Okay. I have a few things to say in response. Although, I will need the other Canadians to back me up here cause I spent all my efforts studying American History in school and precious little time focused on Canadian. First of all, Canada is its own independant nation. We are a commonwealth of Britain only on paper. We are a soverign nation and have been for about 130 or so years.
As far as the whole issue with socialism goes, we are a democratic/socialist society. The reality is that when it all comes down to it, when you look at our health care system versus your's, I wouldn't trade our's for the world. everyone in this country is entitled to the most basic health coverage. you never have to pay to visit your family doctor and you never have to pay to visit emergency (unless you need an ambulance, but that's another story).
My parents were both born in New York and ALL my relatives are American. I've seen the benefits and detriments of both systems. There is much to be said for the involvment our governmnet has in the lives of the citizens here. There are many things about our government that I can't stand also. It's a love hate relationship here in the 'ol frozen north.
Allie, I am curious to know what the reference to the people from Quebec who you met being Jewish was. Just wondering....
As for how we feel about Americans....MMMM.....well, seeing as how all my relatives are American, I don't have much to say that's negative. I think it's a great country with a great history. I'd be lying if I said I felt as safe walking around the streets in the cities there as I do here. That's a reality few people will dispute. It is a lot safer here. But I think Americans are great. Some of my favorite people in the world live on the other side of the border.
Anyhow, I'll leave the other Canadians who might be a bit more educated on this topic to answer some of the more political questions that have been posed.
Hope I've offered a little insight. Although knowing me, I've just made things a whole lot more confusing
.
Leslie