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Here's how Brits really feel about Americans

ELIZABETH RENZETTI

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:05 AM EST 27/09/08

It's not uncommon to hear vitriolic anti-American sentiment and these days it's reached a pinnacle of anger and bewilderment ...Read the full article

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  1. kitty kumari from Canada writes:
    How do the Brits really feel about Canadians?
  2. kitty kumari from Canada writes:
    strider 643 from Canada writes:
    It was the ignorant Brits who joined Bush in his nasty terrorist war against Iraq: Torturing, maiming and murdering thousands of Iraqis; all based on lies and deceit that the high and mighty Brits bought into and propagated as partners with American in unforgivable war crimes. Three cheers to the Brits!

    .............

    Please don't base all the Brits on their government. I wouldn't want to be based on the canadian government.

    and yes... Three cheers to the Brits!
  3. JT Evans from United States writes: I hate to interrupt all the American-bashing but the smugness is getting a bit thick.

    I can't speak for all Americans, only for my circle of friends and family. We'd appreciate it if the rest of the Western world would stop acting like spoiled teenagers - constantly criticizing everything we do and how we do it and contributing little, if anything in return while comfortably sleeping under our roof and eating our food.

    If you don't like how we handle things - build your own fleets, field your own troops and send them halfway across the earth every time an alleged ally gets in trouble or overplays their hand. That way, things will be done to your satisfaction and you don't have to worry about us evil, imperialistic Americans screwing things up or embarrassing you.

    It would be nice if you would just clean up your own messes every once in a while instead of running to daddy (and his wallet) every time you get yourself in a bind. It's as if the rest of the world only has three cards to play when bad things happen - have the UN write a harshly worded memo, ask the US to send troops or sit on your hands and complain how terrible things are. Rwanda, Darfur, Bosnia - how's that working out for you?

    If the EU would just help out their failed colonies in Africa and take care of Europe the US - and especially the American taxpayer - would be very thankful.
  4. Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes: There are going to be an awful lot of disappointed people when McCain wins in November. The more Americans hear that they are EXPECTED to elect Obama, the further he slips in the pols.

    Relax everyone, so you don't like us.....I, for one, am not losing any sleep over it.

    Like JT Evans says...if you don't like how Americans are running things, step up to the plate and do it your way. We won't object.....really!!
  5. Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes: Dear Richard.......Arrogance??? I think not!

    I simply said that I wasn't losing any sleep over foreign correspondents who feel the need to stir up anti-American sentiment in online newspapers.

    Again, nothing arrogant is asking that if you don't like what the U.S. government with the help of SOME of the American people are doing, then Canadians could take a more active role in the world rather than the constant critique they give to everything American. Your post further exemplifies my point.

    By the way over 90% of Canada's exports come directly into the U.S. Canada is very dependent on the U.S.
  6. Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Dear Trina,

    "Canada is the largest exporter of oil to the United States and the oil sands in Northern Alberta contain the largest crude deposits outside the Middle East."

    It is America who is dependent on Canadian oil, natural gas, and metallurgical coal so necessary to your production of steel. Unit trains are almost constantly transporting this quality of coal to America. Canada and Australia are the only countries on the planet that possess this quality of coal.

    Do you truly think that we cannot sell our natural resources to other nations?
  7. Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes: By the way Richard, I don't know who appointed the U.S. the world's policeman either, but I sure would like to have a word with whoever it was. The average American citizen sure would like to be rid of that burden. However, I do believe they are stuck with it for a while longer as I don't see the Japanese, S. Koreans or the Germans increasing their military budget to provide security for their area of the world.

    After WW2 Canada had over 100 ships in its Navy, now it has 3 leaky subs it bought from the Brits! Of course you can thank Pierre Elliot Trudeau for the demise of the Canadian military. He was smart enough to realize that the Americans would never allow anything to happen to Canada, so he decided to spend your military budget on social programnes.
  8. JT Evans from United States writes: Mr. Whittier, let me get this straight, you're comparing the use of two cargo planes 3 years ago to the free-ride on national defense Canada has enjoyed for last half-century? You most certainly do sleep under the, "roof" of security guaranteed by America's armed forces. Canada's main trading partner is the US. Odds are that you do eat food paid for in some way by that trade.

    It's bad enough that Canada doesn't maintain adequate armed forces for a nation of their size and wealth, but they start territorial disputes with much larger, more dangerous neighbors knowing that someone will come to their rescue if things get ugly. Hint: Russia isn't afraid of Canada's navy.

    While it's true that other nations are gaining power and prestige in the world, they're filling the gaps left by the collapse of the Soviet Empire - not displacing the US. They are, for good or ill, building the forces necessary to secure their interests instead of expecting the US to act as their unpaid security guard.
  9. Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: I agree with you Trina - unlike most Canadians I never liked Trudeau at all! The first election I ever voted in, and that includes municipal, provincial, and national elections, was the election that included Stephen Harper because I finally saw someone who echoed my sentiments for Canada in Mr. Harper. I was apolitical up to that time.

    I have never and will never forgive previous Liberal governments for gutting our military.

    3 leaky subs? We do have other ships that patrol in the Middle East that try to interdict arms and drug shipments by Islamic extremists.

