Dear Gotham,
That's what the world has come to. We live in an era of violence and hatred. Even if you are driving your car safely, following all the rules. Some creep would come from nowhere and hit your car from behind for no fault of yours.

Cheers and good night,
Navin

When was the last time the Canada ever did anything to hurt anybody?

Celine Dion

I still have the stupid titanic song stuck in my head all these years later

(now you do to ahahaha)

I don't understand why we are not sending troops to the border. Like we were so happy to do in response to the many pregnant women and desperately poor Méxicanos who cross over the Southern border.

If these people had been discovered in Mexico, we would have batallions of marines along the border by last night. But in Canada, where we have found terrorist plots before? Not a peep about the border. Nowhere. All quiet on the Western front.

I wonder why this is? Are Americans more afraid of the Spanish language than they are of terrorists entering the northern border?

Gotham: I know I may be stretching it a bit, but, in light of Canada's lack of "imperialistic" activities, my intuitive feeling makes me wonder if this recent terrorist behavior isn't somehow meant to tie-in, albeit in a seemingly unrelated way, with that upcoming "Bildeberger" meeting in Ottawa???

I know it sounds hoakey---but the timing of both seems odd to me, and Canada's new "Bush-like" Prime Minister seems to set the stage for such inevitable clashes--Toronto I can understand better, as it feels more like the massive powerhouse and melting-pot of London--just "a feeling" is all I get on this one. Dave

Gotham,
I live in Toronto and what you laugh and joke about is very serious for me. I usually appreciate your comments. This one is offensive and not thought out intelligently.
Martha

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"When was the last time the Canada ever did anything to hurt anybody?

vs.

When was the last time the US ever did anything to hurt anybody?"

This should be a major revelation to everybody. Many feel that because the world "hates' the US for it's imperial mean-ness, standing up and fighting terrorism where they shouldn't be, starting unjustified wars, all add up to major Jihadist justification.

But Canada? A most decent country? Jihadists?

Maybe they really are Islamo Fascist who don't particularly care for countries like the US and Canada that are free societies, so now we are talking about ideological differences ala Communism and Fascism versus democracy and liberty. And it seems that many millions support the Jihadist, so what to do?

I think this is a major wake up call. Canada opposed the war, but that apparently means nothing.

Steve

Gotham,

This is a very serious issue. Americans making fun of Canadians is normal, being a Canadian I also enjoyed it at times. But issues like this needs serious thought. I liked your blog. You started with a note and that’s fine.

You are right terrorism has crept into Canada where the very own nature of Canada and its policies are challenged. Just because of few idiots all the Canadians are going to pay a price (loss in tourism, immigration issues and tightening up Border etc.,). From next year onwards we need to carry a passport to enter U.S. All the brown skinned are going to be looked as an outsider by the Majority Canadians. Not a good news.

Martha, I guess we need to look into the intent of this blog rather than the usual jokes.

Yogi

Gotham,

This is a very serious issue. Americans making fun of Canadians is normal, being a Canadian I also enjoyed it at times. But issues like this needs serious thought. I liked your blog. You started with a note and that’s fine.

You are right terrorism has crept into Canada where the very own nature of Canada and its policies are challenged. Just because of few idiots all the Canadians are going to pay a price (loss in tourism, immigration issues and tightening up Border etc.,). From next year onwards we need to carry a passport to enter U.S. All the brown skinned are going to be looked as an outsider by the Majority Canadians. Not a good news.

Martha, I guess we need to look into the intent of this blog rather than the usual jokes.

Yogi

hey GC,
Since You are LA guy Let me Ask you question?which one is cool place /S Club for strait guys in west Hollywood/Beverly.Most of Clubs I tried is GAY or for GAY.I am originally from East Coast.

JIG

Gotham -

Thanks for bringing this one up (even if your sister talked you into it).

Like Steve, I found this situation in Canada (as my old math teacher used to say): a teachable moment.

