I didn't want to hijack another thread, so I'm starting this to ask a legitimate question.
Why all the snyde remarks and chippy comments between Canadians and Americans? I guess I just don't get it.
I'll set the table a bit: I'm married to a Canadian woman who's originally from Alberta. She now has dual Citizenship in both countries. All but one of my in-laws still live in Canada, in various places including Alberta, Ontario and Manitoba. My BIL is a consultant in the oil-patch (works contracts for BP, mostly in the Middle East, Northern Africa and Brazil) and lives in Rocky Mountain House. He's about as redneck as it gets, is a hunting and fishing guide on the side, lives in a NICE log home on 160 acres outside of Rocky, etc. One of the toughest SOBs I've ever met. Another SIL lives in Toronto.
My wife and I both work for a Canadian company (Bombardier) and I've spent literally years working in Toronto and Montreal. I'm the program manager for an aircraft, flown and owned by the United States Air Force that supports the war-fighters of the U.S. Military with battlefield communications capability. Ever see "Lone Survivor"? Remember that they couldn't establish comms with J-Bad to let them know they were in contact with the enemy? Well, this aircraft and system were a response to that incident that cost the lives of 19 Americans. Know what?? It's built in and based on a CANADIAN manufactured airframe. It's called an E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node. Think of it as a flying cell tower. And I have many Canadian friends who are straight up good people. So, I have a fairly unique perspective on U.S./Canadian relations.
I'm a very proud American. I'm a veteran of the U.S. Navy. I believe myself to be a very "heartland" kind of guy. Hunt/fish/ enjoy the outdoor life, etc. That said, I'm the FIRST guy to admit how screwed up the U.S. is right now. The U.S. is still the best country on the planet. No question. But does that mean that the opinion of the U.S. from non-Americans is invalid?? Certainly not. If anything, it's good perspective to hear to better understand how America is viewed in the international community. Canadians' (or citizens of other countries as well) opinions are perfect relevant and are something we should want to hear.
I've traveled extensively in my life and career and can tell you that in many countries, Americans are seen as a bunch of azzhats. And, I think we've earned that through "chest pounding" and always acting like we're better than others. Pride in our homeland is one thing, but acting like we're better than other nationalities' is something else.
Now, is Canada the "end-all, be-all"? No. Not at all. Canada has it's own share of problems and issues. PM Trudeau is a boob IMHO. And in most areas outside of major cities and Quebec, he's not well liked. Sometimes the Canadian Political scene is a joke, but so is the system in the U.S., especially right now!! If I were in another country, and I saw the daily political crap that goes on in the U.S., I'd laugh my A$$ off! POTUS tweeting all the time!?!? A.O.C. and the madness from "the squad"!?!? I don't care which side of the aisle you're on, it's actually embarrassing to me as an American.
I love this country, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But, if I did, I'd want to live in Canada. Alberta (away from Calgary and Edmonton of course), Ontario (anywhere north of Barrie or anywhere near the Soo) and Quebec (north of Montreal around Mirabel) is some of the most beautiful country on earth and absolutely FULL of great people.
I thought about not even posting this, and if the mods see fit, please delete it or lock it. But it just seems to me that Americans and Canadians pissing up each others' backs is stupid and silly. All of this is just my opinion and my $.02 Have a great day all!