reasons why Canadians should be supporting McCain as the next president of the United States of America. You can make fun of his running mate, Sarah Palin, all you want but if Canadians want to safeguard trade relations with the Americans, they should be looking towards McCain.
First, while Obama has openly stated that he'd "renegotiate" the North American Free Trade Agreement (meaning it would be more favourable to the States), McCain knows categorically that Canada is the States' greatest asset in free trading. He'd be much more agreeable to an open border so that imports and exports could cross unhindered. And he has a much better appreciation of the interconnectedness of his nation and ours.
In June, McCain spoke in Ottawa (our nation's capital, for our American friends who didn't know that) where he told the Economic Club of Toronto, "There are many shared interests that require our attention today, and many Canadians here I am very proud to call friends...the strength of that partnership is more vital than ever. The economic community we have founded, together with our alliance and the values we hold in common, have served our people for decades and has served us well. It will fall to the next president to strengthen these ties still further, adding to the security and prosperity of all of North America." Remember, most Canadians live in the corridor running along the border between the two countries, so simple things like cross-border shopping and tourism need to be preserved - for us both.
Second, McCain knows that Canada is America's number 1 largest supplier of oil. He knows that Canada has the second-largest oil reserves in the world and that 60% of the energy produced in Canada is hydroelectric - clean energy. McCain would be more responsive to continuing to import oilsands petroleum than Obama would. These exports factor extensively into Canada's economy.
Third, Canada has just re-elected Stephen Harper, Conservative, to Prime Minister. It would bode well for harmonious relationships between the two countries as both Harper and McCain lean right and are both westerners. And McCain has strongly acknowledged Canada's role in Afghanistan.
Did any of my fellow Canadians know that Obama referred to the "president of Canada" in one of his campaign speeches? That just goes to show how ignorant he is of our country, how it's run, and how important it is to have positive and ethical relationships between us. I think Obama would make a very good president - some day. But that day is not next Tuesday, November 4th, 2008.
Just today, McCain reiterated that he disagrees with the current president on economic policies. "My approach is to get spending under control," McCain said.
Although Canada is typically a more liberal and socialist country, we must take a look at the situation we're all in right now - economically. Isn't it better to elect someone who knows the ropes and Canada, someone who can actually accomplish something right now?
Just my two cents worth, Canadian - and that sure ain't worth much today!
By the way, you might want to check out Josie's current post entitled "Be Careful What You Wish For..."
32 comments:
Let's you and I just agree to disagree on this.
Bear((( )))
Leslie, I agree with you 100%, so no flak from me. The majority of Canadians are more informed about American politics than most Americans are. I think the glassy-eyed Obamaniacs are in for a huge disappointment. He will be elected by a landslide, and he will not be able to deliver most, if any, of his campaign promises. But by then it will be too late.
Does anyone really remember what Obama said during his "earthshaking" Democratic convention acceptance speech? I challenge anyone to quote one line!
Al Gore was not elected in 2000 because he was tainted by his ssociation with the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinski scandal. Now McCain is tainted by his association with George Bush's dismal record. However, I don't believe McCain will be anything like Bush, but we will never know, sadly.
As I said in my post today, "be careful what you wish for." I also believe if something is too good to be true, it usually is.
My prediction? A few months from now, we will be reading on the blogs how everyone is disappointed in Obama.
That's quite alright, "bear." I knew most people would disagree with me on this. I'd love to hear your point of view, though.
Actually, Josie, Obama "speaks" a lot but never really "says" anything, in my humble opinion. He just grins a lot.
I disagree, as you know. But then again, I'm not a supporter of the Conservative party or Harper himself. I remember when Obama said "president of Canada" and I was laughing and appalled at the same time. Regardless, for the USA I believe that a McCain gov't would be the wrong choice. I'll leave it at that, as I'd need my own blog to elaborate. Plus, children are pulling on my hair right now (literally).
Jamie
In one and one day we will know the answer... I will be sitting right here watching the TV.
Tonight I am flipping back and forth between the World Series and Monday Night Football! I only wish I could enjoy the election returns as much!!
Yes ... I recall Obama referring to the President of Canada...!! McCain isn't done yet, though. Stranger things have happened.
In 1948 a major Chicago newspaper printed the headline "Dewey Beats Truman!" and, of course, there is the famous photo of President Truman holding that newspaper up in the air as he celebrated his upset victory!
