Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
I read your articles in Canadafreepress.com!
There has been a lot of talk about U.S. citizens moving to Canada. There was even a map of Jesusland and the U.S. of Canada. This map is a liberal illusion. Nobody moved to Canada after 2000 and no one will after 2004.
Why? Most of these liberal Hollywoodies will cancel their plans to move to Canada after theirfinancial advisor explains the tax rates north of the border. Also,Barbra Streisand will scream whenshe learns thather favorite doctor is not on your government health care plan. ("You mean I have to stand in line and wait for a government doctor"?)
My guess is that many Canadians would love to move to the U.S.
My guess is that the real map would include a lot of red in most of the provinces west of Ontario.
Why are so many Canadians looking to the U.S? First, they will find jobs inthe United States. (The red states are booming down here. Georgia, Texas and the Carolinas are hiring people!)
Second, they won't have to pay half of their income to support a liberal welfare state. (I pay $368 monthly for a private insurance plan that covers my family and I don't hate to wait to see a doctor. I choose the doctor and the hospital. I buy my insurance from an association of the self employed)
Third, most Canadians are proud of their Christian heritage. I can't believe what you are doing to God in Canada!
Fourth, Canadians are pro-U.S.
Paul Martin made a huge mistake in the Bush-Kerry election.
If you are going to get involved in your neighbor's election, then pray to God (or whatever they pray to in secular Canada) that your side wins.
Martin has no friends in the U.S. Congress. He can't get any of the new Republicans to carry his diplomatic water. Who in the U.S. Senate, or House, is going to carry Canada's diplomatic water?
Sadly, Canada has isolated itself from the U.S. I don't see the an anti-Canadian backlash in the U.S., as there is with the Boycott France movement. But many Americans are getting tired of the anti-Americanism coming from Canada, and many of those Americans just won the election.
Paul Martin is starting to "get it". This is why he is distancing himself from Carolyn Parrish. Martin knows that Canada needs Bush one heck of a lot more than Bush needs Canada.
It's sad to see how secular socialism is consuming Canada. Add to this the deadly disease of "anti-Americanism" and you have a sick country that can't create jobs.
You look a lot like France, which is not a compliment!
Yet I'm optimistic. I think that there is going to be a conservative backlash in Canada.
I know many Canadians in Texas. Most of them came here to look for work. They did not come to cheer for the Rangers over the Blue Jays. Well, I won't mention the Expos.
Keep up the good work. Many of us read your material. I see better days for Canada, and they do not includeliberal governments!
Silvio Canto, Jr.
Dallas TX
Dear Editor:
Re:
Anti-American Canadian poll misleads:
I swore off Canada fishing in Saskatchewan after the my last trip. The rudeness and obvious hostiliy toward American Sportsmen was apparent. We were forced to unload our SUV because the border patrol agent felt that we might be carrying guns on our fishing trip,which we told him we weren't. Our trip's duration was to be one weekand for this period we had purchased upon enteringSaskatchewan two cases of beer and other staples. The Border Guard suggested that our trip to Canada must be just to drink. I am a former US Navy pilot with many fond memories of parties on Canadian Ships and on Bases in Halifax and Shearwater. I've often wondered how my former Canadian friends would respond to such rudeness entering America. I assure you that thecitizen's voting for our president, George Bush could care less about Canadian attitudes towards us. I view your Country the same way I wouldaleech on my leg.
Bill Crossen,.
Dear Editor:
OK, we can live with that. Sell us nothing. Send us nothing. Keep your dopers, anarchists and francophile opinions and personsto yourselves. I used to go to Canada frequently in the 50's when I lived in Detroitand liked the Canadian people I knew. Now you are Frenchified, and I don't like you and your politicians who badmouth my leaders and my country. Link up with Chirac, France (wth its Iraq Oil for Foodmillions) is obviously a more moral country to emulate. Oh yes, tell Chirac the next time the Germans march down the Champs Elysee' (and they will-its in their nature) not to call us. We ain't coming!
George T. Bedway
Winchester, VA
Dear Editor:
when I was a kid growing up in Michigan I loved the Canadians. I wanted to be a
Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman.
Now you do not act like the Canadians I loved and what happened to Freedom, Responsibility and God in Canada!
Brothers and Sisters lets get back together.
