Why doesn't the US appreciate having a great neighbour like Canada?

Question

We open our hearts to the US when they are in need. Two things come to mind immediately:
- a brave Canadian diplomat who hid kidnapped American diplomats for days and then smuggled them out of Iran
- shutting down every airport in our country on 9/11 and making emergency plans in case a US plane had to land anywhere in our country as well as opening our homes to stranded Americans

We fight for what we believe in:
- Canada was fighting Hitler two years before the US
- Canada had twice as many deaths per capita as Americans in WWII

It just seems that all Americans think of is "those b&*#$%$#$ didn't join us in Iraq". What happened to free will and free speech? Only if it is what they like? And why can't they just appreciate having a country for a neighbour that is a beautiful, friendly, peaceful, stable democracy instead of bashing our healthcare system or our people? Just wondering.

I would think that most would like to have a neighbour like us.

Marcus - per capita

Answer 1

This American appreciates our Canadian neighbor and I wish the neighbor to the south could bring their country up to the level of Canada. What a difference that would make! Mexicans would not be risking their lives to get to the US, and we would not be fighting amongst ourselves over what to to about the illegal aliens. As for the war in Iraq, lots of countries declined our invitation to help us go to war. As it turned out, many of us think our administration made a huge error in judgment in invading Iraq. I know that many in your country hate us and I'm really sorry about that. I'm sorry that most of the world hates us now. We are really not used to be called "the bad guy", but many, many of us sincerely regret it and are trying to do something about it. Be patient with us...change will come.

Answer 2

5th generation Canadian here Alot of the time I admit - I have to take a step back before answering a religion question posed by an American... it really is true that we carry different perspectives on several matters. *waves* Spiritually speaking, being in Canada is a privilege. There are so many things we take for granted here - AND take advantage of.... the above answerers are right in that we don't obsess about our political leader's religious backgrounds, but it might interest you to know that our current prime minister is a born again believer. Spiritually - I have peace in knowing that I can freely speak my mind. However change is coming - both for Canada and for the US. I don't know that there's anything about Canada that you don't know - although I have found that alot of people in the US are not well versed in Canada's geography. We have 10 provinces and 3 territories. Quebec is the largest province and to put size in perspective, Ontario is almost 2 times the size of Texas - and Canada is larger in land area than the US and has the world's largest fresh water supply. Climate ranges from very hot and humid to very very cold and dry. Where I live is one of the more fertile areas of Canada. We have cold weather about 4 months out of the year, but in the heat of summer it can reach 90 with the humidex - yuch. AND - all our roads have signs and go somewhere.... I'll never forget driving out of Syracuse NY on my way back to Niagara and heading down the highway - I knew I was in serious trouble when there were no more highway lights, the tarmac was getting rougher, and THERE WERE NO MORE CARS around me.... then all of a sudden the highway just stopped. IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! I had to turn around and drive back on the wrong side of the highway until I found a turnabout to get on the right side, then I drove back to Syracuse and had to stop at a small store to get proper directions... the map was wrong. The other thing that's different is - In Canada there aren't little bars on practically every street corner. And you can't by liquor in grocery stores. (at least not hard liquor)

Answer 3

I'm an American, and I love the Canadians. I don't know which Americans you know. As a matter of fact, me and my wife are looking to visit Montreal.

My only complaint about what you are saying is that you think that ALL Americans are this way, and that couldn't be further from the truth. You will have haters no matter where in the world you are from. Just don't judge our country by the handful of Canadian bashers.

Answer 4

Canada is a lot less troublesome than Mexico for sure! I think that the two countries will always have some rumblings and I think it's normal. It's just that the media picks up on anything and everything and makes it more noticable!

Answer 5

Wow! I have never heard anyone bash Canada. My experience is that when one is asked what country they would choose to live in if they had to leave the U S; the choice is almost always Canada. In fact, I heard recently on the news that many Americans are moving to Canada. I suspect that most Americans wish we weren't in Iraq. The loss of limb and life is great and the expense is many billions of dollars.

Answer 6

This is why I bash Canada:
Single mother after abused by her canadian husband was left without work permit in Canada with a 4 year old child.When she called the police after her husband was violent with her and her child the police drop him off 1 block away and called the social services on the lady.The social services told her that because a child is involved SHE must move out within 2 weeks or they will take the kid.The girl used all her savings to move and informed immigration that she wants to end the marriage.Immigration Canada left her without work permit,stranded in Canada with no way to support her child,earn money for a plane ticket or be able to visit the "universal health care".Even the Office registrant and Passport Canada offices refused to make the child passport without money even thou they are the same government that left her without work permit.This is why I bash Canada.Because Canada likes to point fingers at US but yet does the same inhumane stuff and some times more.

Answer 7

I don't have any problems with Canada. You must be talking to the wrong people down here.

Oh, wait, that whole 'hate speech' thing is a bit sticky, but that's your government.

Answer 8

I have worked with Canadians at Royal Bank of Canada. They seem like very nice people, but a few guys really love to knock America and especially how its power is wielded. Maybe it is envy, but they admit that when they need us, they are sure glad to have us as a neighbor.

Canadian liberal B.S. does not fly well in certain workplaces in New York, especially trading rooms.

Answer 9

Well I see what you are saying even by reading some of the answers in here. I can tell you many Mexicans respect Canadians and other Countries too.
I am American and I appreciate your people and I've learned about the Mexican Culture as well.

Peace.

Answer 10

When I hear the word Canada I think of Moose and Hockey. and the "mounted police". Thats your problem right there.

And WWII

US 407,000
Canada 45,000

I guess hockey suffered quite a blow in those years, huh?