    For the first eight years of my life I could look out of the window that opened onto our back garden and look at the bomb shelter that protected my family - my mother and brothers and sister - from German bombs; my father was a career seaman in the Royal Navy. As I walked to school at 4 years old I could look into the craters left by bombs, and my school grounds had many older chidren with prosthetic limbs; those sights cultivated an extreme hatred for war and its destructive nature!

    ( This back-and-forth discussion between doesn't constitute on-line dating does it?)
  10. Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Those 3 'planes were dispatched during Hurricane Gustav! Three years ago we did not have those 'planes; it was Mr. Harper who purchased 4 of them to help rectify the military deficiency that was created by previous Liberal governments.

    There is no territorial dispute with Russia - Mr. Harper simply wishes to define Canada's Arctic territories and its sovereignty. Mr. Harper is desparately trying to rectify decades of Liberal neglect in these areas i.e. military neglect, the neglect of our sovereignty, etc.
  11. Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes: Dear Richard.....have you heard of the Bakken oil fields in the Dakotas? They are expected to be the biggest oil fields outside of Saudi Arabia.

    I don't mean to minimize the importance of the Alberta oilfields, but, the U.S. could be less dependent on foreign oil if only it had a proper energy policy. Haven't had one in decades. No new oil refineries built in over 30 years, yet our population has almost doubled! Nuclear is a bad word! I hope that whoever the next president is he puts a decent energy policy at the top of his list.

    Canada hasn't shown very much interest in selling its wares elsewhere. It is too convenient for them to transport everything south of the border.
  12. Fungal Fred from Canada writes: kitty kumari from Canada writes: "How do the Brits really feel about Canadians?"

    Good question. Answers:
    1. they don't
    2. Americans without the charisma.

    You'll never see an article on how Brits feel about Canadians because it would be too short. Brits are obsessed with America, just like Canada is.
  13. Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes: Fungel Fred... thanks for the laugh! That was a very funny post! Unfortunately it is all too true. Canada needs to do a better job promoting its image abroad.
  14. Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Fungal Fred: Trina is correct! Canada has a very rich history and Canadians need to become much more aware of it. Turn off your T.V. Fred and read a book instead!
  15. Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes: Dear Richard.....Trudeau had a brilliant mind, I just didn't care for his socialist ideals. Invoking the war measures act during the FLQ crisis back in the 70's was a bit extreme.

    Did you grow up in England?

    I don't know anyone who likes war. Do you think if the U.S. folds up it's military, China, Russia, Iran and North Korea would do the same? I'd love to live in a world where we competed with trade and everything was peaceful, but that isn't the real world.

    Fun discussion!

    Goodnight all!
  16. David Maloney from Montreal (Quebec), Canada writes: Ms. Trina Grant, your statement regarding Canadian exports to the United States is inaccurate and projects a rather arrogant interpretation of the economic relationship between our two countries.

    Just under 76% of Canada's exports go to the United States, not 90% as you stated (Statistics Canada, 2007). Of these imports, over 21% are petroleum products which are essential for your economy to function. Furthermore, it should be noted that the United States exports more to Canada than to any other country.

    In short, I suggest there is a mutual economic dependency that exists here. Nobody forces Americans to buy our products or vice virsa, they do so because they want to, or perhaps need to. As such, I do not thank your country for making my country rich, nor do I fear that your country will suddenly make my country poor. Instead I respect the dynamic economic relationship that we have, and I hope you would too.

    When it comes to the military discussion, these accusations of a 'free-ride' by Canada and other western countries, and this 'poor America has to save the world' attitude is amusing. If you don't believe the USA acts in its own financial and political interest when intervening in, or creating wars, I fear you have too much faith in your corporately controlled country. The military-industrial complex is a reality and I have little sympathy to offer your government or military leaders for various messes it's gotten itself into over the years.
  17. Canadian Pom from London, UK, United Kingdom writes: kitty kumari from Canada writes: "How do the Brits really feel about Canadians?"

    Fungal Fred from Canada writes: "They don't."

    Interesting one Fungal - where in the UK are you? I'm in the Southeast at the moment, and whenever I meet a new Brit, the first thing they ask after hearing where I'm from (generally in an incredulous voice) is "Really! Why did you come here?" A lot of Brits seem to want to emigrate, and of those, a lot think Canada is an ideal goal - it seems to be between Canada and Australia, and I know people who've picked up and moved across to both.

    It's worth remembering that most Brits form their opinions on American on its recent actions (Iraq) and its leaders (Bush). As such, Brits don't sneer at Americans per se - they're really just sneering at Bush. Honestly, if ever there was someone who deserved to be sneered at leading America, it's Bush. You should also bear in mind the British are a very proud, patriotic bunch, even if they don't like to admit it. I do think that deep down inside, most Brits still feel a bit paternal about the rest of the world.

    Oh hey, trivia for the day, which was related to me by an ex-forces bloke I know. Guess what some members of the British forces call American troops? SPAMs: SPastic AMericans. I laughed.
  18. William Scott Lee III from Vancouver, Canada writes: I am indifferent to what America does. America is just exercising its foreign policy based on carrying out its national interest (I hope that is the case). As for all those Americans being the world's policemen. It is your choice, no one forced you to do it. Secondly to accuse the Europeans or Japanese of not carrying their weight when it comes to military matters, seems to ignore history. Germany and Japan could have easily had developed a armed forces with an aggressive posture if the US had encouraged it after the war. If the US was to tell the Japanese and the Germans to rearm, then the Russians and the Chinese would also do the same. It is not in America's interest for this to happen.
  19. Col T from Canada writes: Oh, boohoo - the largest country in the world can't take being told a few home truths. America is the largest, richest and most powerful nation in the entire world. Its obsession with consuming as much as possible as quickly as possible is directly responsible for the state of the world we live in now.

