That's a good thing, though :-)
I'm very much in agreement.
Maybe smaller is better (unless, of course, the US decides you are a problem, then bigger is better).
There's the rub. We're somewhat susceptible to various forms of arm-twisting. For instance, take the BMD controversy. Last weekend, the poll in the Toronto Globe and Mail results were as follows - this in the wake of the Bush visit:
Do you feel that Canada should participate in the U.S. ballistic missile defence program?
Total Votes: 36,422
Yes -- 7,220 votes (20 %)
No -- 29,202 votes (80 %)
But, we're under pressure over trade issues such as the softwood lumber tariffs, the BSE beef thing, and now a pork dispute, probably among a number of others. Trying to continue to do business while having tariffs and embargoes slapped on our products, but with a carrot being waved that these problems *might* disappear if only we would sign on the dotted line for BMD. Canadians obviously aren't being fooled by the sweet talk. However, if we don't comply, I expect that Washington will try to find more ways to crank up the heat and fry us until we finally become "willing".
croc |
