I would think the assumption goes hand-in-hand...
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I would think the assumption goes hand-in-hand...
Actually, I think I have a bit of a problem with how Bush handled things as well. Right now, we keep hearing this "Us vs. Them" talk from him. Seperating the good from the bad. But, I think he often has a horrible way of handling things with our friends. If we're actually serious about this whole "good vs. evil" thing, we need to start showing it. We need to start showing better connection to our friends, and being clearer about who our enemies are. I think, behind the scenes, Bush doesn't blame Israel for what it is currently doing. Yet, because of what he goes out in public and says, we look like we're contradicting ourselves. It is okay for us to suddenly tromp off into the Middle East and declare war against the Taliban, but when Israel is defending itself, we tell them to hold back.
At the same time, I think he could and should have handled things better with Canada. The point isn't that he said he was sorry or whatever, but HOW he said it that makes the people of Canada satisfied in what they hear. Had it seemed to come from him in a more sincere way, I'm sure most of Canada would have been satisfied. September 11th happens, and suddenly the US acts like it is the only country having tragedy happen to it, and that everyone should now pay attention to us and our protection. But then something like this happens, and our response sort of seems to be, "Whoops, sorry." If we do consider Canada to be our friend, then I think we need to be more careful about showing that fact.
I'm just saying, I think he should have handled things a bit better. Yes, we all know that accidents happen, and I'm not saying he should get down on his knees and beg forgiveness or whatever. But, still, as I said, if we see Canada as a friend and ally, then we should show them a bit more respect something - especially after "forgetting" to thank them after the events of Sept. 11th. And I'm sorry, friendship with Canada does NOT depend on how strong of a military power they are. You don't just go around picking all of your friends by how much ass they can kick.
In wartime you do. Might equals right in war, dude. canada and the US will always be allies, to varying degrees, just as they have been (like the US and England are). I don't think England will ever forget that were it not for the US (along with canada and other nations to a lesser extent), it's likely that England would not be the same country.
Terrorisim needs to die, and be rooted out where it breeds.
If you killed my family, then ran off to one of you're friends houses, I would certainly go in that house and exact revenge.
The US made it clear early on that it seeked assitance, and despite the tough talk, is not likely to bomb or un-ally with canada if canada does not assist in the Afganistan affair.
Right. We should start with America, the most powerful terrorist nation the world has ever seen.Quote:
Originally posted by mattvanstone
Terrorisim needs to die, and be rooted out where it breeds.
That doesn't make it right. If your the voice of morality or virtue, we're all screwed...Quote:
If you killed my family, then ran off to one of you're friends houses, I would certainly go in that house and exact revenge.
I dont feel one bit sorry for the Candians who got bombed.Why? because its their fault that they are sheep to America. Its their fault that they had to join the coallition against 'terrorism'.Its their fault that they support a government that has a record of rape and murder (http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0145/adams.php) , that makes the Taliban look harmless by comparison.
I did a whole write up on this in Speech class last year. I see we share a similar view of America...Quote:
Originally posted by EThugg
Right. We should start with America, the most powerful terrorist nation the world has ever seen.
HAHAHAHA thats so true...Quote:
Originally posted by EThugg
That doesn't make it right. If your the voice of morality or virtue, we're all screwed...
Its the backlash to the post September 11th "OH SHIT! WE GOTTA PUT OUR FLAGS EVERYWHERE BECAUSE I JUST REALIZED THAT I LOVE THIS COUNTRY OMG!!1" crap that a lot of people did. Everytime I saw a flag it made me sick. Yes, I like this country and I bet the person with the flag does too. But if this never happened then they would have NEVER of put their stupid little flag on their big stupid truck. That kind of crap went hand in hand with boy bands and any other commercial crap.Quote:
Originally posted by Hero
oh yeah, and it seems so popular to bash on anything that has to do with the US these days.
And on a bit of a random note..hasn't the US killed more of their own than anyone else? Aiyah..
Truly Slip. Up at private campground that my family frequents a flag is hung at a few people's site, but I'm damn afraid to see how many more flags are hung this summer.
As another Canadian that visits this board regularly (though I haven’t posted in ages), I thought I’d just drop my opinion on the situation. Like most Canadians, I was saddened (even frustrated and angry) by what occurred, and, frankly, given the circumstances, really shocked that it could even happen. Still, as a Canadian, I’m somewhat embarrassed by the reaction of some of my fellow countrymen. It seems that some people are quick to turn around and blame Americans as a whole, which is absurd, as though it was almost an American conspiracy, or something. An entire nation cannot be held responsible for the foolish mistake of one member of the US military (who was, apparently, told not to fire by his superiors) and the lack of response by Bush (who has, on more than one occasion shown very little respect towards Canada). I do fully believe that, had the tables been reversed, most Americans would feel some degree of anger towards Canada if our Prime Minister dodged questions on the subject and waited a few days before offering a formal apology; it is just a natural reaction, accident or not. If nothing else, I would sincerely hope that, if the investigation into the situation shows that the pilot in question acted out of pure foolishness (as it seems he likely did), the US takes the proper measures to hold this person responsible for his actions, rather than sweeping it under the carpet, for the sake of the Canadian soldiers who were lost and injured and their families.
Regardless, I don’t know of many Canadians who think Canada should stop supporting the fight against terrorism because of this horrible tragedy; most still seem to support our military involvement in the mission (I personally support our nation’s involvement). After all, I think most people realize that there are risks in war and tragedies will inevitably occur. Sometimes, these tragedies can even be caused by allies. For people who never supported Canada’s military involvement, well, this just another reason for them to be angry/annoyed by it. While I don’t agree with this viewpoint personally, they are, of course, free to feel how they choose.
Rather than worrying about whether the President apologized correctly, or who to blame, my thoughts and prayers instead go out to the families that lost loved ones and the people who were ultimately willing to give their lives for a cause they believed in.