Grace and Peace,
Ken Paul
Dear Editor:
I am an American (truly Red, White and Blue). I have relatives that live in Canada (It is a beautiful country) but I find it hard to spend a moment there to visit them. I want to express my appreciation for your intestinal fortitude to say it like it is. In my estimation, a large portion of our citizens no longer think of Canada as our dear brother. Years of anti-Americanism have taken their toll. It has been hard to watch many Americans begin to turn their back on Canada because they can no longer tolerate the pain of betrayal.
I'm sure some Canadians that would denounce what you have honestly stated would call me "just a stupid red-neck, gun-toting, flag-waving American". That's fine with me (although, I am a pharmacist with a family, and all the patience and understanding a man can attempt to achieve). I'm proud of our rednecks, scientists, executives (maybe, not all of them), geeks, jocks and different cultures. However, I'm most proud of our will to stand and fight when no one else can or (in this case) will.
Sometimes it's best to stand alone and steadfast in your principles.
I await the day that your country is turned back over to the citizens that I grew to admire and trust.
Please let me know if this helps you keep your chin up.
Thank you, again.
Chris Fenstermacher, RPh
Dear Editor:
I guess I haven't been paying enough attention or perhaps living so far from the Canadian border, I just don't get a lot of news regarding Canadian sentiments towards the U.S.; I, of course know how the French-Canadians generally feel but I didn't know it had spread to the other provinces like it has.
I have been to your beautiful country on three different vacations and always had a great experience. My wife and I traveled to Banff in '92 and then had our children with us when we went back to Banff and Jasper in '98 and never felt uneasy or unwanted nor had any bad experiences. We visited Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI last summer and still don't recall any negative feelings thrown our way. In fact, we left Cape Breton on July 4th and stopped for lunch right after crossing the causeway and was greeted by the proprietor with stars and stripes waving, "Happy 4th of July" signs and even some fireworks for the kids after our fantastic lunch! He kept saying how much he loved and respected the U.S.. Maybe this was just salesmanship but we certainly felt he was genuine!
All this being said, there have been times I've felt that we should just build a wall around the U.S. borders and keep to ourselves. If everyone hates us so much, why should we care about them: But you see when I say "build a wall around our borders" I always have thought of the coasts and Mexico; I NEVER thought this way about Canada. Our good friends and staunch allies and neighbors! 40 percent of school children view us as evil? President Bush is like Hitler? That is a pathetic and sad commentary on a nation I have always thought so much of!
Back to 'the wall', I understand, of course that this could never be. But if we were to pull back into our borders and just let the world be (which is what appears to be the global consensus), we would eventually have to come back out to put it all back together again as in WWII. Arrogant American feelings maybe, but truthful ones. History doesn't lie. Oh, and by the way France, you remember that huge debt the United States let slide after WE rebuilt your country, after you let Hitler waltz in and set up camp? Remember that? I would guess with interest you owe us several trillion dollars!
But no, we will always be there to help whoever needs help. To free those who want to be free.
Please tell me I don't have to stop searching the different super markets to find the 'Big Rock' ales I love so much.
Tell me I should let my children continue to wear their Canadian t-shirts they've gotten on trips. Tell me I can visit Quebec City again. The most beautiful city in North America. Or visit the majestic Canadian Rockies again.
If such ill will is felt towards my great country and its citizens, than I guess I'll stay here... you can stay there.
MIke Lynch,
San Antonio, Texas
The United States of America
Dear Editor:
Now that you folks have replaced a prime minister that would be more at home in France, it is time to avail yourselves of the opportunity to be more like United States citizens. Sure, we pay more for drugs, and it bites me as well as the next person. However, we make more money, pay less in taxes, and have lower unemployment. So most of us should be able to afford the medications, even if we are not insured.
The upside is, here we do not have to wait months for an MRI, and possibly die, and we can get a hip replacement in weeks, not months and months. You see, when we got rid of crazy King George III, we believed WE were sovereign, not a monarch.�
These suggestions are not an assertion of superiority; rather, they are an expression of gratitude for the wisdom of our Founding Fathers in eschewing a parliamentary system, and instituting a Constitution that�recognizes the individual as supreme. This has prevented much mischief on the part of career politicians, who still believe they are genetically endowed with the ability to run our lives in spite of our selves. So, copy us, by cutting government mismanagement of your economy and health system; or, heck, join us. We haven't added any stars to our flag in almost half a century. It would look better with a few more stars. And besides, most of you fine folks speak English, even if some of you sound like Peter Jennings.��
Sincerely,
Robert A. Gismondi
Reseda� CA
P.S. Your web site is great. I just discovered it; and, it is now bookmarked. Word of caution: not everything I said applies to California. Try the heartland.