    If you continue to set yourselves up as "The World's Leader" then we should be allowed is a vote in your election. In the absence of that, all we have is our opinions, which we are perfectly entitled to give in the newspapers of our countries (not an "online newspaper" as one person above put it). Or do you want to control the Internet too (which wouldn't exist, by the way, if it wasn't for a Brit)?

    If so many of its citizens continue to elect the idiots they do, and get taken in by unimportant things like what glasses someone wears or that they used to be a beauty queen, then the very least they deserve is articles like this that take a potshot (although this article is actually trying to explain what Americans call "anti-Americanism" but is, as the writer says, anti-Bushism and anti-peoplewhovoteforBushism) and highlight some of the things people in other countries worry about when they see how unstable America's actions make the world.

    As America is so massive and so powerful, you really should be able to take a little constructive criticism, such as "How about you elect someone who is actually aware of the issues facing the world" instead of expecting us to bow down at your feet. I find it ironic that America stands for "freedom" apparently, yet Sarah Palin is all about controlling what people can and can't do according to her personal values, which may not be shared by others.
  20. the vegan ninja from nirvana, Canada writes: So the American zombies are slightly more odious that all the other earth zombies. They are therefore more qualified to lead us all to inglorious oblivian. Aren't we getting used to this by now?
  21. Andy Scott from Hull, United Kingdom writes: I can't speak on behalf of all Brits but most of us are quick to base any negative feelings on headlines and articles from redtop newspapers or what they see on TV and in movies which tend to show the extremes. For example when we are told that only 10% of Americans have passports or that America is the worlds biggest polluter but will not sign up to the KYOTO agreement My personal feeling is that the American people are great and I have met a number of Americans who I would describe as the most tolerant and articulate I have ever met. However I have little respect for the current American government who have developed policies based on the Americans inability to produce what they consume. America is the worlds biggest consumer be it oil, metals, electronics, food etc and all of the American governments foreign policy decisions (Iraq, Israel etc) are based on their need for foreign product consumption. I am hoping that Obama becomes the next US president because it’s not just the US that needs change. We all need the American government to change the way in which policy decisions are made. If they don't then America will be in serious trouble over the next 30 years when India and China become bigger International consumers and will have a greater say in World politics.
  22. Dan Green from Palm Beach Gardens FL, United States writes: Everyones favorite past time, bashing we Americans. The Brits of course, never got over, losing their empire. With that said, they always kept the masses in line, to their benefit. I would agree, if they were still running things, we would probably have fewer advisaries. As for Canadians, you really should build walls, and isolate yourself from us. We would not lose any sleep over it. You cannot force anyone to like you, so you go your way, will go ours. There are more than a million of you down here earning money. Call them all back before you shut the border.
  23. J Martin from Sarnia, Canada writes: I question the negative perception that this article claims Britons feel towards Americans. I lived in just east of London for 3 years and worked as a school teacher. During this time, I couldn't help but notice that the number one holiday destination for families during school breaks was "a holiday to Florida." It's true that many are hostile towards Bush (just like here in Canada), but from the people that I met, most Britons had positive feelings about America. And it's not like the British media doesn't follow what's happening over there - about a quarter of the top stories in THE DAILY TELEGRAPH relate to events in the US.
  24. jack doober from brantford, Canada writes: The united states
    -Lost the war in Korea
    -Lost the war in Vietnam
    -Is losing the war on drugs
    -Is losing the war on poverty
    -Is losing the war on terror
    -Is losing the war in Iraq
    -Is losing control of their economy

    Why should we back such a loser..
  25. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: Well, I'll tell you. For eight years the US has obliged democratically-elected governments all over the world to do things their people would never have approved of.

    They see the governments they elected cow-towing to an obviously seriously adrift foreign policy and, yes, it gets the blood boiling.

    It obviously richochets onto Americans in general, even if half of them may be generally intelligent, well-meaning people. The other half, though, actually voted for George Bush and his government, TWICE. Hard to muster up the usual respect for people's intelligence with that lot.
  26. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: JT Evans and Trina -- Thanks for your posts. After you read the G&M, the Guardian, Der Spiegel, and other foreign publications that allow comments from readers one way to improve America's image in the world would be to increase our exports of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) meds.
  27. jack doober from brantford, Canada writes: Leon..You might not remember that we in Canada voted for Mulroney twice..
  28. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: jack doober from brantford, Canada writes: The united states
    'Why should we back such a loser.. '

