Wow, the opinion of the U.S. govt by our neighbors is very interesting. I do not this see this happening at all, never. Afterall, what threat to the U.S. national security is Canada??? Who would sell her to us (like the russians sold us Alaska)? If the border is not sufficient to keep out terrorists, then it is the responsibility of the U.S. to change it on OUR side of the border. When, since 1776 did the U.S. ever take over a democracy by force???

Oops, bad question, while we bought Alaska, at the urging of Theodore Roosevelt and others, the U.S. annexed Hawaii. Grover Cleveland said the coup by sugar plantation owners (which led to the overthrow of the queen and the U.S. annexation years later) was a disgrace. Oh wait a minute, Hawaii was not a democracy but a monarchy! That makes it all ok! Doesn't it????

History does not necessarily bode well for the U.S.....

Tracy

>John,
>
>There's a good deal of that, to be sure.
>BUT...our neighbour is much much closer than yours and without a fence separating us for the entire length! We even share some towns, in certain cases with the border going right through buildings.
>
>We've reaped great benefit by being so close and those of us who are Canadian citizens could cross the border (I have hundreds of times, but not since that fateful day) using only a driver's license and declaration that I was born in Canada. Same for Americans coming here, of course.
>
>Now along your line of thinking, strict gun laws, full medicare (which admittedly is expensive, tax-wise) and a open political system certainly number among the critical things that differentiate us and instill pride in such.
>
>I've always suspected that we would be absorbed into the US some day but took comfort in my belief that it was likely to happen after I was pushing daisies.
>The latest security policies enunciated by the US administration make the eventuality far more likely IN MY LIFETIME now.
>I see the situation as closely paralleling the standing of Russia after the fall of Communism. The US in particular, and most countries in general, pretended that Russian input still mattered in world affairs, all the time knowing full well that it was financially bankrupt and so on a very short lease anyway. Canada, and probably any other country of the world, is actually in the same boat (or soon will be) except this time it is simply policy coupled with might that rules. We can go on pretending to be independent but that's all it will be.
>
>In due course the situation will change - if mankind survives THIS one. History is loaded with examples of a country that once was invincible and is now average or less and the US will be there one day too. Thing is, there were no nuclear weapons in all that history.
>
>
>>Tracy
>>
>>The EU (European Union) would seem to suggest that countries can band together for mutual advantage without losing their social and language identity. Germany exerts huge control over the EU even though most other members have a fairly important grievance against Germany within living memory. Canada with USA looks easy by comparison.
>>
>>Having said that, Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to merge- one language, very similar culture, geographically very close, similar defence and trade challenges- but mutual "admiration" (!) and politics means it is unlikely to happen any time soon. I'm not sure, but I rather suspect that Canada is to USA as New Zealand is to Australia.
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>JR