Dear Editor:
I agree.. I will not take my family to Canada again.� Why should I spend my money in a country that won't even support it's closest friend. America sends the most money in aid to countries around the world than all others combined. It is getting so that it is expected. Also why should we let the UN dictate our security? They stand by while thousands are killed in Africa.. And thay are going to protect me????� Ya, right..� Let the French run it all!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Jacobs,
USA
Dear Editor:
I have visited Canada many times in the last 30+
years, but I will never visit again.
Why should I spend my dollars in a country
where my country is despised?� The feelings
expressed by your press and the results of the
polls you take convince me that many Canadians
are desperately jealous of us--just like one finds
among elementary school students.
Don't blame it on SARS or anything else...it is
simply the way that Canadians feel about us that
will keep me from�travelling to�a place that doesn't
want us anyway.
I hope you stay home also.�
Rod Norden
USA
Dear Editor:
Re:
Dems take Bush bashing to comedy palace
Not all U.S. citizens in living in Canada are draft dodgers. My wife is a
U.S. citizen who moved here 11 years ago when we were married. She is also
a strong conservative. Thanks to Democrats Abroad Canada we now know she
can vote while living outside the U.S. She won't be voting for John Kerry,
sorry D.A.C. - but thanks for the info!!!
Steve Kloostra
Chatham-Kent, Ontario
Dear Editor:
You are absolutely correct in your assertion that it is Canadian
politics as opposed to SARS as the reason Americans are staying away. I live
in northern Vermont and used to spend approximately $3,000.00 to $4,000.00
annualy in the Montreal area. No more!!! I am sick of supposedly repected
Canadian officials calling us "bastards"," dumb" and on and on. Now Paul
Martin is making money personaly off the war through his Landsdowne Co
training Hans Blix and his useless group of inspectors. No wonder they could
not find any weapons. I think we'll spend our leisure money elsewhere.
John Lawrence
Dear Editor:
It's not just SARS
No, it is not. Our family used to enjoy long weekends in Toronto. No more. The continuing stream of anti-US and anti-Bush vitriol has kept us away. We used to think of Canada as a neighbor and a friend. Turns out we where half right.
Regards,
Kevin Callahan
Buffalo, NY
Dear Editor:
Just read your commentary about American tourist not coming to Canada.
I am one of those choosing not to come ever again. Canada has become very anti-american. A recent poll shows 40% of Canadian young people think America is evil. We have been called names by government officials and the policies of Canada are not supportive of America. Not as bad as France, but close! Your government is also currently harboring two military deserters from the US military.
Hundreds of Canadians come to Mrytle Beach every winter. We even have a week of celebration called CAN/AM DAYS each year to honor their visits, but the mood is changing. I for one will certainly make known this coming winter to each Canadian I run accross that I no longer appreciate them coming here.
I am not alone is this feeling. I have breakfast each morning with a group of men here in Mrytle Beach and we all agree in our attitudes about Canada. Enough is Enough!
Jack Hall
Mrytle Beach, South Carolina
Dear Editor:
You are absolutely right ! I live approx. 80 miles from Sault St.
Marie,Mi. I have family and friends that come up every summer. In the
past I have taken them to the locks and a trip to the canadian side. NO
MORE.
Booing the U.S. flag, your tokin' prime minister's remarks, the slander in
school textbooks ad nauseum -I will keep my money on this side of the
border. You can keep your terrorists on your side.
We rent cabins in the summer;I don't want you here either.
Sharon Grow
Sault St. Marie,Mi
Dear Editor:
I just read your article about the slowing of Amercian visitors to Canada. I have visited your beautiful country before - several times- and would like to do so again. However, given the increased amount of anti-American language coming from the Canadian press and politicians, it may be awhile. The hateful language is noticed and heeded.
Thank you for the article. I will be visiting your site more often.
Best Regards,
Charles
Dear Editor:
I read your article re anti-Americanism and want to respond to you. I was born in Hamilton, raised in Toronto and still have many family members living there. Not only is the spirit of anti-Americanism permanently keeping me from visiting there, although it is a large part of my feelings, I also strongly object to governmental officials granting official recognition and implementation to Sharia laws. What were the officials thinking when they did this? From all that I've learned and read about it, it continues the brutal intimidation of muslim women who may have sought refuge in Canada, among other things. It also will lead to many other Islam intrusions into regular Canadian life. I cannot and, indeed, will not visit my former home since I don't feel either welcome or safe. My father and many other family members went to war in 1939 and 1940 and not all of them returned home alive. My father was never the same, after being at war for six years, and neither was I. But I was proud of their service to Canada, and still am.
