Hey Michael, Once again your kind words for your neighbours north of the border are very welcome. We don't get too sentimental on Canada Day (used to be called Dominion Day) but if we are in Ottawa at the War Memorial we can get a little choked up. I love July 1st, going up to the family cottage in the Muskokas. I love remembering that we are the big-little country that always looked up to our big cousin to the south. America has so much to be proud of -- its authors, artists, playwrights, scientists, NASA - fabulous heroes - including more recently, pandemic truth-sayer and leader Dr. Fauci and that young lady Hutchinson testifying before the Jan 6 committee. We hope that you will be able to throw off the poisoned 1984ish Trumpism that has so infected parts of the country. We have had to put up with some of that same crazy when the so called "Tuckers" protest invaded Ottawa and some of our border crossings. Our esteemed author Margaret Attwood wrote the Handmaid's Tale. I just can't believe I am witnessing the backward march of women's rights and very sad to see the attack on EPA and gun control in NY. But, Monday is the 4th of July and I believe in American greatness and generosity. Love ya' Mike. Stay healthy, we all need you. M.J.
But they can't bring in water, which might be a problem! But then, neither can Eastern Washington or Eastern Oregon. But at least the rivers here in the Western parts still have water in them. 💦
Canada has problems too but nothing near the US. There were horrifying residential “schools “, really concentration camps for children, although these also were implemented in the US. Both countries are finally acknowledging their responsibilities although Canada is ahead of the US yet again. The MAGA populism is creeping into Canada as well and as a dual Canadian/Californian I really hope it doesn’t turn into the dumpster fire that it is in the US.
Eugene is where I currently am and I lived in Berkeley and surrounding areas for over 20 years! It was moving to the Menlo Park/Palo Alto area that made me realize something had to give. I tried Central Calif which was less expensive but was way too conservative. I finally gave up.
I am in the Sierra foothills now. Too conservative but slowly getting better. If I don't move to BC, Eugene is the only other place I would consider. I went to grad school at U of O.
The foothills are beautiful (I hope you're safe from fires this year). I got my undergraduate degree from the U of O. But as soon as I had it I left for Marin (where I was born before it was a popular and expensive place). Good luck with everything!
Take me with you. I wish our family had gotten dual status. I wonder if I still could. My grandmother's people were from Canada--Bouchers, Riels, Vallee's We didn't get alone real well with the British as you can imagine. Take care and enjoy your move.
Who IS fond of the supercilious Brits? Have you ever heard of serving 'warm beer'? And have you ever tasted their 'cuisine'?? Enough to gag a maggot! They're desperately trying to hang on to what's left of their empire and their efforts are as pathetic as those of the Empire of the Dis-United States of 'Murika whose own seams are coming loose like a cheap leatherette chair.
While traveling in Europe in 2016, I realized (yes, for the first time in my long life!) that our country is an infant compared to the rest of the industrial world. Unfortunately our politics and societal structure reflect this infancy.
I remember experiencing a similar realization my very first day in Paris. Actually, i felt more like our country is more like a rebellious adolescent. It was such a clear recognition. Like i was seeing 'us' for the first time thru wise, old European eyes. Long time ago now. Unforgettable.
That's a great awareness and helpful for bringing oneself out of despair and into hope. HOWEVER, Canada is also a "infant" and they don't have the same problems to the same degree as us. Could be the large amount of French influence in their development?? I don't know.
Nah. That's a whole other can of worms. Hugh MacLennan wrote a book decades ago called Two Solitudes that explored the mutual misunderstanding of the two clashing cultures. You've really said it all when you cited "degree". The same myth of self-sufficiency, the same parsimonious, grudging resentment o'f "others" (of all sorts), the same tirades against "big, intrusive government" and suborned media, the same bitter paranoia all exist here, exacerbated recently by the creeping disease of Trumpism. So far it's a fringe movement of deplorables but with some support from the low information and usually non-voting public. We shall see how that plays out over the next few years.
The non voting public has become so because politicians have proved ever since running George McGovern out bringing Nixon again that we have nobody. The elections turn out like THEY see fit not us. That begins with gerrymandering and then making sure the candidate WE like - never a progressive is replaced by the art choice which brought Joe Biden who pretty much no one wanted. That is why rle don't vote- for what ?
Why is the US propaganda machine able to eradicate all news from Canada? From abroad in general? (TV in Colombia give you access to the national TV channels of most European countries) And, with impunity call these countries socialists, not having a clue what it means, as if socialism were the devil incarnate. The word was selected to oppose the "unbounded individualism" of of capitalism: "All for us, and nothing for the rest" the vile maxim of the masters of mankind (Adam Smith "The Wealth of Nations" 1776). It means developing a system that fosters a good society to live in for the people. Describing all the advantages of socialism in foreign societies would eventually gains hearts and minds in the US. The masters of mankind won't have any of it. And we suffer, in ignorance. (disclosure: I am a Canadian citizen, I know of what I speak)
We immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 from the U.K. My parents, at the time- looked to this country as a beacon of hope + the land of opportunity for my sister + I. We’ve been afforded great educations that have come with great debt; a double-edged sword. Growing up & becoming aware of this country’s history has been sobering + a true life lesson, to say the very least.
As an adult, experiencing the divisiveness + every ‘man’ for himself way of life; see: [racist/sexist/homophobic/hypocritical + anti-other], has left me feeling angry + in search of a better way. It’s like living in a hostile country environment. I know many others are feeling the same & how sad.
