David Frum: Canada The Best-governed Country In The World

[colonel Feathers 5]

Good post. Thanks for disproving the notion that there are no 'criminally unerpaid' migrant workers based on your very limited and dated personal experience, which involved almost no direct contact with migrant workers. Oh, except an unsupported suggestion that a bunch of farmers used to get together and kindly let hundreds (thousands?) of them live together in a field with *gasp* shower AND laundry facilities, but that they don't do that anymore and so now they live 4-5 families in a trailer with no electricity or running water.

What, you approve a bg post?

[ShakeZuma 585]

Thanks

What, you approve a bg post?

both of these were funny for very different reasons.

[FCP Bob 1,312]

Canada’s job gains blow past forecasts

OTTAWA — Canada’s economy gained a surprisingly robust 82,300 jobs in March, with the unemployment rate edging down to 7.2%, Statistics Canada said Thursday. The jump in employment last month — led by full-time private-sector hiring — follows a loss of 2,800 positions in February, which had pushed the jobless rate to 7.4%. “The report suggests that after several months of tepid hiring, job growth here is starting to show some signs of renewed life,” said Emanuella Enenajor, an economist at CIBC World Markets. Economists had expected about 10,500 jobs to be added in March, and the jobless rate to remaining flat.ARTICLE CONTINUED AT LINK ABOVE

[aucu 3]

Basically, the Conservatives are basically cranky old white guys who have personal beliefs I disagree with, but are able to manage fiscally in a manner not significantly better or worse than other groups with more progressive views.If it was up to me, Paul Martin would be elected dictator-for-life.

If this were the case why did they move to protect same sex marriage when it's validity between non citizens was challenged in court? http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/...x-marriage.html

[mrdannyg 274]

If this were the case why did they move to protect same sex marriage when it's validity between non citizens was challenged in court? http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/...x-marriage.html

I don't get what you're saying. Just because a group has less progressive views than others doesn't mean their views are not at all progressive. I guess if we want to be more precise, I could say that the Conservatives social policy is as minimally progressive as possible, given the culture and progressive views of Canadians.In this specific case, which I think this was discussed here, and if I'm recalling correctly, there was a giant public backlash to a ruling otherwise. There's no question the conservatives had to at least discuss the matter.

[aucu 3]

I don't get what you're saying. Just because a group has less progressive views than others doesn't mean their views are not at all progressive. I guess if we want to be more precise, I could say that the Conservatives social policy is as minimally progressive as possible, given the culture and progressive views of Canadians.In this specific case, which I think this was discussed here, and if I'm recalling correctly, there was a giant public backlash to a ruling otherwise. There's no question the conservatives had to at least discuss the matter.

There was and is a lot of fear mongering by the opposition about hidden agendas, Harper=Bush, Harper=Tea Party and general scariness that is disingenuous at best and not being supported by ongoing events.

[mrdannyg 274]

There was and is a lot of fear mongering by the opposition about hidden agendas, Harper=Bush, Harper=Tea Party and general scariness that is disingenuous at best and not being supported by ongoing events.

Don't you hate those people who just wait for you to finish talking, then say whatever they were planning in the first place?

[colonel Feathers 5]

QUOTE (FCP Bob @ Saturday, March 31st, 2012, 4:23 PM)The Liberals were in power from 1993-2006 with the Conservatives since then winning 2 minority governements and a majority the last election that we had.The Liberals under Chretien were quite fiscally Conservative and went from a large Budget Deficit to a large Surplus while in office.The Liberals are center left and the Conservatives are center right. The NDP are the far left wingers who call themselves a Social Democratic Party and they've never been and never will be in power although they are currently the Official Opposition and the second largest party in Parliament.Basically, the Conservatives are basically cranky old white guys who have personal beliefs I disagree with, but are able to manage fiscally in a manner not significantly better or worse than other groups with more progressive views.If it was up to me, Paul Martin would be elected dictator-for-life. QUOTE (Balloon guy @ Saturday, March 31st, 2012, 9:53 PM)They don't even have any food they are known for.Except Syrup...Which is a condiment.Canada: America's condimentSyrup is a beverage, idiot. QUOTE (colonel Feathers @ Saturday, March 31st, 2012, 11:29 PM)I cannot argue with that one.Nor will I argue where the best hockey players come from,<not including the old soviet union>So Ill just lounge back here on coco beach and order another daiquiriI hope the criminally underpaid illegal mexican making it for you doesn't spit in it or poision your rich ass.

