George W. Bush has further fuelled a Canadian controversy with an aggressive pitch for Ottawa's participation in a continental ballistic missile defence program, something Prime Minister Paul Martin had sought to avoid during the U.S. president's first visit to the nation's capital.It was a harshly discordant note in a day when the two leaders, showing genuine comfort with each other, spoke often about what Martin called the "unshakeable friendship between our two countries."
And for those of you who were optimistically expecting progress on trade issues:
There were no breakthroughs on two high-profile trade issues ? softwood lumber and opening the American border to Canadian beef. However, officials on both sides said the foundation for a healthier relationship had been laid.
Martin apparently indicated to Bush that missile defence was to be the subject of a debate here in Canada before any decision would be taken. That would be a refreshing change since all we've had so far is the government pretending that they're just window shopping and not buying.
Martin attempted to put the best face possible on things, saying:
"... we have common shared values, shared ambitions, and we share optimism also."I think that is what is fundamental."
No, that's spin. What's fundamental is that the trade disputes won't be settled because of "shared values." I doubt they'll be settled at all unless we grow a spine and fight back.
As for missile defence, Bush wants what he wants. And he'll expect to get it without giving anything in return. After all, he has a mandate, eh?
The bit about shared values is not only spin, it's also bullshit. I've half a mind to send Paul Martin his own personal copy of Michael Adams' excellent Fire and Ice: The United States, Canada and the Myth of Converging Values.
-J
And he'll expect to get it without giving anything in return.
What Martin doesn't get, and what John Kerry didn't get (and for that matter, what the Democratic party doesn't get) is that this is standard operating procedure for the current American administration. It has been for 3 years now, and it ain't gonna change as long as they can get away with it.
Just ask Tony Blair.
I hope he enjoyed the beef dinner.
I am an American, posting here for the first time.
When I read about Bush trying to sell Canada on
the missile defense system, I felt like
throwing up.
My advice to my neighbors to the north is:
DON'T DO IT, CANADA!!
All Bush wants is to sell expensive weapons technology to you at premium prices to make money for himself and his big business cronies.
Honest scientists affirm the missile defense system is bogus and won't protect ANYONE from attack. It just makes money for the arms industry, at the expense of The People.
That's all.
Spend the money on something sensible like health care or education or environmental cleanup, etc.
DON'T GET SUCKED INTO AMERICA'S MADNESS!!
My country is going insane, day by day by day.
I am watching it from close-up.
The America I was once proud of is turning into a hollow rightwing, corporatist, religionist craphole that is a shadow of the just, democratic and (relatively) fair-minded America I grew up with. And it will surely get much worse before any turnaround (if there ever is a turnaround).
The transformation is hideous to watch from within, and is every bit as ominous as it must seem from your vantage point.
I saw several Canadians interviewed on PBS news last night (reflecting on Bush and recent political policies and developments), and their social consciousness, honesty, common sense and basic decency literally brought tears to my eyes.
I realized something at that moment--
I love Canada!
Why?
Because it's full of CANADIANS!!
There are still plenty of good, decent people here in the U.S. (many of us feeling more & more like aliens in our own nation).
But millions of my other fellow-citizens are revealing the dark bleakness and hatred and closed-mindedness they hold within themselves.
Thanks to Bush, it is now THEIR era.
And they are roaring.
I look to the north with admiration, and increasing amounts of envy.
Bottom line:
Canada has better values and morals than the current America does. No question about it.
I just wanted to acknowledge that FACT
to some Canadians.
Please, don't ever submit to any sense of inferiority to the U.S.---Weapons and military might aren't everything.
You should be proud of your more liberal values and aversion to criminal wars like the one in Iraq.
I gotta' hand it to you folks up north----
In all honesty,
you're better than we are.
Hang in there, nikto! You've still got a great country down there.
nikto, you just brought tears to my eyes.
We need you where you are. The world needs more niktos, in place, in the U.S. -- desperately.
We're here to make you feel stronger in your convictions.