Previously, I always bragged about Toronto being the cleanest, most cosmopolitan and worldly city in North America. I visited Vancouver and Victoria, had tea at the Empress, rode the railway, etc. - and always had a wonderful time. But no more, I'll never visit Canada again, for any reason. Furthermore, I'll keep my heritage quiet, so I'm not branded as an insufferable ingrate for all the USA has done for Canada. I'll rely on my memories of nicer, sweeter times that can never be taken from me by whoever is in governmental control. One last thing, some members of my remaining family there are considering and making plans to emigrate here. Thanks for your columns, I'll keep watching for and reading them.
DL Smith
San Diego, CA
Dear Editor:
Hi, writing to let you know that my personal decision to not visit Canada is in agreement with Arthur Weinreb reasoning in his article, "It's Not Just SARS."
I am a HUGE fan of Formula 1 auto racing. I attended the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal 1999-2003. Each time, I was part of a group of two or three. Combined, we probably spent more than $1K each race weekend.
But in 2004, I and my friends stayed home and watched the Canadian GP on television. As long as the Liberals are in power and the prevailing sentiment of the Canadian government is anti-American, look for me to stay south of the border.
The fact that Paul Martin opted NOT to attend the funeral of the greatest American president of the 20th century, Ronald Reagan, also was duly noted.
John Chester
Trenton, NJ, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
Dear Editor:
Your Media Report today "It's not just SARS" makes some excellent points. I am only a bit annoyed that you chose to write, "The refusal to support our long-time ally .....undoubtedly is a reason why less Americans are coming here." I am almost 60, and my teachers always said if you can count a quantity you should use fewer and for quantities that can't be counted use less, e.g., fewer bushels of wheat sold, less grain sold.
I know these standards are not as strict today, but my late father was a newspaper editor, and my mother said that at press dinners he would literally wince in pain at each grammatical error. Not one in 20 can use lie and lay correctly, and many struggle with case agreement after a preposition. On the television series "Murder, She Wrote", Jessica Fletcher, supposedly a former English teacher, constantly mangles this, and I shall never forget Bill Clinton's Acceptance Speech at the Democrat Convention in 1992, "Give Al Gore and I a chance!" Not a single pundit mentioned it.
Anyway, you do good work.
Sincerely,
Lance Reppert
Osawatomie KS 66064
Dear Editor:
I read your article about the drop in American tourism in Canada, and I couldn't agree more with your findings. I also read many of the letters sent to your website by my fellow Americans, and I echo the sentiments contained in most of them.
I recently read the articles about 40% of Canadian schoolchildren thinking Americans are evil, and how much of their attitude is the result of spoon feeding these beliefs at the educational level. Frankly, such information is disturbing and appalling. Calling America evil and comparing us to the likes of Hitler, Stalin and Hussein is a scary commentary on the state of things in Canada today.
When Canadian forces went into Afghanistan to support efforts there (why was THAT okay?), it was noted that the weaponry and uniforms of Canadian troops were sadly outdated. The efforts of the Canadian government to downsize its military was obviously quite successful, and liberal-minded politicians here in my country would love to do the same. I am thankful we have a president in office who sees the threat to our country's security and liberty by crazed terrorists in the Middle East, who will do all they can to annihilate not only the U.S., but Canada and Europe. Appeasement means nothing to these people; they only understand force. And we must use force or suffer the dire consequences. Why is it that Canada and many European countries don't understand? Appeasing Hitler only encouraged his advances...we must pay attention to mistakes of the past to avoid the same ones in the future.
I took several pleasurable trips to Canada in my youth. While I am within a day's drive of your country, I certainly don't plan on going there anytime soon. Why would I want to travel to a country that considers me the epitome of all that is evil here on Earth, and spend my good (and more valuable) money there to boot? Hearing stories of children's sports teams from my country being booed by citizens of Canada saddened and disgusted me. To treat children with such naked hatred and contempt is truly shameful, and I hope someday those who participated in those behaviors will squirm uncomfortably at the memories.
Of course, it is needless to say that if another country attacked you, America would be right there to help. Why? Because that's what we do! We won't stand by and watch our neighbors to the north suffer needlessly. Your insults to us today will mean nothing if you need our help. I hope all of you up there remember that!
I say cheers to you, however, for being brave enough to face up to the truth of what is happening. I will continue to read your articles, and hope that your countrymen will discover them and the truth they hold. Please keep up the good work. Your country needs you!