    Uh, because Canada is still primarily a resource-based economy with an underwhelming engineering and manufacturing component that invents almost nothing and so is parasitically attached to our inventive, dynamic economy, and because Canada is a vast, underpopulated place with virtually no capacity or will for self-defense.
  29. colonel braddock from vancouver island, Canada writes: god bless america!! they are canada's only real allie aside from the british. all the america bashers probabaly still go down to disney world and vacation somewhere down there. bush might not be the greatest president but think of the rogue nations he has to deal with. thank god we are next to the u.s and not venezuela or russia or iran.
  30. In a Fog from Toronto, Canada writes: I love the American people and I think they have a great system of government. Not perfect nor better than the parliamentary system but still fair and equal. I dont care for the intensity of religious devotion in their public life but that is a common theme in many countries around the world both modern and emerging. It's easy to name and blame things when you believe your God is on your side.
    I don't consider everyone taking a free ride at the US's expense. They have shouldered that main cost of these wars and reap the benefits. They have almost complete access to all the oil fields in Iraq without interference and have another pipeline coming down out of what was formerly the Soviet Union through Afghanistan to deliver more oil to awaiting ships.
    I do have a problem with other countries sending troops into Afghanistan under the guise of helping stop terrorism and modernizing the country while American troops are largely used to guard the pipeline.
    I also have a problem with the funding for Muslim extremists coming from Saudi Arabian oil money which is tied in with US oil interests. I can't blame the Saudis. They are just paying the wackos to stay away and leave their monarchy in place.
    It's sad that most of the world knows this but the US press has not had the guts to come out and say these things because they would be called unpatriotic and prosecuted.
    Lovely people, the Americans. It must be so confusing for them to see themselves as doing righteous things and not understanding why the rest of the world doesn't appreciate them.
  31. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: LONDON — A good segment of America is shocked over Russell Brand's comments about George Bush at the Video Music Awards this week, which is shocking in itself. Don't they know what Brits think about them these days?
    --
    Duh..... and don't you know that the majority of Americans who watch T.V. are completely misinformed? They've embedde their propaganda into their entertainment for crying out loud. What do you expect?
  32. Donald Wilson from Canada writes: Perhaps Hillary is now looking better for the Democrats ? Too late though . The Republicans it appears have just played an "ace " card called Palin . Many of us have Family members that have lived in the USA for a generation or three . We know there are some great folks there . But as usual the loud agressive and aggorant and un-educated ones speak loudly , and ruin the good intentions of the others . To the writer above - re Inventions - some of the world's greatest inventions were discovered / designed in Canada - often by Canadians . Radar , the Canada Arm , and the Blackberry , etc etc. Our fault is that we don't yell loud enough about that - we don't celebrate our discoverers . And we don't presume to tell the rest of the world how to act . Personally speaking I think we should be more aggressive against oppressive regimes . We don't need the oil , diamonds , and minerals that is often present in those countries . The USA could get off foreign oil if only they would spend the massive amount of money they spend on military ventures on re-inventing energy sources . But the U S military supply companys won't allow this to happen . In another 10 years or so , much of the northern hemisphere will be off oil while the USA is even more dependent on it . Good luck on that .
  33. Bob K from United States writes: is that your plan to hold countries hostage with your energy

    Canada cannot cut off the US of energy as it would have dire economic consequences for both countries

    if you think the US does not represent your views or share your values will China?

    get over yourselves
  34. Kevin Wells from United States writes:
    "We are so sophisticated"

    "We know how to bring world peace"

    "We know how to solve all the world's problems"

    "We aren't crude and stupid like Americans"

    Does that about sum it up?
  35. Henry Allen from East Bank, Don River, Canada writes:
    I always find interesting the difference in reactions when foreign leaders are criticized, feared or disliked by Canadians. Criticize GW Bush and you're likely to get several Americans waving Old Glory and ready to declare battle for daring to attack their president. However, criticize Tony Blair (when he was PM) and you're more likely to get a lot of Brits joining in with even tougher attacks on Blair. As for Canada, Americans and Brits are more than welcome to heap any number of critical attacks at Stephen Harper. I'll gladly join in.
  36. horseless headman from Canada writes: i'm always amused when someone says they think americans are, in the main, dumb as mud, live in increasingly dilapidated, filthy, garbage strewn cities where large segments of block after block of abandoned houses, apartment buildings with broken windows and the inner parts vomit detritus onto the potholed roads and they are abandoning responsibility that you are anti-american. if i said i have a great affection for uncle bumbly but he was fat and wore scruffy clothes and was too fond of the bottle, some would say i hate uncle bumbly. just not true. half my family live in u.s. and i spent a lot of time to and fro there and the description above is very appropriate for any number of large eastern cities.
    i don't go there anymore because i hate all the bs you have to go through to get on a plane and the u.s. has lost its charm for me.
    the politics are built on a solid foundation of lies and people seem to complacently accept it. when people "label" a country there's nothing much you can do about it. canadians have been labelled "polite" and there are some who can't stand it. poor little bullies.
  37. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: Kevin Wells from United States writes:
    "We are so sophisticated"
    "We know how to bring world peace"
    "We know how to solve all the world's problems"
    "We aren't crude and stupid like Americans"
    Does that about sum it up?
    ---
    LOL.. I wish people could understand that that they really only have one political choice when both political choices are serving the same agenda.