Let's all hold our breath and hope for the best...!
Take care.
I guess I take a little different view on this. I know our trade with other countries is out of wack but we also have other problems that needs addressing.
Personal I never vote for the two main candidates for president there first time out of the gate but personal I prefer Obama.
Coffee is on.
Thank you so much for that Leslie. I hope you don't mind if I link to this post. People are so blind to Obama's agenda. I know that God is in control, but I think we are in for some sad consequences if Obama becomes our next president. He won't be able to deliver on his promises and I have a feeling there is a LOT of corruption going on in the voting process. It's just a shame.
Big hollywood nuts are supporting him and it just shocks me that people would look to them as their political barometer! Oh, dear!
Obama all of the way! in my opinion mccain is the one talking loud and saying nothing, and i won't even start on palin 'cause i may never finish. i also think it's pride to think another country is more informed than our own. every country has it's scandals, financial woes, etc., and if it hasn't hit home yet, it will. that's just life.
Leslie
I have learned, in my life, to not discuss politics or religion with people.
So how is the weather been out there on the West coast?
Bear((( )))
This is great! Let's get a good discussion going here. Looks like the feeling is about 50/50 so I'd love to hear more. Come on people, I don't mind if you disagree with me! But let's talk about it. :D
Ok, I have really struggled in penning my response to your post. I have writen and rewriten my comments for the last 30 minutes. Therefore, I will go with bear naked and say...let's agree to disagree.
Deb and Bear, you should never be afraid to discuss politics, religion, art, literature, any of those wonderful mainstays of intelligent conversation. Disagreeing with someone is wonderful, and it is just such disagreement that generates new ideas! And that is what blogging is all about. We should be able to voice our ideas and opinions in a safe environment, and I know Leslie agrees with me on that. Leslie welcomes lively debate, and so do I.
Blogging used to be able discussing all sorts of things, but it has been taken over and watered down by people who run the "memes" like the Tennessee Chick who posts the Saturday Photo Hunters. The theme of one of her posts? String! String!
Blogging has also been taken over by the bullies who call other people names if they should happen to disagree. You won't find that happening here on Leslie's blog, or on mine either, although I have been called names for my opinions. At first it hurts, but then, you will think, what the heck... I have a right to my opinion, and I have a right to voice it. Isn't that the premise of democracy?
I am rambling, but I feel very strongly about this.
Agree, disagree, just don't be afraid...! Don't let people make you afraid!
And for goodness sake, don't do a post about string! :-)
(I now relinquish my soap box... *heh*)
Well put, Josie! Yes I do welcome debate here, as long as it doesn't get personally vindictive. I'm certainly not an expert on ANY subject, but this particular election has, for some reason, caught my attention. The candidates making history in one way or another is one thing, but then with the economic fallout it became something else. I really feel that people have been caught up in something like the Pied Piper leading all the rats out of town, but as you yourself posted, Josie - there's something...there's something...that doesn't feel right here.
It's going to be sooooooooo close, and I am enjoying following it here in the UK.
I like you too much to tell you what I think ... lets just agree to disagree and I will send you some Kleenex to dry your tears next Weds, you're not a bad loser are you?
:-Daryl
Okay .. I cant resist and this is for you AND Josie
#1 - Al Gore was not tainted by Clinton or Lewinsky. He lost because Bush's people played with the Supreme Court which had no business getting involved in an election AND the law they called into play was made FOR JUST THAT ONE TIME ..
#2 - NO President has ever been elected who was able to fulfill the promises they made on the campaign trail - why? - because in order for a President to get anything passed they need a supportive Congress ... that is rare
#3 - God is not in control. God is not a registered voter ..
#4 - What line of the speech would you like to hear .. while I dont have it memorized I can quote ...
#5 - McCain has not ever explained where he will get this money to fix the economy without taxes
#6 - there has never been a less prepared, less experienced person to be put up for VP - next to Gov Palin Dan Quayle looks like MENSA material........90 days into the campaign and she still has no idea what the VP does ..
I can go on ...
Excellent points Daryl, I agree. Isn't it interesting just how divided people are. Either you're Obama or McCain, and each side is 100% faithful and can back up their views.
