- As a Canadian I'm very puzzled over what has happened
to our neighbours to the south. There has been a series of events that
began before September 11th. Many Canadians have watched in bewilderment,
some in anger. This final insult from our southern neighbours is almost
unbelievable.
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- Sports fans will know what I'm talking about and for
others I'm referring to American fans booing the Canadian National Anthem
at recent sports events.
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- This, by itself, although it shows great disrespect and
extremely poor sportsmanship, could be dismissed as being "just a
sports event." Yet, this is not something that was a common occurance
at events before, so why now?
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- I tend to think it is a reflection of the disrespect
that the American government has been showing for Canada since George Bush
became president.
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- Many Canadians watched stunned as President Bush made
a great show of calling Mexico America's best friend and closest partner
shortly after he came to office. For the most part it was dismissed as
politics and Canadian citizens didn't make too much of the slight.
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- September the 11th was another matter. On that day American
commercial planes became flying bombs. Your airports were shut down and
with no thought of danger to Canada we opened our airports and our hearts
to all the planes with no place to land. Canadian citizens came out to
offer food and shelter and comfort to our stranded neighbours. Within a
few short hours we all sat a little stunned as the American president made
a great show of listing all who helped - except Canada. When Canadians
began to speak out about the insult President Bush added insult to injury
when he said, "You don't thank a brother, do you?" A brother
is the first one you thank so the whole belated thank you was rather lame.
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- Canadians were very upset with their Prime Minister for
not visiting the US sooner, but some of us were beginning to wonder just
how deep the slights were going. Suddenly Great Britain was our neighbours
new found best friend - Mexico got ditched too I guess. All in all though,
Canadians grumbled but for the most part tried to be understanding and
compassionate for the turmoil that Americans were enduring.
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- We watched our American neighbours blame us for terrorists
coming into the US through our borders. We quietly shook our heads when
Americans seemed to forget that one drives out of one country - but it
is the country one is entering that does the screening. If there was blame
at the border it was not the Canadian Customs offials who let them out
of Canada but the American Customs who let them in. We tried to understand
that our neighbours were a little paranoid but with good reason.
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- A few days ago the American Military dropped bombs killing
four Candian soldiers and seriously wounding eight others. Accidents happen
and until all the facts are known it would be unfair to comment or lay
blame. However, what disturbed Canadians was the American reaction and
response.
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- The news was being reported on Canadian channels a full
two hours before any mention was made of it on the US news. That seems
incredible considering the nature of the news! The American President had
to be reminded several days later that, as the leader of the US, he should
be extending an official apology. Or is it now acceptable to kill your
brother and not have to say you're sorry?
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- This is a time when Americans should be waking up and
asking why other countries are so hostile to them. Why are there groups
who are not only willing but eager to blow themselves up in the hopes of
taking a few Americans with them? This is a time when Americans should
be waking up and being more aware of, and respectful to, other nations
and other cultures.
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- So, is it just sports event, or is it a deeper reflection
of American attitude and disrespect of others? Are Americans just reflecting
their government?
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