    My advice? Throw away the T.V. sets!
  38. Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Edmond Dusablon from United States writes:

    “parasitically attached to our inventive, dynamic economy,…”: Is that the same inventive dynamic, economy that is now circling in a vortex as it heads down the tube, dragging the rest of the planet's economies with it because America has insinuated itself into every nook and cranny of every society on the planet?
  39. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Edmond Dusablon from United States writes:

    “parasitically attached to our inventive, dynamic economy,…”: Is that the same inventive dynamic, economy that is now circling in a vortex as it heads down the tube, dragging the rest of the planet's economies with it because America has insinuated itself into every nook and cranny of every society on the planet?

    --

    Try getting it straight. It the governemts.. people don't want WAR!
  40. Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Reg Anderson from Canada writes: Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada writes: Edmond Dusablon from United States writes:

    HUH?
  41. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: Richard Whitter from Ottawa, Canada

    The government declared war.. not the people.
  42. garlick toast from Canada writes: "..... and the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air....."
    and 45 million with no healthcare.
  43. k H from Canada writes: next time the germans attack them i guess they dont want US help
  44. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: garlick toast from Canada writes: "..... and the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air....."
    and 45 million with no healthcare.
    ---
    Yep.. sad isn't it.. in this day age.. money rulez. People's idea of success has been defined for them.. and our children don't stand a chance. Its bombed into their heads everytime they turn the T.V. on.
  45. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: k H from Canada writes: next time the germans attack them i guess they dont want US help
    --
    I have news for you.. the germans didn't attack the U.S... neither did Saddam.. or have you forgotten?
  46. k H from Canada writes: a european comedian at a music awards show says he doesnt like bush and that is news ?!!
  47. Reg Anderson from Canada writes: k H from Canada writes: a european comedian at a music awards show says he doesnt like bush and that is news ?!!
    --
    Nope.. its timed propaganda.
  48. Kevin Cochrane from Virden, Mb., Canada writes: I find it continually fascinating to read the comments posted by Americans. I suppose there is quite a lot of America-bashing going on these days, moreso now than even during the cold war due to the damge incurred by the 'soft-credit' crisis. I usually stay aloof to the bashing-party because it seems so easy to bash Americans currently and they're really not bad people all-together they're just lead that way. That being said, I have to make a couple of points perfectly clear. 1) The nation of Canada was never threatened by the Soviet Union, the American propoganda machine had every U.S. citizen convinced that communism was at our door when in reality the Soviets only ambition was to assure that it had all it's geographical neighbours under the same management scheme. Please forgive me if I am not eternally greatful for not ending up a commie. 2) The only reason the U.S. would have any vested reason for protecting us would certainly not be to protect the actual Canadians, rather, it would be to protect the natural resources, which leads me to my second point. Yes, Canada maintains a huge trade advantage over the U.S., however, my good friends to the south, the large majority of the products are of the raw nature ie; oil, natural gas, coal, timber which you people then convert into products and make ten times as much money on as we do. We are busily going about the biggest oil pipeline expansion in 30 years so that we can give more of our oil to you to process and refine down there and, consequently, I will pay another 20% more for my gasoline because of some effin' refinery in some city in Texas has shutdown again because of still yet another hurricane. Here's an idea, build your refineries up here, no hurricanes in Manitoba. In conclusion, please don't ever think that America is saving the world, if you do think that, keep it to yourself, people north, south, east and west of you know otherwise.
  49. garlick toast from Canada writes: The rest of the world would be thankful if America would just save itself.
  50. Rufus H from Canada writes: I'm an American, and now a resident of Canada, and honestly, the article didn't bother me. I took the writer's main point as being that America-bashing tends to be a bit exaggerated and unrealistic. And it does. I've met plenty of Europeans in my travel who have no sense of life in the US. They think we're all shooting each other on the way to the daily religious revival. I've also met plenty of Americans who have no sense of life anywhere else. They seem to think that the rest of the world lives in grinding poverty under bureaucratic tyranny.

    But I do agree that Canada needs to be much better at promoting itself. For instance, I was watching the very funny movie Juno last night, which shows what life is like in Canada... while pretending it's Minnesota. How hard would it have been to make the same movie, but acknowledging that we're looking at Vancouver? Maybe replace the American flags with the Canadian flag in a few scenes? Would Americans have boycotted or something? Sometimes I feel like I'm more pro-Canadian than the actual native Canucks I meet.
  51. gordon davies from Victoria B.C., Canada writes: As one who has over the years has been manipulated by both the Brits & later the yanks ,its a curse on both their houses . Like all that profess [like] beware its your wallet they want.
  52. horseless headman from Canada writes: rufus h - enjoyed your post. i was told about 20 yrs ago that toronto, montreal and vancouver had to "pretend" to be american cities or americans wouldn't be interested. most americans i know can't get enough about montreal (they all speak french? would they mind if i tried my french? those old french cobble stones, it's like visiting europe).
    or vancouver (what a beautiful city), toronto ( i didn't know it was that big, it's like chicago).
    so, yes i think we're missing out on a lot because of our inferiority complex. look at all the canadians in american show-biz.
  53. Janelle Vandervort from United States writes: The column was perfectly reasonable. I have lived in the United States all my life and do not have a freaking clue how to explain or justify this lemming rush over the cliff.
  54. John Samuel from St. Paul, United States writes: This is all terrifically hilarious. As a Canadian who lives in the USA, there are many things I miss about home, including wonderful conversation and polite service people, but I do not miss the snide, self-righteous America bashing or this sense of superiority that oozes from Canadian pores. I have now lived in Germany, Italy, Israel, Canada and the USA, and travelled in Greece and Turkey, and people verywhere have their own culture and "way of being." I like some things about all of them, but each country has its boors and fools. The idea that Canada is some enllightened nation while the USA the land of obese knuckle draggers is simply ridiculous. The USA, for reasons of that I do not entirely understand but which are complex and significant, has remained a far more religious nation than any other in the West. Underlying so much of the criticism of the USA is a sneering condescension that Americans actually believe such things. But the so-called sophisticates offer no compelling reason to distrust religious belief, just, as I said earlier, condescension. This is sophistication? There is no quesation either that the more the world sneers, the more likely it is it will be McCain-Palin in November. Americans are incredibly kind, if often crude and rude, but they are not stupid.
  55. J.C. Davies from Canada writes:
    Meanwhile the reputation of Brits across Europe is that of drunken louts.
  56. T Kant from Montreal Cal*ce, writes: Rufus H! I'm a born-and-raised US citizen in Canada too, and I couldn't agree with you more.