My mom and I have had heated discussions about Palin. I simply cannot believe that people think she's a good choice, that people are PROUD of her VP run. Ridiculous. This woman wants to ban books, take away women's right to choose, take away gay marriage rights...I too could go on and on. McCain is an American war hero. For sure! But that doesn't mean he would be a good president. And I am too concerned that with his health history, he'd kick the bucket and the USA would be left with Palin. Terrible.
Hopefully the next time Canada has a federal election, we won't end up with no change at all like we did this month. I would hate to have a Republican US gov't and a Conservative Cdn gov't running our countries, helping out businesses and sending militaries to war and not being accountable to the majority of citizens who cannot make ends meet.
BTW, If I were an American in this economy, I wouldn't want a president living such a high life that he can't remember how many homes he and his multi-millionaire wife own.
Jamie
Aha! now this is getting good! Thanks Jamie and Daryl for your great comments.
I too have to agree that I like the Democrats' health-care plan and I'm in favour of women's right to choose! And Daryl, I freely admit I haven't followed the past history of the American election process to the detail that I've been trying to follow it this time.
That said, however, if I were an American right now, I don't know WHAT I would do - which one of these men really WOULD do a better job right now? I just have this niggling "feeling"...
Come on people - convince me of your stand. Forget the man and forget the current president.
Republican/Conservative?
Democrat/Liberal?
If I were an American, I would definitely be a registered Democrat. Having said that, I would not in all conscience be able to vote for either of these candidates, and I think a lot of Americans are stuck in that place right now.
In 2000, then-Vice President Al Gore mostly kept Clinton at arm’s length, partly because he feared that the Lewinsky scandal had tainted Clinton with swing voters, and he was right. Bush stole the election, but it would not have been such a close race if it had not been for the Clinton/Lewinsky effect. (Hanging chads???)
Anyway, after the American election is over, we don't lose anything, because we live in Canada - the best country in the world. *heh* We already have universal health care, gay marriage rights, women's right to choose, a fairly air-tight banking system, economic stability, a great educational system, one-year paid maternity leave, lower crime rate, cheaper university tuition, and so much more.
Anyway, when the election is over next week, it is not the end, it is only the beginning. Time will tell....
Great debate, Leslie!
Outstanding, Leslie! Thank you for speaking up! Obama is an unrepentant Marxist. His political mentor in Hawaii was the life-long Communist Frank Marshall Davis. Then there is his connections in Chicago to the Marxist Alinsky group, his links (far deeper than our Obamaniac media will admit) to the Communist/terrorist William Ayers. What about Rezko? What about Wright? What about the statements now (at long last) surfacing about Obama's redistribution of wealth schemes? I could go on and on. It absolutely appalls me that so many people in the U.S. turn a blind eye to what this man is REALLY about. It should give anyone pause to know that Obama is the man radical Islam wants as president. Hats off to you for speaking up, Leslie!
Hmmm.... don't know a lot about this Obama-McCain thing. I heard their names some where. Let's see. Something to do with an election perhaps? City council maybe? Is McCain the man or the woman? I always get them confused!
I noticed you, Jo, mentioned something about a blog having to do with string. Apparently you are not overly impressed with the current fad involving string blogs?? Interesting.
Now THAT is something to debate!! I mean, really! Who could not get excited about string?! Think of how critical string is to our society! String holds everything together!
There is a national string convention coming up somewhere, sometime, for some reason and it is, well, important! Really important if you are into string! Or if you are selling string or buying string or using string as your art medium!!
Just a moment! I need to get a drink! Let me breath into a paper bag for a moment!! This string business gets me so worked up!!
The idea that any person would not take string seriously is, well, beyond belief!! Some of my best friends are into string - big time!!! I mean, I don't really know what that DO with string or why it is so important to them, but I respect their right to do with string what that wish!
I heard there is even a string annoymous group that meets every Tuesday night in the basement of the local church! I mean, there are some people who can't handle string and, well, that is another story I guess...
And then there is a guy I know who plays the string bass! I mean, it is IMPORTANT to him! Can you imagine trying to play the string bass without string??!! And he is supporting a family and they want to take a trip to see the Rose Parade in California if only Penn State can get into the Rose Bowl but that coach is getting so old any more and life gets so complicated!
What was I talking about? Oh, yes! String!! Now, let's agree to disagree I guess!! But if someone is into string and they aren't harming others, well, I say, let them have string - or let them eat cake! Or something...! And how would you wrap packages with string if you didn't have string?! And what about kittens who play with string?!
