[gphi2k]

I HAVE TO REPLY TO THIS THREAD

First off, I generally thought last night was Bush's shining moment thus far, in his attempt to overcome his inability to be confortable in the roll of address giver. Bush isn't what you'd call the most enagmatic man when it comes to giving speeches and last night was for sure his shining glory. It was to the point, not searching for new catch lines that would be retold in history, and it sent the message that he means business.

Now, the Canadian side will speak. I am completely irritated by the disregard President Bush has for the help Canada has given the United States. I was bothered that he neglected to mention in his last address that yes, other countries around the world did have days of mourning and moments of silence last Friday, but in Canada, THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of Canadians were at Parliament Hill to honour and show support for our American neighbours. But, I let that slide.

I was somewhat peeved last night when Bush mentioned all the countries who have offered assistance, militarily, as well as ecomonically, and yet conveniently forgot to mention the Millions of dollars, Canada has offered to give, the thousands of troops, doctors, fire fighters and other aid workers to help the United States fight and rebuild. Again, I let that slide.

But when President Bush said he was saddened that 80 British people died in the attack (and yes, that is horrible), and he completely ignored the fact that OVER TWO HUNDRED Canadians died as well, I stopped letting things slide and started to get angry. For all Canada does, for all we offer, and for the losses that we too suffered, we are all but forgotten up here. I'm not whining and saying 'We're here too! Mention us! We're cool! We'll be your best friends if you let us!'. But I am saying that we too have offered our complete and total support, in every way we can. But no 'thank you'. 10 other countries were named. Canada was ignored. 15 countries were mentioned in the list of those who tragically lost their citizens in the attack. Britain lost 80. We lost more than twice that. Again, Canada is ignored. I don't mean to rant but sometimes it feels like the United States considers Canada to just be another state, rather than a separate country. A thanks mentioned along with all the other countries mentioned, a message of condolence for the citizens we too lost, would have nice, and it would have been proper.

That is my only grievance from the address last night. Other than that, I thought he showed courage, I thought he showed resolve, and I think countries who are harbouring terrorists should be very very scared.