    My feeling is both countries could improve in different ways. As a "new Canadian" I find the majority of US attitudes and policy (in particular the vitriolic anger that Ms Palin exemplifies, the everyday violence, and the BS moralizing) simply frightening. OTOH, I find Canadian puffery simply baffling: it's been a few decades since Pearson created the blue helmets, it's true we don't manufacture or refine enough here, it's not like we're better human beings because our flag is different, and Canadian democracy could use a hand most days with the like of Harper trying to drive 'Peace, Order and Good Government' off the rails. But on the whole, I greatly prefer Canada and its actual moral committment to helping fellow Canadians as well as others. I believe the US could certainly self-critique more, instead of pointing the finger at other countries or each other.
  57. Kevin Wells from United States writes: Kevin Cochrane from Virden, Mb., Canada writes: "The nation of Canada was never threatened by the Soviet Union"
    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    NATO, NORAD....If the Soviet Union was no threat to you then why did Canada join these organizations?

    Why are you still a member?

    Now that the threat has been removed, you can talk tough.

    -----------------------------------------

    "In conclusion, please don't ever think that America is saving the world, if you do think that, keep it to yourself, people north, south, east and west of you know otherwise."
    ------------------------------------------------
    Saving the world might be a little overblown. But don't act like there was never a threat to western democracies and that America didn't do more than her fair share to make your current life possible.
  58. Kevin Wells from United States writes:
    Hatred of Americans by British is laughable.

    What did we ever do to you?

    WWI, WWII, Lend lease, Macarthur Plan, etc...

    Yea, we've just been so atrocious to the British way of life.
  59. Kevin Wells from United States writes:
    Meanwhile, Britain has enslaved practically the whole globe at one time or another.

    Carping, whining, smug expressions of self-righteousness for absolutely no apparent reason.

    Sounds like a marriage made in heaven.

    All hail the Queen.

    Ha.
  60. Rufus H from Canada writes: Headless horseman,
    When I first moved up here, all of the Americans I knew were excited about it, and very curious. Everyone asked me about the health care and if all Canadians are funny because so many comedians come from up north. Meanwhile, most of the Canadians I met once I got here were incredulous- "Wait a second, your wife is Canadian and you're American, and you decided to move HERE?!" Shock and awe. :)

    So, I don't think Canadians need to be chest-thumping about it, but a bit less insecure maybe.
  61. Kevin Wells from United States writes: Rufus H wrote:
    "...was watching the very funny movie Juno last night, which shows what life is like in Canada... while pretending it's Minnesota."
    ------------------------------------------------------

    Rufus, I believe the book and film were written by an American, Diablo Cody, to depict the life she knew, as an American in Minnesota or somesuch northern part of the USA.

    It was filmed in Canada.
  62. Fraser River from Canada writes: Trina Grant - Of course you can thank Pierre Elliot Trudeau for the demise of the Canadian military.

    ==============================================

    Ms. Grant, if you intend to debase the legacies of both the Canadian military and our country's prime minsters, please get your facts straight: Canada's armed forces were started down their long, slippery slope by John Diefenbaker, a Conservative.

    As for spending on 'social programs' at the expense of a strong defence, let me remind you that there are more Americans living without basic health insurance (approximately 47 million) than there are Canadians (approximately 34 million). I, like the vast majority of people living north of the border, are proud to see we have our priorities right.
  63. horseless headman from Canada writes: rufus h - i'm delighted you picked canada and i know there may be times you'll wonder why the hell you did, but it's always gratifying to know that you had a choice and picked canada. i had duel citizenship and made my pick, but that's a long time ago.
    best of luck to you.
  64. Kevin Wells from United States writes: Rufus,

    This is another myth perpetuated by Canadians. That just because something is filmed in Canada - it's a Canadian film.

    I've seen Canadians claiming shows like X-files, Stargate, Smallville because of filming in Canada.

    These are created and directed by Americans. Using Canada as a film location is usually just an economic decision. Or used to be when the Canadian government offered a lot of incentives to bring US filmmakers to Canada. I think some of those incentives have been weakened recently.

    I also hear all about Canadian comedians coming to America because we apparently don't have funny people here.

    Who the heck are these massive quantities of Canadian comedians?

    I can think of just a few.

