Happy Thanksgiving and...
Happy Thanksgiving to all the American people and that includes all of my dear friends and George W. Bush, President of the United States. Yes, tomorrow is the big day when families get together to celebrate and to give thanks for all the good things that have come their ways. Missing, of course will be all the military personnel away on foreign assignments and more so all those whose lives have been taken in the name of the American people.
Canada is ahead of the U.S. in giving thanks for all the blessings received. Thanksgiving was celebrated on October 11. Canada has been ahead of the U.S. on other major occasions, such as entry into the two World Wars. It must be said that better late than never as the American entry into those wars brought an earlier and positive outcome.
One month from now we will celebrate Christmas and the season of "Peace on Earth".
But, all the prayers and good wishes will not stop the many wars and human suffering around our globe. How to achieve world peace is the question with which the best minds will grapple. Now, Mr. Bush has high on his political agenda a missile defence system. As far as Canadians are concerned, this system is highly controversial matter and will lead to much discussion and debate over the next year.
On November 30 and December 1, Mr. Bush will be in Canada for a visit to the nation's capital. It is hoped that Canadians will respect this visit as an extension of good will on the part of America. Canadians need to remember that President Bush is the duly elected leader of his country, the most powerful country in the world.
While it is true that fence mending is necessary, both countries need to have open and frank discussions and remember that compromises are often required. Canada has had an excellent trade balance with the U.S., yet there are outstanding problems relating to American importing beef from Canada due to the "mad cow disease" and the soft lumber duties that have had to be paid. In spite of the World Trade Organization declaring an American trade law as illegal, the U.S. has defied the WTO. The WTO doesn't have the power to compel the U.S. to comply with its decision but members can retaliate against the U.S. Canada may do so.
Americans have cast an envious eye on Canada's waters. With global warming, Americans have an ever-increasing need for water. Canada holds, in water, a most valuable resource. To American advantage there are oil and gas reserves that can be exported in greater volumes as well as hydro-electric power. Where do these matters leave both countries?
The U.S. was disappointed in Canada for not having joined in the War in Iraq as the British had done. At this time, Americans hope that Canada will continue its support for the war on terror and in the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. There can be no doubt that Canada will participate in NATO activities even though there can be danger to any forces that are committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. In this regard the Canadian government needs to deploy personnel with appropriate military and other equipment and resources to do an effective job at a tolerable risk level to the troops.
Canada is ahead of the U.S. in giving thanks for all the blessings received. Thanksgiving was celebrated on October 11. Canada has been ahead of the U.S. on other major occasions, such as entry into the two World Wars. It must be said that better late than never as the American entry into those wars brought an earlier and positive outcome.
One month from now we will celebrate Christmas and the season of "Peace on Earth".
But, all the prayers and good wishes will not stop the many wars and human suffering around our globe. How to achieve world peace is the question with which the best minds will grapple. Now, Mr. Bush has high on his political agenda a missile defence system. As far as Canadians are concerned, this system is highly controversial matter and will lead to much discussion and debate over the next year.
On November 30 and December 1, Mr. Bush will be in Canada for a visit to the nation's capital. It is hoped that Canadians will respect this visit as an extension of good will on the part of America. Canadians need to remember that President Bush is the duly elected leader of his country, the most powerful country in the world.
While it is true that fence mending is necessary, both countries need to have open and frank discussions and remember that compromises are often required. Canada has had an excellent trade balance with the U.S., yet there are outstanding problems relating to American importing beef from Canada due to the "mad cow disease" and the soft lumber duties that have had to be paid. In spite of the World Trade Organization declaring an American trade law as illegal, the U.S. has defied the WTO. The WTO doesn't have the power to compel the U.S. to comply with its decision but members can retaliate against the U.S. Canada may do so.
Americans have cast an envious eye on Canada's waters. With global warming, Americans have an ever-increasing need for water. Canada holds, in water, a most valuable resource. To American advantage there are oil and gas reserves that can be exported in greater volumes as well as hydro-electric power. Where do these matters leave both countries?
The U.S. was disappointed in Canada for not having joined in the War in Iraq as the British had done. At this time, Americans hope that Canada will continue its support for the war on terror and in the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. There can be no doubt that Canada will participate in NATO activities even though there can be danger to any forces that are committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. In this regard the Canadian government needs to deploy personnel with appropriate military and other equipment and resources to do an effective job at a tolerable risk level to the troops.
posted by croweagle at
7:15 PM
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