No way would I ever allow an immigrant, to mix my drink. And theres alot more rich to me than my ass.

[Balloon guy 158]

QUOTE (aucu @ Friday, April 13th, 2012, 12:30 AM)There was and is a lot of fear mongering by the opposition about hidden agendas, Harper=Bush, Harper=Tea Party and general scariness that is disingenuous at best and not being supported by ongoing events.Don't you hate those people who just wait for you to finish talking, then say whatever they were planning in the first place?

Farm workers are generally well paid.

[grocery_mony 8]

Meh this isnt the paradise that it is made out to be, soon prisoners will no longer be provided with free porn!!!

[FCP Bob 1,312]

The Average Canadian is Now Richer than the Average AmericanW

Watch out, Americans: Your thrifty, socialist neighbors to the north have stealthily become richer than you.Over the past five years, the average net worth of Canadian households has exceeded that of American households. So for the the first time in history, Canadians are wealthier than Americans — by more than $40,000, on average. In 2011, the average net worth of a Canadian household was $363,202, compared to $319,970 in the U.S., according to Environics Analytics WealthScapes data published in the Globe and Mail. (‘Average net worth’ measures the total combined value of a household’s liquid and real estate assets, minus debt.)Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/17/the-average-canadian-is-now-richer-than-the-average-american/#ixzz20txwZz00

[iZuma 764]

still live in canada tho

[Balloon guy 158]

Plus all that money you have has birds and pink ink and stuff.

[mrdannyg 274]

/

[akoff 0]

when did being average become something to be proud of? the fact that americans (in general terms) piss away money and don't understand how wealth is created is sad...it does allow those of us who understand an easier time.

[mrdannyg 274]

when did being average become something to be proud of? the fact that americans (in general terms) piss away money and don't understand how wealth is created is sad...it does allow those of us who understand an easier time.

This is true, it is pretty easy for those who already have money, wealth and opportunity to build more of it in exchange for the majority of people not having access to personal freedoms, health care, representative government, equal consideration in the legal system, etc.

[mrdannyg 274]

Oh, and when the average is a significant margin above the median, average is not too shabby.

[akoff 0]

This is true, it is pretty easy for those who already have money, wealth and opportunity to build more of it in exchange for the majority of people not having access to personal freedoms, health care, representative government, equal consideration in the legal system, etc.

one thing country offers is the chance for anyone who wants it, if you chose not use it or are not willing to work, invest or take the risks required then that is each persons own fault. there is plenty of opportunity here for anyone with a good idea, product or concept willing to risk everything and go for it. it is much easier to for broke when you have nothing lose, i did that when i was young, lost and had to start over again. When you have accumulated something but need to put it all on the table with a new bet...that is when you find out what a man is made of.wealth is largely a choice and sacrafice if you want it - it is achiveable

[mrdannyg 274]

holy crap

[AmScray 355]

when did being average become something to be proud of? the fact that americans (in general terms) piss away money and don't understand how wealth is created is sad...it does allow those of us who understand an easier time.