Canada has been the poster child for tolerance and civility: basically open borders, gay marriage, socialized medicine and auto insurance, very little "over-clinging" to fundamentalist religions, etc. AND still they are threatened with attack for what? Cold winters? Good beer? Or because they say "eh" a lot? So while it's trendy to hate all things military, there is still a place for defense and the judicious use of the military and military intelligence.

This situation is a perfect example of why we can't just be "nice" and expect the rest of the world to like us. As in all things there must be a balance, on the one hand we need to be compassionate and giving, but on the other hand we need to realize that much of the hatred that is directed against the west is not about anything other than "easy target" syndrome. "Easy target" syndrome is really nothing to laugh at, it was what convinced a nation of people to lock Jews up in a camp and then murder them. Or for one tribe in Africa to slaughter close to a million of their neighbors because of a mark on their identification. Or for Serbians to murder Bosnians en masse because of fear of an uprising.

When a group of people feel hopeless, it's much easier to look "out there" for a cause, rather than to look inside and take responsibility. Blowing up a building (or the attempt to blow up a building) is an extreme example of this, however we all deal with this "easy target" syndrome every day in our personal lives. How often do we point the finger at a coworker when problems rear their ugly head? How often at our spouse or children? As a long term solution to dealing with this, we must look to our own baggage and take full responsibility.

In the short term however, it's best (in the immortal words of Teddy Roosevelt): "Walk softly and carry a big stick".

Peace,
Scott.

Considering Canada is fighting in Aphganistan, I would wonder if this plot, is in response to that?

David is correct, Canada has elected a Bush-wannabe with Steven Harper. Harper will bring Canada down like Bush has done to the USA.

How DO the mass's stop wild and crazy leaders?

Unknownsource -

"How DO the mass's stop wild and crazy leaders?"

Easy...the masses create them in the first place. Our leaders are nothing more than a collective reflection of what is going on within.

Peace,
Scott.

Scott-

yes perhaps this is true-however, one must also accept the fact that the USA government has been mentally terrorizing it's own people since 9/11-so yes, I could see the reflection of this action in people's thoughts.

Unknown -

I would agree the the government is terrorizing the citizens. This is an OLD and effective technique for controlling people. But ultimately it's up to people to wake up to this idea...government, religion or institutions in general will NOT change as long as this technique works. The two best ways to control people is to threaten or control the primary drives of human kind: safety and sexual drive. Government and religion (often times one and the same) have been trying (successfully) to control those two human needs from time immemorial. The way to change government is to change the response to fear mongering by not being afraid. This is done by continually questioning and witnessing fear and its source. And by asking he question: Is this REALLY true? In most cases, the fear that we are peddled is not true.

Peace,
Scott.

Canada has recently disclosed that there have been Canadian military personnel "embedded in American and coalition forces since the beginning of the conflict." [17] In addition, an undisclosed number of JTF2 operators were deployed to Iraq, working closely with Delta Force and the SAS to carry out the rescue of the Christian Peacemaker Hostages. [18] The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Security Intelligence Service were also involved in that operation. [19] 5 Canadian private military contractors working for various US and UK 'security' firms were killed by insurgents between January 2004 and April 2006.
“Multinational force in Iraq” courtesy of Wikipedia.

If China was a part of Russia’s invading army against the United States, would not China also be a target of American insurgents/terrorists? Hmm . . .

Those people are impoverished and do have no hope of economically bettering themselves, as their families and friends are being slaughtered and corraled into concentration camps on a daily basis, so what would any freedom-loving patriot do? Lay down and allow their own people and land to be exploited and raped by foreign invaders?

Or are Iraqi freedom fighters just to stay in Iraq and fight the invading armies? It is easy from the comfort of one’s office or living room computer to say, ‘how dare those Iraqis mount a counter-attack on Canadian soil,’ but, as Russia and China were razing Washington D.C., and if I happened to be over in Eastern Europe, you could bet any Chinese city would be as much of a target as any Russian city!

