Will Barack undo all that Bush has done…
After 8 years of wondering how it’s possible that W got elected – twice! – I came to the unlikely realization that we owe the man a debt of gratitude. The obvious reason is that without an administration of such profound stupidity, Mr. Obama would have been unlikely to even make it onto the Democratic ticket, let alone get elected.
However, there is a less obvious side effect to the Bush years; he made us fall in love with our own country. For 8 years we thanked our lucky stars, patted ourselves on the back and basked in the warm glow of hearing liberal Americans, again and again, utter the statement “I’m moving to Canada”.
Was 8 years enough to create a permanent change in our self concept? With the changing of the guard we are once again looking at the US in awe; hijacking perhaps more relevant national news with endless reports on the new president’s fashion choices and favourite colours.
I understand the fascination – they elected a highly charismatic, uniquely able and largely unlikely president and it has captured the world’s attention. And with good reason – it is a giant step in the right direction; however, that direction is North. The world is buoyed because, with this election, the United States are becoming more like US! More liberal, more interested in taking care of the weakest members of their society, less likely to wreak havoc in the world. But it is an uphill battle and, in the final tally, our Conservative PM will likely have a more liberal record than Barak Obama.
We need to remember that despite the high profile, the pomp and circumstance, the endless rhetoric of change, Mr. Obama can only dream of instituting the kind of policy that we take for granted; socialized healthcare, gay rights, gun control – these are measurements of a civilization that our friends to the south will likely not see for years to come.
In the excitement of the unprecedented and decisive victory of Barak Obama we need to remind ourselves that, despite their power and influence, they are only at the cusp of creating the kind of society we’re privileged enough to have built.
So, in this, my introduction to all of you, I say let’s focus on all that we have to be proud of, endeavour to change the things that need our attention, and rethink our relationship with the US. Instead of viewing ourselves as the kid sibling vying for their attention and resources, let’s offer them our experience and support as they embark on what appears to be a path towards greater care for it’s citizens and increased responsibility on the world’s stage.
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Tags: barack obama, george bush
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February 25th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I am glad to hear the optimism and nationalism of this article. I think we, as Canadians, need to first embrace the great things about this country and then strive to raise all other areas to those same standards. As a Canadian/American it frustrates me to see so many of my fellow Canadians ignoring our politics. It is the people of this great country that will keep it great. If we ignore our country it will end up like a dusty old toy in the corner of North America.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Judas Obama is proving himself to be King Bush III. Ever increasing amounts of military spending and weapons of war are being used in the “war” on terror and drugs. Notice there is always an excuse for spreading the weapons and tactics of war to the rest of the world.
The US is the biggest exporter of terrorism in the world today–they are directly responsible for the deaths of more innocent men, women and children, than all the so-called terrorist groups combined. There is no sign of the US fueled militarization of the world slowing down any time soon. Human rights have suffered terribly around the world in the last 10 years.
However, thanks to a vibrant media, the vast majority of Americans are not proud of this war mongering and there is a massive disconnect between the wishes of the people and their politicians. A storm is brewing.
Sad to say, Canadians are ignorant sheep compared to their US brothers and sisters. Canadians love to trumpet, “we are not Americans” but they have little else to say beyond that. Rationed health care and rampant poverty enforced by excessive government regulation have made this country a haven for large companies at the expense of the working poor. Dishonesty (to survive the government) has become a way of life.
The strict enforcement of the Canada/US border and the regulated Canadian media ensure that the average Canadian thinks the rest of the world is just like home or worse. They are sadly mistaken in this regard, and continue swallow ever increasing amounts of slop in the name of patriotism.
A nation of liars has no room to speak out, we are all guilty of some offense and so remain silent. Our dirty little Canadian secret.