Canada is not average. They're an exceptional country.Canada believes in the dignity of human beings. Naturally, we say we do, but we don't act like it.Canadian values revolve around being decent, being productive and conducting themselves with a sense of dignity and fair play. There's a reason why you can spot a visiting Canadian from ten long paces (which is a real boon for muggers)Our values revolve around KICKING ASS MERIKA #1 - and we're certainly awfully good at allowing a tiny group of people to amass all the chips, shitting on people when need be- but at the end of the day, our systems and institutions don't live up to the standards expected of (and established by) civilized, 1st world countries, by any rational measure.Canadian values are about guaranteeing access to affordable health care. Big system, bureaucracy, there are occasionally lines, but its there.American values hold that access to health care is something one earns by rising to a certain station in life.Canadian values are about seeing to it that a man released from prison leaves a better, less damaged person, less likely to repeat the same mistakes.American values are about guaranteeing a man leaves prison a considerably more broken human being than when he went in (in the name of Justice), then systematically denying him every opportunity to re-enter society as a reformed man ("Justice" again).It's pretty amazing we share the same continent, actually.We as Americans are great in the role of barbarian (socially, economically, politically, savages like us have a credible role in this world and we certainlly have no problem taking on the mantle of unapologetic bastards) but we just ****ing suck at basically everything else and it's only a matter of time before this ship sinks. That the bubble-gum held it all together until 2008 is a miracle.We are the worlds largest and wealthiest-yet-insolvent Banana Republic.Canadians, like New Zelanders or Australians, are just plain blessed to be born in a country like that. They probably need to tighten up the 3rd World immigration mudhose that's relentlessly pumping non-productive shit into their demographic breakown before the breeder-math gets too unfavorable and producers get outnumbered by the consumers- but other than that, countries like Canada are pretty much showing the world how its done, whereas we've assumed the role of laughingstock of planet earth. When one person laughs at you, no big deal. When a group laughs at you, maybe reflect a bit.When every person you encounter laughs at you, you're probably doing something wrong.

[FCP Bob 1,312]

The Chicago waterfront is quite a bit nicer than Toronto's though.

[ShakeZuma 585]

nah, that doesn't sound rightedit: damn it bob

[AmScray 355]

The Chicago waterfront is quite a bit nicer than Toronto's though.

It doesn't matter as in time, it all must inevitably become one. You have resources we need, we are broke and we are stronger than you. "Taking" is a fundamental human reaction and it's basically the only thing we're good at anymore.At first, Canada will cooperate calling us your long time ally and giving us what we want but as time goes on, as our demands grow more and more unreasonable, you will be forced to say no.We will invade on a Sunday, deploying covertly amassed ground forces at various border areas to storm the major Canadian hubs subsequent to a series of 'accidental' airstrikes, knocking out key points of infrastructure and anticipated pockets of resistance. In the confusion, a crack contingent of airborne troops will parachute into Ottawa and secure the offices of government. A Puppet Regime comprised of pre-selected Indian and African immigrants will be in place before nightfall, causing mass confusion among the Canadian citizenry who will be paralyzed from speaking out against them, due to their minority status.We will deploy in winter as this will be most unanticipated time and will allow our ground based mechanized forces to traverse the frozen ice roads of the North, setting up mobile airbases and missile silos to head off a potential Russian counter attack from the east. A Naval Blockade will move into place, Virginia Beach to Halifax, San Diego/Pearl Harbor to Victoria, and declare land/sea/air territorial sovereignty within 500 miles of the coast.To demonstrate our seriousness, Montreal will be nuked not because it's nessacarily the best strategic choice but strictly for the lulz, because they're Frenchmen and we cannot resist amusing irony.The Canadian Capital will be promptly moved to the more centrally and southernly located Winnipeg where the Inspector General of Canada shall facilitate oversight of transferring former Canadian resources to the newly developed intake hub that will be built in Northern Minnesota. From there, all minerals/timber/Canadian slaves/looted museum objects/currency etc will be cataloged, shipped via rail to central US distribution points in the midwest, registered with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange then sold on the open global market- mostly to China to satisfy US debt, with 20% being diverted back to the management of the US Territory of Canada, the remaining 80% going straight into the US Treasury.Over time, Canadians will tire of all the suffering, starvation, denial of access to the basics of life and assorted unpleasantries that occur in an occupied country. Within this process, their sense of trusting, happy, good-natured neighborliness will morph into hardened cynacism and a generalized sense of embittered angst.When this happens, those of us in the lower 48 will rejoice and finally welcome them as true citizens of the North American continent.

[ShakeZuma 585]

wait, we're not gonna just exterminate all the canadians?

[Balloon guy 158]

Where are the cowards afraid to fight our wars going to go then?