Team USA No Favourite

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 03:59 AM

During the broadcast of the USA, Russian hockey game Tuesday night, one announcer remarked that only four American jerseys had been sold at the arena. He wondered whether that could be attributed to a cheap shot against a Canadian player by Jack Johnson of the USA. He then suggested perhaps its because of the soft wood lumber dispute with the US and the fact we have won the court battles over the issue but the US still refuses to return the approximately 5 billon that has been collected at the border.

Those two items may be of some importance, but of recent there has been a growing feeling the US has been bullying not only Canada but other countries around the globe.

Mexico has been the winner of a number of WTO battles over cement, but has yet to have a dime in countervailing duties returned to its coffers.

We have seen our natural gas head south, our beef stopped at the border and our lumber being welcomed as long as it carries punishing duties, duties by the way which have no legitimate reason to be collected.

On the other hand the political leaders have been pouring on the rhetoric about how they view the actions of the Americans but nothing has hit the paper beyond some carefully chosen words.

If Canada wants to show some muscle, then we should head over to the next European Common Market meeting with a view to joining up with that group. If the US chooses to treat us as poor cousins, then lets see if the Europeans need the same products we have been sending across the 49th supposedly without barriers.

Opening up that market would go a long way to showing the US that we are not about to be dictated to till out very pride is at stake.

I’m Meisner and that is one man’s opinion

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 03:59 AM in Views by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: diplomat on January 4 2006 9:18 AM

>If Canada wants to show some muscle, then we should head over to the next European Common Market meeting with a view to joining up with that group.<

In fact, there appears to be nothing in the EU constitution that requires a new applicant country to be geographically close to the EU!

First, though, we would have to give notice that we are leaving NAFTA. I believe only one year's notice is required.

Realistically, none of the above is going to happen. The USA is going to throw its weight around forever, or as long as it will get away with it. To them, there are only two kinds of people in the world: Americans and "foreigners."

Posted by: owl on January 4 2006 9:44 AM

Foreigners???? ... I think you meant to say aliens. ;-)

http://www.lifeintheusa.com/immigration/aliens.htm

"An alien is a person who was not born in the United States and comes into the country from outside. (Do not confuse this use of the term "alien" with its frequent use in science fiction to refer to people from outer space.) "

Posted by: Vikingnuck on January 4 2006 10:07 AM

The way the Vancouver fans treated the American players was an embarrassment, both as a hockey fan and as a Canadian.What the hell does a world junior hockey tourney have to do with politics? These are 18 year old kids, NOT U.S. Lumber lobyists!! What misguided anger. A caller last night to Sports Talk said he and his wife left half way through the 3rd period, as they felt concern for their safety! Yeah, that's what the true meaning of sport is eh? (SARCASM!)GO CANADA GO, and please no chants of Putin Sucks on Thursday OK? If you need to vent anger, vent it at TSN (Toronto Sports Network) for broadcasting the games so damn early to appease the Eastern market. Toronto Sucks!! There, I feel better now.

Posted by: shawnpetriw on January 4 2006 10:47 AM

Vikingnuck, what does Hockey (or other sports) have to do with politics? EVERYTHING!

1972 Canada - USSR series, 1980 Moscow Olympics (boycotted by the USA), 1984 Los Angeles Olympics (boycotted by the USSR), Salt Lake City and "political" payoffs, Beijing getting the 2008 Summer Games, not to mention every international "my country vs. your country" tournament ever.

sp

Posted by: diplomat on January 4 2006 11:49 AM

Owl: "Foreigners???? ... I think you meant to say aliens. ;-)

Good point! I avoided using the term 'alien' intentionally, because I have no desire to emigrate to the USA or enter to stay illegally.

In fact, I used to go to the States quite regularly, but haven't done so since the invasion of Iraq.

:-)

Posted by: fedup on January 4 2006 3:06 PM

Just wait till the port in Prince Rupert opens for business China will be banging down the door for resources.I don't know if Mr.Bush realizes yet.

Posted by: diplomat on January 5 2006 11:47 AM

>Just wait till the port in Prince Rupert opens for business China will be banging down the door for resources.I don't know if Mr.Bush realizes yet.<

GW Bush has given the orders to buy up all Canadian resources that are not yet in American hands. It is happening as we speak.

That is what Mulroney's Conservative NAFTA agreement was/is all about.

The Chinese (and later India) will be banging on the doors of the American multi-nationals
to buy resources from Canada.

John Manly (remember him?)is heading the task force that will be overseeing the virtual elimination of the American borders to the south and to the north.

Our Canadian goose is cooked!!! Relax.

Posted by: SpeakingOut on January 6 2006 3:38 PM

Ahh, Jackson is a bully, and the United States of America is a bully, but the two should not be compared and/or related, otherwise - it becomes political. Jackson got away with something that most hockey players would not, however, I will leave the judgement call on that one up to the folks in charge of the Hockey rules and regs. He should have been reprimanded, and I hope he does not go home feeling like a big kingpin because he wasn't. I hope he feels some shame for what he did, what poor sportsmanship. Any hockey team who wants him now is surely looking for a hitman and this young fella has put his resume out there! And lets face it, every team wants one!

As for the poor sportsman like behaviour of us Canadians....

Posted by: Percy on January 7 2006 9:12 AM

Let's face it, the US is not as popular as they might think.

I don't question their patriotism. It's incredible and I wish we could be as passionate about our country.

I don't question their arrogance either. It's pretty in your face.

I don't question their ignorance (as in lack of knowledge) about their closest neighbour either.

They have been and will continue to be our biggest trading partner and have a huge impact on our economy.

That doesn't mean we can't stand up for ourselves and make some attempt to protect our rights and resources. After all, now that their are others who are very interested in what we have to offer, maybe we can elect some politicians with some
ba--s who are willing to look out for our best interests.

Don't get me wrong, we are very fortunate to have them as our neighbor. Who will help us if we get attacked? Our own government has disarmed the entire population, reduced our armed forces to ??? and is selling off the farm. We still need the US and we appreciate the comfort they provide us in spite of the minor issues.

Percy