Pamela Meister
Newtown, CT, USA
Dear Editor:
We do not like you. You do not like us.
We do not associate with those who do not like us. It is as simple as that.
Look at what is happening to french wines, this is the same thing that is happening to Canada.
It has not peaked yet. Just wait.
Bob Cowger
Poteet Texas
Dear Editor:
"What the Toronto media avoids saying is that many Americans will not
come to Canada because of this country's decision not to join the
coalition of the willing. The refusal to support our long-time ally
coupled with the outbursts of anti-Americanism by the governing Liberals
in recent years undoubtedly is a reason why less Americans are coming
here."
Excellent article.
For most of us, it's not Canada's refusal to join the coalition. Canada
has every right not to join a coalition of the willing. It's that
anti-Americanism seems to have become Canada's national sport-- not
legitimate disagreement, but petty, smug criticism shouted with
condescending glee-- and that's what has many Americans irritated with
Canada. I have visited Canada frequently in the past, Montreal, Toronto
and Vancouver. But I just don't want to go there anymore. It's not
motivated out of anger, but rather a feeling of general disgust.
Canadians should be wary of this trend. It seems almost as if Canada
uses anti-Americanism as a way of differentiating itself from its larger
neighbor. And that's no foundation upon which a nation should define
itself.
Lauzau, Christopher J
USA
Dear Editor:
Thank you for your intellectual honesty. I am an American who will never go back to Canada for any reason. In the 70's I enjoyed visiting the Montreal Forum for concerts and hockey games. On my last trip to Canada in 1974, my brother and I were mock-machine-gunned by pansy looking Montreal toughs. As they sprayed us with their mock bullets they shouted, "Americans, Americans". We were doing nothing but minding our own business admiring the beautiful city we visited as children. My parents took my brother and I to Montreal several times as children to visit and pray at St. Joseph's Oratory. Our memory of Montreal was of a religious experience and tolerant people. That fond memory was forever changed. Americans do not need Canada and I do not understand the hatred. Maybe it's because Canadiens do not make their own automobiles and have to drive American cars. Or maybe the hatred is because the deep south to Canadiens is Kingston, Ont.
I moved from the New York State border town I grew up in years ago but I have to snicker every time I see the Anti-American Canadiens driving up and down Interstate 81 enjoying the fruits of American labor and ingenuity. This just shows how silly and petty Canadiens are. They hate us ugly Americans but love to come to our god-awful country. If you ever want to see hypocrisy on parade, just drive to Watertown, Massena or Ogdensburg New York. Hang around a mall parking lot near a Canadien car and observe while the noble Canadiens strip their old nasty Canadien clothes and don their new American clothes that they purchased for less, then discard the old Canadien clothes in trash cans or just leave them in the parking lot for disgusting boorish Americans to clean up. Just leave it to the Americans, they are good at cleaning up others countries messes. And I am sure the noble, honest Canadiens claim their new American clothes at the border and pay the duty. Right!
Do us Americans a favor noble Canadiens, stay in your frozen, socialist country, and we will stay in our warm American republic.
Sincerely,
Thank God I'm American
Dear Editor:
Why would I spend my hard earned money in a country that hates me? I spent many months vacationing in Canada in the past but I have to much respect for my country to blindly travel to a country that I no longer respect. The only way I have a voice is by how I spend my money. Canada is French to me now and that is not a good thing! It really is sad to me because we used to be best friends. I just got back from Mexico and was treated wonderfully. They truly appreciated our visit! Wake up and admit the truth, you can't have it both ways. We are not that stupid to go where we are not liked!
Sincerely,
Alice
Dear Editor:
Really. It sounds like some middle eastern country railing at every chance. I think that Canada enjoys relative quiet due to its proximity to America and our mighty military (along with our willingness to engage threats). I have always wanted to visit Canada but my mental picture is that I would probably experience meaness and hostility. Personally I have no respect for a large free country which capitualates to the weakest and shrillest whinnies. No, we dont feel welcome in the "cold" of Canada!
rhuckabee1@cfl.rr.com
Dear Editor:
My wife and I used to visit northern Alberta, and marvel at nature's
majesty. Then, we got busy and didn't head north for several years. By the
time we were interested in again going abroad, we were troubled by exactly
the issue you raised in your article ("It's Not Just SARS").
It may be more Ottawa than Calgary, however, following 9/11, Canada
seemed to play the role of Ireland to England's embattled WW II stance (with
the US playing the role of the UK). It just doesn't seem that Yankees are
loved for anything except their health care options (those found along the
US-Canada border) and their money.