What? This post is about politics? Oh well, then...
Never mind...!!
PS The above is in loving memory of a person I always loved and who I truly miss -- Roseanne Roseannadanna! Take care...
I know not only where Ottawa is but have spent many months there through the years.
JO..."There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there’s the United States of America." Barak Obama, 2004 DNC "Audacity of Hope" speech. Yes I remembered this line.
Leslie, personally I think that Canada should sell oil to whomever will buy it. Of course though no one seems to remember that the extraction of the oil from the sand and shale is an American developed technology and the refinery for it is on American soil, which makes America the least expensive market for Canadian oil to get to.
But none of that matters. You even recognize that free trade in North America is heavily slanted to benefit the much smaller Canadian economy and yet we smile and say, "That's OK. we like Canadians and Mexicans."
I am glad for your opinion though. Makes me realize that when my Grandmother and Grandfather left Canada in 1919 they did so to improve their lot. They never turned back and pined for a home that abused them because of the Irish and Scots blood that ran in them. How do you feel about the Quebecois? No nation is without the same fear of them that are different in look or opinion than the party in power.
How many Americans not living in border states would know that Canada follows a parliamentary system of Government? How many Canadians would even remark at a gaffe? And put it on point to make a point, you are more American than you'd ever admit to.
But of course this whole dialog is self serving. You want what will be best for the Canadian pocketbook, that is understandable but what does Canada bring to the table? Oil? Keep it, and we will be forced to alternative energy sources which are not dependent on others faster. The technology is out there now. Lumber? We take Canadian lumber at exorbitant protected rates, tariff free for your benefit not ours.
The thing is the whole world is crashing, not from American policy but from the corporate, bank policy of greed. Greed which runs rampant through all of the markets of the world and it does not matter who or how the the collapse started. What is important to see is that Americans can no longer support the rest of the worlds output with rampant consumerism and whomever is elected better understand that.
OK, Ladies, point well taken. When I return from my job fair, I will take the time to reformat my thoughts and shall post my reply.
Wish me luck, ladies....
Russell, you are too funny. But, you know I have to retract my statement. Freddie told me about a wonderful mathematical concept called String Art, so I guess string does have it purposes. heh, heh. I hope you have recovered. :-)
Mark, I admire your passion. Don't ever change. We need more people like you on the blogs. :-) However, I have to disagree about people leaving Canada for a "better life" in the States. Canadians get frustrated with Americans thinking we are the poor cousins to the north. Here is a list of Canadian inventions, some of which Americans may have benefited from.
1. Insulin, Treatment for Diabetes [1921, Frederick Banting, Charles Best]
2. Telephone [1876, Alexander Graham Bell]
3. Light Bulb [1874, Henry Woodward, Mathew Evans]
4. Five Pin Bowling [1908, Thomas F. Ryan]
5. Wonderbra [1964, Louise Poirier]
6. Pacemaker [1950, John Hopps, Wilfred Bigelow, John Callaghan]
7. Robertson Screw, 1908 [Peter Robertson]
8. Zipper [1913, Gideon Sundback]
9. Electric Wheelchair [1952, George Klein]
10. Poutine [1957, Fernand Lachance]
11. Cobalt-60 “Bomb” Cancer Treatment [1951, Harold Johns]
12. Java Programming Language [1994, James Arthur Gosling]
13. Bloody Caesar [1969, Walter Chell]
14. Canadarm [1975, Spar Aerospace/NRC]
15. Standard time [1878, Sir Sandford Fleming]
16. Electron Microscope [1939, James Hillier, Albert Prebus]
17. Ski-Doo [1922, Armand Bombardier]
18. BlackBerry [1999, Mike Lazaridis]
19. Radio Voice Transmission [1900, Reginald Fessenden]
20. Birchbark Canoe [First Peoples]
21. Basketball [1892, James Naismith]
22. Retractable Beer Carton Handle [1957, Steve Pasjack]
23. UV Degradable Plastics [1971, James Guillet]
24. Instant Replay [1955, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada]
25. Goalie Mask [1959, Jacques Plante]
26. Marquis Wheat [1908, Sir Charles Saunders]
27. Pablum [1930, Alan Brown, Theodore Drake, Frederick Tisdall]
28. Lacrosse [First Peoples]