Would not one defend America from an invading army and their allies? You can bet that if the British/Russians/Chinese, or whoever, landed on American soil and burned our cities, I would be the first to stand up!

Any true patriot would fight for their people and their nation, could we expect the Iraqi people to do any less? Remember, the Taliban attacked America, not Iraq! We attacked Iraq for whatever reason is in vogue this week, cannot we expect that they shall defend themselves and evn try to mount a counterattack?

I am a pacifist, and if you want to kill me by all means, but if you try to kill my mother or wife (hypothetical wife that is) or the 80 year old widow next door, I will do EVERYTHING within my means to stop you! Indeed.

peace all

Gotham,

Ok, so you're resisting your sister and being a smart aleck... fine.

Meanwhile, in the real world, it is a serious thing. Lots of people in lots of places have been blown up who have no ties to terrorism. Hundreds died in Bali, and I'd be willing to bet my bottom dollar that most of the tourists who died probably disagreed with America's foreign policy.

Terrorists blow up people who share their religion all the time. Once they choose a target, they don't care who is there. The only thing that matters is attracting the most attention possible. That breaks down into two sub-prioroties - 1. having the target be a very visible, even symbolic place, and 2. having lots of people there (who cares who the hell they are?) to get blown up by the bomb.

Besides, Canada, with its easier immigration policies and high tolerance for all types of foreigners - may just be an easier place to train people for eventual attacks on the USA.

Saying that just because Canadians are good natured they won't be the target of terrorism is like saying your brother won't get mugged because he's a friendly guy.

Being a nice guy never stopped anyone from becoming a crime victim. Criminals usually don't interview their victims to find out if they're nice, harmless people. In fact, nice harmless people might even be a preferred target for some criminals.

And others here have made the point - maybe the Canadian government isn't as innocent and naive as you paint it. Most likely the govt of Canada has its fingers in a few covert action pots too.

Sorry your sister twisted your arm, but if you didn't really want to post on this, you should have "just said no".

Dear Gotham, please allow me to plant this TransporterButton, for DAvid Hall, I have got him on a treasure hunt, to find his gift...

have I told you lately Gotham,,that I love you? Ok, not that kind of love, but I love your wit; and it's a couch, not sofa! : ) wanna touque?(giggles)

100 hundred smiles upon you..but only 100!

North

Ohh, and I AM CANADIAN!(wink)

Hello All;

David your term "Canada's new "bushlike" prime minister" could not be closer to the truth. Everyday he moves us a little closer to the path that your president took you. We are now out of the Keyoto Accord. He is currently trying to change the definition of marriage back to "A Man and A Woman". Up here we believe Bush is pulling Harper's strings. Bush is from Texas, Harper is from Alberta both Cattle and Oil country. They are both "Religious" men. I am sure they are quite comfortable around each other. Today a large shopping mall in Mississauga (suburb of Toronto) was evacuated because of a suspicious van. There were Cops and Helicopters everywhere. Turned out what was in the van was nothing more than one of those electronic devices people use to mask their license plates on toll roads. Sound familiar? Canada is rapidly moving away from being "the poster child for tolerance and civility" and frankly it is making me sick. Everyone is getting on the "Support our Troops" bandwagon which I would gladly join if I was supporting them in peacekeeping but I cannot support them in war. Today, on the way home from work, I was listening to a song by Greenday called "I don't want to be an American Idiot" and I thought it was very appropriate. No insult intended.

Faye: No insult taken! It is beyond embarrasssing to me, since it isn't just hurting people, but killing them, what this administration has done to America, let alone the rest of the world--just in 5 1/2 years, although I have not doubt this administration was setting up for "the coup," for years.

I lived in British Columbia as a boy, and made sooo....many friends, many whose families had come from every corner of the world, and could never understand why my parents felt like pariahs in B.C.--disliked because of American arrogance, even the late '60's (maybe Iraq is more like Vietnam than many here still think, except on a much larger scale, as far as systematically destroying America's fading reputation as a model of democracy, or anything else worth becoming more like, for that matter!). Dave