So, we visited Alaska. It worked for us.
Bill Wilmeth
USA
Dear Editor:
You're right!
gprat304@juno.com
WI.USA
Dear Editor:
I AM AN AMERICAN WHO IN YEARS PAST HAS TRAVELLED AND ENJOYED CANADA VERY MUCH. I'VE BEEN THROUGH NEW BRUNSWICK, P.E.I., NIAGARA AND ITS VINEYARD AREAS, MONTREAL AND TORONTO. ALL OF THIS WAS PRE- 9/11. SINCE THEN I HAVE SEEN THE QUOTES BY YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS BASHING OUR PRESIDENT AND COUNTRY. WHEN FORCED TO APPOLOGIZE, THEY HAVE BEEN LESS THAN HALF HEARTED. I HAVE READ ABOUT AMERICAN KIDS BEING HARRASSED WHEN THERE TO PLAY IN HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS AND THEIR BUSSES BEING PELTED AND ATTACKED. MY HOME TOWN HOCKEY TEAM (THE BOSTON BRUINS) WAS THERE FOR THE PLAY-OFFS AND HAD TO HEAR OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM BEING DISRESPECTED AND BOOED. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY HOCKEY GAMES AND WE ALWAYS HONOR THE CANADIAN ANTHEM, EVEN AFTER THE INCIDENT DURING THE PLAY-OFFS, IN FACT, THE BOSTON FANS LOUDLY APPLAUDED AND STOOD DURING THE CANADIAN ANTHEM.
BECAUSE OF THESE REPORTS, I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK SINCE.
CANADIANS MIGHT NOT AGREE WITH US 100 PERCENT OF THE TIME, NO NEIGHBORS DO, BUT I ALWAYS THOUGHT WE WERE BOTH CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH. WHEN I BUY ANYTHING, I LOOK TO SEE IF IT IS AMERICAN MADE. WHEN I SAW PRODUCTS MADE IN CANADA, I SAID " CLOSE ENOUGH ". I WON'T DO THAT ANYMORE. I WILL BUY THE PRODUCT ONLY IF I HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE. WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO CANADA TO BE TURNED ON SO BADLY? I HOPE THE BAD FEELINGS TOWARDS AMERICANS CHANGE SOON FOR THE GOOD OF BOTH OUR COUNTRIES. I WOULD LOVE TO COME BACK BUT WON'T UNTIL THINGS CHANGE. . I AM FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ, BUT CANADA BEING AGAINST IT ISN'T THE REASON FOR MY FAMILY NOT VISITING.IF I'M NOT GOING TO BE WELCOME, I'M NOT GOING TO COME, IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT.
I KNOW NOT ALL CANADIANS ARE AGAINST AMERICANS, BUT THERE IS A GROWING ANTI- AMERICANISM THAT I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND. I AM GLAD TO SEE THERE ARE SOME REPORTERS LIKE YOU AND OTHERS WHO ARE ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE WAY THINGS ARE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND I HOPE TO VISIT AGAIN SOON.
REGARDS,
TIM SHEA
Dear Editor:
I am an American. My mother and father worked very, very hard to be able to come to this great country America after World War II. As an homage to their courageous efforts. I began writing a novel that has been an effort of love. It just so happens that a great many of the characters in my book are Canadian (based upon actual Canadian persons--military and civilian; caucasian and Japanese--with whom my parents were closest friends and colleagues). In my book, I describe (according to my parents' accountings) incredible bravery on the part of these particular Canadians who fought (and died) for the allies' common goal of freedom from terrorists--yes, "terrorists"--both German and Japanese, and all the others who enthralled in random killing--or "cleansing"--as some called it. These Canadians fought alone and side by side with American and British military. I knew many of those Canadian friends of my parents. I admired them, respected them. I loved them. They were my mentors. I grieved when they (all) passed away.
But now...I see and hear disturbing words under the caption "Canadian Anti-Americanism." Some might say that what happened back then [1941-1945] is different from what is happening today. Do you really think so? Was the reptilian Josef Stalin (the foremost idol of Saddam Hussein) or Adolf Hitler any different from a Saddam Hussein or a Osama bin Laden of present day? Were Stalin's and Hitler's viciousness towards human-kind less hateful and effectively destructive than today's terrorists?
