What Makes the US think they Protect us?

Question

I don't recall a time in history when the United States protected Canada. Nor do I recall a time in history when we needed American protection. In fact, the only nation that has ever invaded Canada has been the United States.

Both countries are the best of friends, very connected, and should be proud of such a great alliance. But I don't understand when Americans throw the "we protect you" line at me when I debate about politics.

I don't want to hear Anti-American remarks, or Anti-Canadian remarks. I want to hear intelligent, coherent comments aimed towards how some believe the United States protects us from foreign threats.

I think geography does play a role. Obviously the United States is between us and Latin America, so yes, illegal immgration would be greater here if it weren't for America. But in terms of politics and defense is where this question is mostly aimed.. although admittedly both are intertwined.

to UnitedStatesAirforce55.. I live aboutg 13 miles from the Montana border in Alberta, and go to school with mostly Americans. When I debate about politics, it's often thrown at me.

That's odd Matt.. becuase I've never seen the US flag burned in my neck of the woods.. nor have I ever heard anyone in the West boo America's national anthem. Obviousl you're pretty ignorant towards my country.

No need for apologies (or on the other extreme, insults). I'm not anti-American, nor am I a Canadian nationlist. In my opinion both countries are like North and South Korea - same people divided by politics

Answer 1

There are some defense issues that need review:

- We patrol the northern areas on the western side of Canada (up to areas well north of Alaska) with fighter and recon aircraft ships and satellites. Admittedly, the US does it for its own purposes but the data from that side of the world, the Russian and Chinese side, is shared with the Canadian Defense folks.

- We patrol with aircraft, ships and satellites, the Pacific Ocean, constantly looking for any penetration from enemies, real or imagined (North Korea, Russia). Again this is not a passive protection measure - it DOES help to protect Canada from attacks/penetrations from the west - the most vulnerable area for both of us.

- Our umbrella of aircraft and satellites in the Atlantic area of the territories east of us both, watches closely for IBM's and other potential attacks from the European area (Iran, Russia). Again, this is done for 'us' but it benefits us both.

Now to the main point - I have never heard the expression "We protect/protected you" uttered. You must have run into some birdbrains from the US that have a big ego for this country but a dime's worth of knowledge about how we both operate. Finally, I attended college in Canada and found the country to be big, beautiful, well-educated and extremely neighborly and friendly. A great experience.

Answer 2

~It would be the same national hubris that makes the US think that its meddling into the politics and internal affairs of independent nations the world over is welcome. It is that attitude in Washington that causes people to want to fly planes into skyscrapers and blow up embassies. The Ugly American is alive and well, and the policies that made the book such a best seller that was supposedly going to change the world are still alive and well.

Hey, with your smaller military, smaller population and smaller GNP you obviously can't stand on your own two feet or take care of yourselves, right? That would be the prevailing attitude, Canadian history notwithstanding. But, we were all colonies together and the American psyche is such that Canada will always be the younger little brother. At least you haven't had to repel a US invasion for awhile (probably because you kept winning each time it was tried). Don't forget Teddy Roosevelt and James Monroe. Monroe adopted for the US the role as savior and guardian of the entire western hemisphere and once TR picked up his big stick, that has been lorded over our neighbors constantly. Canada is the one country that has always peacefully coexisted with the US, so you get to keep hearing it. America's staunchest allies are always treated with some disdain and as inferior "equals". It is a fact of life and draws heavily on the frontier and cowboy myths.

Not all the citizenry feels that way. Let me apologize for those who don't know any better.

Your one worry - if anybody was going to launch an invasion against the US, it would make sense to come by way of Canada, at least when land based attacks were practical. Thus, our enemies are your concern and the US will "watch over" Canada to protect its own butt. Your fear is not a war of your own. Rather, it is being drawn into one involving us. Geography says there is nothing you can do about that.

Answer 3

If, during the Cold War, the Soviet Union were to have nuked a Canadian city, the US would have nuked a Soviet city back and gone to all out war with them, putting their own civilians at risk for a counter strike, under terms of the NATO Treaty.

Answer 4

That's what we say when we can't come up with a logical debate. It usually angers people and makes it more difficult for them to think clearly. The more we say it, the more frustrated you get.

You Canadians always fall for that! The Frenchies too... Silly-heads

My suggestion to you is to find more intelligent people to debate.

Answer 5

speak for yourself, Canada is no friend of mine. when you burn my flag and boo my national anthem like idiotic children, you are not my friend. please stay in Canada and never think about America ever again. do not visit, do not eat our fast food, do not watch our movies or TV shows and do not listen to our music. have a nice day.

Answer 6

i dont think ive heard one american say that "America protects Canada"
so idk where you came up with this question

but
Canada doesn't need to be protected, its not a major threat to islam, only freedom, Christianity and the only world superpower is

Answer 7

Because one protects what one owns and what the US does not own it will destroy.

Answer 8

We defended you from France.

Answer 9

i disagree.......if it werent for the US mexicans would be pouring into your country and not ours