It’s often mentioned that from a cultural and ideological stand point Canada and the US are very similar, we’re neighbors and we share the largest undefended border in the world, but are we really that close? This year is an election year both in Canada and in the US so this is the perfect chance to see just how close, or far apart we really are. Lets look at what we have in common and what we don’t.
Language:
Canada: English/French
US: English/Spanish
Current Political Ideology:
Canada: Liberal, center
US: Republican, right
Religion:
Canada: Depends, in western Canada religion is still quite strong, but in eastern Canada, in particular Quebec, religion is almost dead (well not quite but it’s seen better days)
US: Still very strong, even states outside the bible bet tend to be fairly conservative when it comes to religion.
Military:
Canada: Very small, almost entirely made up of peacekeepers.
US: Very, very predominant. (I can name 3 Americans on these boards in the military and not a single Canadian, and based on the ratio of visitors there should be some)
Foreign Policy:
Canada: Diplomatic, won’t intervene directly, but will offer assistance.
US: Very hands on. You can’t handle it; we’ll do it for you.
The other guy’s leader:
Canada: Hope you lose (according to a McLain’s survey)
US: Who?
Iraq:
Canada: Refused to Act
US: Seems to have wanted to invade for no good reason. If they wanted to get rid of Saddam they should have just said so, this bull about WMD is total crap.
Gay Marriage:
Canada: Its about 50/50 overall, but depends on which part of the country you ask.
US: Constitutional amendment to ban it, isn’t that against the charter of human rights?
UN:
Canada: Pays their dues every year, and those doors we gave them are really nice.
US: Pays just enough not to get kicked out, whines every time it looks like international laws which apply to everyone apply to Americans.
I’m mainly pointing out some of the things we differ on just to try and get a reaction out of you. Do you really think Canada and the US are that close? And if so why, or why not?
I don’t want to sound like I’m bashing the US, I think its done some great things over the years (just none since Bush got elected), but I happen to very strongly disagree with about 95% of the decisions Bush made and I seriously hope he loses.