I am in a quandry: Do I change the nationality of the Canadians in my novel to that of another country? Do I preface my book with a sad sentiment that the shadow of current Canadians' hatred towards America and Americans should not affect the reader's opinion of the Canadians in my book? My goal was to honor the memory of all these grand and glorious and courageous Canadians and perpetuate the fact that Canada was a stalwart ally against the barbarism of World War II, which neither Canada nor the USA caused. But do I dare render such honor on your brothers and sisters who struggled and died for your own freedom because I am an American?
Sincerely yours,
Tanya Simon
Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Dear Editor:
I was born in Sarina, Ontario. Both of my parents we American living on a border town. We had always enjoyed the back and forth of one country to another. We noticed a difference 6 years ago. When ever we went to Canada, we were no longer greeted like a good neighbor. I don't know what happened, but since then we have not gone back. We use to go at least once a week to eat and go to shows. We would go skiing every year in Canada, and take the train to Toronto several times a year, but we no longer feel welcomed. As I watch Canadian TV, I am shocked at what I hear is being said about America. America has been very good to Canada. I and many in our town have had enough and we will no longer spend our dollars in a country that promotes Anti-American views. Hope your country sees the light soon.
Proud to be an American
(by choice, not birth)
Dr. Rod McLane
Port Huron, MI
Dear Editor:
I just read your article re. the above subject. Let me say that as an
American living within 30 miles of the border, you are absolutely correct.
I currently have my own private boycott of all things Canadian. I am
certainly dismayed that our closest neighbor could not see fit to support
us in an endeavor that the whole world should have seen as near and dear to
our hearts, that being the triumph over global terrorism. However, that is
not the primary reason for my boycott. I have read more than one but less
than a multitude of reports of our national anthem being booed at sporting
events, our childrens sports teams being booed as they took the ice and
fields and even busses painted with the red, white and blue being jeered.
While this has taken place in Canada, I see daily americans near the
border flying Canadian flags as our local radio stations play the American
and Canadian anthems when starting and stopping broadcasts. I understand
disagreement with policies but as long as Canadians are acting the way they
are, I will indeed forgo my annual trips to nearby Canadian provinces. I
hope things change, but until then I wish you the best.
Mike Waybright
Watertown NY
Dear Editor:
You are so very right.
I live in Toledo Ohio...50 minutes from the bridge to Ontario....I wouldnt be caught Dead in your country...The way your government talks about us, Forget it....I used to go to Windsor a couple times a year....But it will be a long time coming before I see the maple leaf again....I even used to hope for Canada to win a Stanley Cup...Screw Canadian Hockey now ...Your like Mexico to me
William St.John
Toledo, OH
Dear Editor:
We have West Nile Virus in Texas, so SARS don't scare us. Canadian's
anti-Americanism and your refusal to allow Fox News into your terrorist
haven country is reason enough for me to stay away. By the way, we did
visit in 1994 and will have zero reason to come back now!
Randy L. Kampf
President
Wall Street Funding, Inc.
Dear Editor:
I'm amazed at the lack of support the Canadians have given the U.S. during this time of global war on terror. Especially after we were attacked here on our own soil, and thousands of our innocent citizens were killed. Sadly, Liberals in your country, and ours, have chosen to pretend that this never happened, and that we are not really at war.
Thank God we have a strong president during this time. I shudder to think just how bad it would have gotten by this time if Gore had been elected, or Clinton had still been in the White house.
Dennis Krueger
Morro Bay, California
Dear Editor:
You hit the nail on the head. I am one American who enjoyed visiting Canada
in the past. No more, at least in the foreseeable future.
I have come to question which side of the War on Terror Canada is on.
Between the anti-Americanism by your government and sports crowds, and your
youth thinking we are worse than Al Quaeda, why should I come up there? For
that mater, why should we keep NAFTA?
Joe Evans
PA
Dear Editor:
I am a grandparent. My wife and I are in our early fifties. We had planned on taking two of our grand children to Niagara Falls this August. My wife and I were there three years ago and thought it would be fun to take the grand kids. I am American, my wife is from Scotland and I had lived in Europe for several years. We have decided not to spend any time or money in Canada. In addition we are looking for a second home, and had considered Spain, as it was a wonderful place to vacation when we lived in the United Kingdom.
The decision by Spain to bail on Irag, and Canada's obvious displeasure with the United States has caused us to decide against any support for either country. We realize there are differences, and not all friends see eye to eye, but there are limits to demonstrating displeasure with friends. Our culture, and yes the U.S. does have a culture, is deeply wounded by the international roadblocks and hatred coming from so called friends and allies. We also exercise our disgust with this attitude that is displayed in our country by fellow Americans. There are wonderful and talented entertainers who feel compelled to voice their disagreements with actions taken by our government. That is the way our system works, but when hatred and venom are expressed by these people, they have crossed the line. Yes they can say anything they want, but we are free to spend our dollars as we see fit, and my wife and I and a great deal of our friends on both sides politically have decided we will not support those views financially.