    Jim Carrey
    Howie Mandel
    Dave Foley
    Tom Green
    Norm MacDonald

    Now which one of these guys is actually funny?
  65. Kevin Wells from United States writes: garlick toast from Canada writes: The rest of the world would be thankful if America would just save itself.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Oh, so that's what all the hate is about. You just want the best for us.

    Gotcha.
  66. globefan Eh from Canada writes: The Brits don't hate Americans..they are angry at the military industrial complex of both America and their own country, they are paying for a war they wanted no part of..but their own government sold them out.
  67. boz dobbs from toronto, Canada writes: It seems one can,t lunch in Mayfair without bashing anything American,then going off to catch Woody Allen,s latest flick(don,t mention that he married his adopted step daughter).
  68. kitty kumari from Canada writes:
    Trina Grant from Seattle, United States writes:

    Unfortunately it is all too true. Canada needs to do a better job promoting its image abroad.

    ......

    Let me know if there's anything I can do!!!!
  69. William Thompson from Cobourg, Canada writes: JT Evans Well stated !!
    100% in agreement with you.
    The chattering anti-US masses are just that ...chattering masses !
    Ignore their babblings... I do.
    God bless America....and keep her free, in spite of the thoughtlessness of others !!
  70. Antonio San from Canada writes: Meanwhile in Canaduh, there is no culture to talk about... except on CBC Radio 2 where every B level guitar scratcher is now a star.
  71. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: Can we skip the usual tripe about 47 million 'uninsured' in the US? Look up Medicaid and Medicare.
  72. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: Kevin Wells -- Regarding the Brits, that would be the 'Marshall Plan.' I suspect MacArthur had a 'plan' for Japan...
  73. Grampa Canuck from Stirling, ON, Canada writes: Keep in mind that the U.S. is a waning superpower, and is going through the spasms of decline, just like Great Britain went through. It is now essentially bankrupt but still throwing around its military might. A John McCain/Nutbar presidency will only perpetuate the decline of the U.S. as an economic and diplomatic leader.

    Currently, the China holds so much U.S. debt that it only needs to threaten the nuclear (or is that "nucular"?) option on the U.S. currency and Geo. Bush meekly backs off. With a McCain/Nutbar presidency, you will see more militarism, more of the dwindling U.S. economic base going into the military-industrial complex and the continued decay of the U.S. public and economic infrastructure.

    Disclaimer: I'm a registered Democrat, and I'm voting for Obama.
  74. belsize park from United States writes: the good news is...(for canadians that is) that the british empire is no more... so us colonials don;t have to worry about being sent to dieppe in one of their little military experiments..
    now we go to kandahar!
  75. Harold Alan from Victoria from Canada writes:
    Apart from a few self absorbed No. Londoners, who gives a crap what the Brits think about us or the US?
  76. Rufus H from Canada writes: Kevin,
    I'm not a crusader for the Canadian film industry, nor do I particularly care about the Canadian myths or whatnot. When Juno came out, I was in Europe, where it was billed as a Canadian movie. So, it's based on a book set in Minnesota- okay, makes sense. Since it was directed by a Canadian in Canada, it was billed as a Canadian movie- actually, this one and some sort of Quebec movie about a beaver!

    As for which Canadian comedians are funny, it's another thing that I don't care much about.
  77. Darrin Duell from Winnipeg, Canada writes: I have travelled extensively in the U.S. and I work with many Americans in my business, we often debate Canadian American politics when we are travelling together.

    Americans are hard working, honest folks. Most of the ones who vote Republican do so for the same reason Canadian's vote Con, we want to hold on to our money and believe individuals are in charge of their own destiny.. its called freedom folks and in a nanny state freedom disappears (Soviet Union anyone).

    That said, many Republicans are disliking the marginalization of the fiscal conservatives in their party, and recognize what a disaster Bush has become violating the constitution, trading freedom for security, which is why there was such a grass roots revival for Ron Paul in the primaries.

    The Dems are no better who do they field against Bush in the last election John Kerry the flip flopper.. there was no choice but to re-elect Bush. The liberals have a simular problem with 'leadership' in our country.. that is why Harper may get a majority, not because he is that good, but because Dion is just that bad..
  78. Jack Kinch from Midwest City,Okla, United States writes: Some people are quick to hate. Some are also uninformed. Didn't you in Canada see this? Secret U.S. mission hauls uranium from Iraq Last major stockpile from Saddam's nuclear efforts arrives in Canada Conflict in Iraq video MORE VIDEO The last major remnant of Saddam Hussein's nuclear program — a huge stockpile of concentrated natural uranium — reached a Canadian port Saturday to complete a secret U.S. operation that included a two-week airlift from Baghdad and a ship voyage crossing two oceans. The removal of 550 metric tons of "yellowcake" — the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment — was a significant step toward closing the books on Saddam's nuclear legacy. It also brought relief to U.S. and Iraqi authorities who had worried the cache would reach insurgents or smugglers crossing to Iran to aid its nuclear ambitions. What's now left is the final and complicated push to clean up the remaining radioactive debris at the former Tuwaitha nuclear complex about 12 miles south of Baghdad — using teams that include Iraqi experts recently trained in the Chernobyl fallout zone in Ukraine. -This country doesn't deserve all this hate.It has done more for the world than all others combined. Aside from the yellowcake,Hussian(?) gased thousands of people. How much of the world helped stopped that. Help or get out of the way!!!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  79. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Kevin Wells from United States asks: Who the heck are these massive quantities of Canadian comedians?