29. Electric Oven [1892, Thomas Ahearn]
30. Steam Fog Horn [1853, Robert Foulis]
31. Walkie-Talkie [1942, Donald L. Hings]
32. Alkaline Long-Lasting Battery [1959, Lewis Urry]
33. Paint roller [1940, Norman Breakey]
34. Electronic Music Synthesizer [1945, Hugh Le Caine]
35. WeeVac 6 [1990, Wendy Murphy]
36. Green Garbage Bag [1950, Harry Wasylyk, Larry Hansen, Frank Plomp]
37. Snowblower [1925, Arthur Sicard]
38. Self-propelled Combine Harvester [1937, Thomas Carroll]
39. Instant Mashed Potatoes [1962, Edward Asselbergs]
40. Explosives Vapour Detector [1985, Lorne Elias]
41. Marine Screw Propeller [1833, John Patch]
42. Plexiglas [1931, William Chalmers]
43. Key Frame Animation [1969, Nestor Burtnyk, Marcelli Wein]
44. CPR Mannequin: “ACTAR 911” [1989, Dianne Croteau, Richard Brault]
45. G-Suit [1941, Wilbur Rounding Franks]
46. Ardox Spiral Nail [1954, Allan Dove]
47. Automatic Lubricating Cup [1872, Elijah McCoy]
48. Crash-Position Indicator-CPI [1957, Harry Stevinson]
49. Caulking Gun [1894, Theodore Witte]
50. Separable Baggage Check [1882, John Mitchell Lyons]
Oh, and universal health care, with the best doctors, equipment and facilities in the world.
And, please, please, please don't anyone be upset with me, but I don't have any faith in either McCain or Obama. Americans deserve better.
WOW! now here is a debate...well Leslie I would have to agree with Josie in that I don't think either Obama or McCain are knowledgeable or savvy enough to run a country like the US....but that is what they have to choose...to me it's the best of the worst...what does one do....
I felt like that with our recent election...I don't think we had a candidate that would really stand up for the changes that need to be made in this country...but we had to vote and vote we did, so we have another 4 years of a conservative government...the same goverment who via Mulroney sold us down the garden path on free trade...and neither Canadians nor Americans can really get that angry..the ones who should be upset about Free Trade should be the Mexican working poor...we lost jobs here to Mexico because manufacturers could save millions by paying a Mexican worker a $1/hr compared to a living wage in Canada or the US.....Free Trade in my humble opinion was designed to make the rich wealthier....I haven't heard either Obama or McCain address getting those jobs back that went south as a result of Free Trade....you want to get the econonmy moving again....get the jobs back.
Josie....girl thank you for drawing my attention to so many wonderful inventions by Canadians ...that is a pretty impressive list...especially when I think that the population of Canada is the same as the whole population of California....we sure do pack a punch.....great debate Leslie....thank you...
No flak from me on this one. I too (and most of my family) are McCain supporters. My hope is that other American's will see the light.
Thanks everyone for this fabulous debate! I really appreciate all points of view and freely admit that Canada is not perfect. But in the whole scheme of things, it is a great place to live and we have a lot to be proud of. (Thanks Jo for the list of Canadian inventions! Even I didn't know some of those! ha!) It is sad, though, that both countries are so polarized - everyone is so passionate about their personal choice here and I hope that once this election is over, everyone will come together in the best interests of both countries.
I know most of my friends and family feel the same as I do.......what are we supposed to do? It is our civic duty to vote, our sacred rite.....but....what is there to vote for???? I will go to the Polls on Tuesday, whether or not I vote for president or not is still debatable. I can't help but feel that I am wrong no matter who I vote for. I may still write Hillary's name in!
I feel for you, Sandy. But take a look at how those who are watching and CANNOT vote in your country and how they are feeling about it all. Don't be a sheep, Sandy. Vote with your head.
Your comment about not being a sheep wasn't very nice. Many, many, Americans feel the futility of voting when the choices are what they are. It's not as clear cut as you would believe and the outcome (long term) is certain to be very little like either campaign (or any blog) would have you believe.
Oh dear, Nancy! I do apologise as I did not AT ALL mean to be rude to you. I only meant you should clearly think through the choices, not great as they are, and follow only your own beliefs. Again, I am sorry if I offended you - I'm not like that at all.
Post a Comment