My nephew lives in Spain and is married to a young lady from there. They have three children, they loved their life there. They have decided to move to the United States because they no longer feel safe in Spain and are worried about the future of Europe. I am also concerned for my children and grand children When I hear Senator Kerry's wife Theresa, state on Larry King Live that the U.S. needs to learn to live with terrorism as Europe and the rest of the world has, my answer is NO we will not live with it and will not tolerate it. This is the new nazis of our planet and they cannot prevail and God help those on this planet who bury their heads in the sand and do nothing or worse, capitulate.
Thanks
Phil Dore
Dear Editor:
I had been wanting to put together a week long ski trip to the Canadian Rockies for the past few years but March 2003 changed my mind. I will continue to ski Vermont or Utah and gladly pay the higher prices. I have been shocked by what I have heard on the news and what I have seen at Canada freepress.com. As I look back I realize I should not be so overwhelmed though. I was in Toronto while the US embassy building was being peppered with rocks and debris because the US had seen enough mass murder in Bosnia and did something about it. I hope someday cooler heads will prevail and I can once again visit. Keep up the good work.
David Powell
Dear Editor:
Arthur Weinreb got it right in his 'It's not just
SARS' article. My wife and I live in the Detroit,
Michigan area. We use to love going across the border
to Windsor or spending a long weekend, with or without
the kids, in Toronto. The last time we were in Canada
was about five years ago.
SARS was never an issue for us, even when it was big
news. We have chosen not to spend our recreational
dollars in Canada for a number of reasons. The
granting of homosexual marriage licenses, passage of
anti-Christian so called 'hate speech' legislation,
the lack of Canada's support for the global war on
terror and the increase in anti-American attitudes
from Canadian citizens are all reasons for us not to
spend our dollars there.
It is a political statement on our part and I am sure
from a lot of other people. Hopefully Canadians will
recognize the reasons this is happening instead of
putting there heads in the sand. If this trend is
acknowledged, the liberals I am sure will say 'so
what, who cares', but those who really care about
Canada's future may open their eyes and revisit some
of their positions and attitudes. Canada is quickly
moving from a friend to, at best, an antagonistic
sibling. When that happens people are free not to
associate, and that is what is happening.
Randall Blum
Dear Editor:
You hit the nail right smack on the head!!
About 3 years ago my wife and I had planned to go to Canada this
summer. But as a result of the anti-American attitude of so many
Canadians, we cancelled our trip permanently. As an American Vereran
with a son now in Iraq, I do not look fondly to anyone Canadian,
American or otherwise who badmouth our military, our government leaders
or our country!
Joe Hancock
Dear Editor:
I read your article It's not just SARS. And you are right. We had planned on a Canadian excursion, but will remain stateside where we are welcome. Thanks for having the courage to tell the truth.
DW
Minnesota
Dear Editor:
I read your article on Newsmax and had to respond.
There are other reasons that you never touched on that being the fact Bill O Rilley has also been telling people to avoid Canada.
Another being Americans are fighting our letting good paying defense jobs going to Canada, i-e the stryker vehicle. This vehicle is coming under heavy fire now because it can't meet the specks that were set up at the very beginning.
I belong to a group that is actively fighting this vehicle and would love any commits that you may have over the stryker, if your busy day permits. For your information Newsweek even ran a story on the stryker in the May 10 issue I think.
Bruce Shrader
New Oxford PA.
PS I'm one of hundreds that lost a good job because of the stryker here in York County PA.
Dear Editor:
I am writing this in reply to your article entitled "it's not just sars". It's unfortunate that the Canadian media does not see or admit how right you are.
While we Americans are used to and expect disdain from the French and a good kick in the pants from other European countries, I do not believe that any American ever anticipated such hatred from our friends the Canadians. A simple diagreement on the war would have been one thing but out and out hatred has been unbelievable. I believe that most Americans are hurt by this behavior. Yes, angry but, mostly hurt and even disallusioned. Why would our friends whose opion and goodwill always been so important to us suddenly turn on us?
I sincerely hope that this will soon blow over but for now Canadians need to understand that it hurts to pry that knife from our backs!
Sincerely,
Lori Wellington