    I can think of just a few.

    Jim Carrey
    Howie Mandel
    Dave Foley
    Tom Green
    Norm MacDonald

    Your list is missing many more:

    Dan Aykroyd
    John Candy
    Joe Flaherty
    Michael J. Fox
    Red Green
    Phil Hartman
    Eugene Levy
    Rich Little
    Andrea Martin
    Rick Moranis
    Mike Myers
    Leslie Nielsen
    Catherine O'Hara
    Martin Short
    Thomas, Dave
    Wayne and Shuster
    Nia Vardalos
    David Steinberg

    What I don't understand are those American posters who refuse to accept reality as described in the article. The fact is that the rest of the world, including your traditional allies do not like the way the US is behaving on the world stage (i.e. your government's foreign policies). Why don't you just accept that fact and try to do something about it?
  80. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: "Can we skip the usual tripe about 47 million 'uninsured' in the US? Look up Medicaid and Medicare."

    Dusablon - it is YOU who needs to do some looking up. The 47 million uninsured in the US includes those Americans who have no health insurance at all, be it private or public . . .
  81. skeptical Observer from Canada writes: There are only two arguments that can be made, either the american government is representative of the american people, or the american government is no longer representative of the american people and america has turned itself into a pseudo democracy. The iron curtain is going up and this time it is not in russia. The american people have failed miserably at the voting booths, now they reap what they sow. A failing economy, a crisis in the housing markets, where 10 % of americans are behind in mortgage payments, an unkind world view of them as being a militant aggressive fascists, an utter failure in foreign and domestic policy, turning itself into a police state, the failures of the usa would be laughable if it wasnt affecting the rest of the world. Pretty soon that poice state down south will be eyeing canada, especially alberta, where there is "evidence" of wmds.
  82. Aaron S. from Nova Scotia, United States writes: The Brand comments hardly made a ripple, besides some media outlets trying to fill air time. Not sure where you are getting that from. The Simpsons take on Canada, however, now that caused a stir.
    The vast majority of Americans were not only not watching the VMA's, the majority don't care what Brands said. To imply otherwise is just a limp premise on which to hang your otherwise accurate article. Even the Guardian is loaded with articles about American culture, high and low, just as the paper slams the U.S. government, as it should.
    In other words, Brits (and Canadians) have been hungrily consuming most things American for many decades, even as they condemn what they desire. It's a long story of hypocrisy, not ending soon.
  83. l m from Canada writes: The Globe and some of the usual suspects on here seriously need to get a life. I urge our American friends not to treat the likes of Demento and "Skeptical Observer" - or this newspaper - as being indicative of all Canadians. Unfortunately, there are a$$h**s everywhere and this forum is full of them. We Canadians, who unfortunately inherited all the smugness of the British and the arrogance of the French, haven't got a clue. The US has had to make a lot of decisions in the world - as have the British and French and Russians. That's what comes with Empire. The British, who made a hash of it in two world wars have nothing to crow about. They, like the Canadians, could use to learn some manners first before they comment on anyone else. Instead of asking the British what they think of the US, they should ask the Americans and Europeans what they think of the British. And I say this as a Brit. But, of course, a lots of British don't think that way either. It's easy to throw mud and it's speaks volumes how much the Globe has fallen in stature that they seem to feel the need to publish this crap. I visit this site about every two weeks and its the same sht offered up by the same hateful, left-wing suspects. As I said, they need to get a life.
  84. Gudrun Dekker from Vernon, Canada writes: God save America: the land of greed and violence.I am so glad to live in Canada where people still care about eachother somewhat and our quality of life ranks above our bank balance.
  85. Mike Baker from Iqaluit, Canada writes:

    A British jester holding court over a bunch of teeny boppers in the midst of a musical awards show.

    Hardly to be mistaken for enlightening discourse.

    Buffoons will have their day and blinkered hillbillies exist in every country. Between the two lies a consequential symbiosis that cares neither for accuracy nor intellectual diligence. All it needs is a charismatic leader with a grim view of cultural pluralism.

    There is a widening chasm between knowing and believing ... But we're having one helluva time.
  86. Kevin Wells from United States writes: Demento:

    So that's list of about 20 people that's supposed represent some sort of tremendous contribution to the comedy scene scene in America?

    Red Green? Dave Thomas? Andrea Martin? Wayne and Schuster?

    WTF?

    In my opinion, there's probably less than 10 Canadian comedians who've had any significant impact on US comedy - in the form of standup, television, or movies.

    The only ones I ever found to be funny were John Candy, Dave Foley and Phil Hartman. The latter two made an impact in a single American sitcom, News Radio.

    Names like Akroyd, Levy, Mike Myers have some name recognition but I personally don't find their stuff funny. I mean Austin Powers and the Love Guru? Is that funny to anyone other than a twelve year old?

    American comedians number in the many hundreds if not thousands.

    Here are just some of the A-listers:

    Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Fred Allen, Milton Berle, Frank Fay (creator of modern stand-up), Alan King, Danny Thomas, Don Rick