Yes- this country is in its infancy but I’m a grown ass woman + I don’t have time for babies- literally or figuratively + guess what- I should have the right to decide that, so I’m interviewing other countries!
In the meantime, I’m going to do what I can to help my sisters living in hateful states, that are now, not able to get an abortion as easily as I did at 18 but know this- the clock is ticking America. 🇺🇸
Just how many of us feel, Michael. This is the saddest 4th of July of my life. I’m now ashamed of being an American citizen--the land of the fascists, the yellow-bellied R “leaders”, the women/minority/gay haters, and the imprisoned majority.
There is a growing movement to protest all the craziness by STOPping on July 4th. Don't go to work, (if possible), don't go shopping... STOP and consider where we are as a country/culture, and what we might do differently. Guns, violence, corruption... Where our own personal responsibility lies,... July 4th! STOP!! Shut down and THINK! We have little time left, if any, to change course...
On the 4th, me and my cat are going outside and weed all around my vegetable garden and drink lots of filtered water...nothing else. Oh, tune into KBOO broadcasting the Portland Blues Festival. No more!
As a boomer, I for one felt that our government and or our political system would rite this wrong. over the past 50 years. I never thought bribery would be ignored!? While the guardrails were coming off, I thought, surely these people would not destroy the country they live in, or appear to want to takeover.
It’s clear to me now I was dead wrong. For the first time in my life I can not even imagine a solution 🥺
The solution is simple and was very clearly presented by none other than our own "higher-ups", who've shown us the way to react on multiple 'PUBLIC' occasions. I refer to the choice of simply ignoring the law if you don't like it. Act like it isn't there! You know, like so many of our "leaders" have done with the Congressional subpoenas they were issued. (But be sure to check to see if there's room on the "Pardon List" first),, you know just like our 'leaders'.
we don't all have the luxury of the privileged to simply ignore laws we don't like... if only we did, tho! "pardon me" that law doesn't apply to me. i'll take some coffee, please. :-)
--if "the laws apply equally to everyone", then "the right to ignore those laws should apply to everyone" as well. "Equal justice" is a joke! The president is quite obviously above the law. Lying Supreme Court Justices are obviously above the law. Congress critters are above the law. 'Pardons' are above the law.
Imagine just being put into voting register on day you're born and getting your voter registration on your 18th birthday!! How very democratic and efficient! Simply brilliant.
Hi Suz, All that is required to vote is proof of age and proof of your address. You are supposed to be a Canadian citizen but all they do is ask you when you go to vote that first time. Once you are on the on the list, then you just keep getting added for the voter information cards. If you lie to the people at the voting poll about being a Canadian citizen I imagine you can get into some trouble so it keeps people reasonably honest. But we do not have that level of strictness about "registering" like you do in the states. Most of us update our address on the voting lists but if pushed we can still show up at a voting place with id and proof of age and address . Have a great 4th! m.j
Hey MJ... That's because y'all actually WANT everyone to vote. What a concept!! How it oughta be. Not sure what's gonna become of us. Truly. Where i live, there are all kinds of hoops to jump thru to register to vote, very qualifications restricting mail-in voting ... and plenty more unapologetically deliberate voter suppression obstacles. And voila! Lowest voter turnout in the country... what a surprise! It's really sooo un-American. Hope you had a great Canada Day! Thanks for your good wishes.. still celebrating 4th!
Thanks, MJ... appreciate your support. It's pretty awful. Because it's so blatant, i sometimes think it's like blowing up a balloon past its capacity... and it'll blow up in their faces... leaving us all free of them and their tactics. :-)
Hi USA Neighbours: I am a proud Canadian living in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Yukon is one of Canada’s 3 Northern territories. Canada is further divide into 10 provinces. In total Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Michael Moore sarcastically asks why Canada doesn’t join the USA. By joining the USA Canadians would inherit 3 monumental problems. Firstly Canadians would have to give up our universal health care system. Everyone while working and paying provincial/territorial taxes contributes a part of this tax to pay for Canada’s universal health care system. Unemployed and never employed Canadians get free universal health care. I as a Canadian can travel anywhere in Canada and if I get sick Canada’s Universal Medicare Health Care System will allow me to access any doctor free of charge, and be admitted to hospital where my total hospital charges are free to me. If a doctor decides that I need an operation to improve my health in any way then the total hospital charge for this operation is free to me. I or any Canadian will never have to pay or incur any debt to pay for needed health care. The second huge benefit to have Canada remain independent from the USA is that Canadian women in consultation with their doctor can receive free prenatal and postpartum care including the right to have an abortion if they so choose. This right to get an abortion is guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This right to have an abortion can never be lost and most certainly never be lost by a majority decision by the justices who make up the Supreme Court of Canada. The recent death of the Roe versus Wade in the USA by comparison will and could never happen in Canada. Thirdly the gun laws in Canada are so strict it is very difficult to purchase any hand gun in Canada. All assault type weapons of war like the AR15 rifle are ILLEGAL to purchase and own in Canada. In Canada because of our strict gun control laws Canadians are much safer than Americans. Parents in Canada can send their children to school and never worry that their children will be murdered in their school by an individual who in many USA jurisdictions who can more easily purchase an AR15 assault rifle than an alcoholic beverage.
We get a lot of American tourists in Whitehorse, Yukon where I live. I remember asking an elderly American couple after they had completed their shopping in our local Walmart store: do you folks feel safe going into a Walmart store to shop in the USA. I asked are you afraid that some crazy person with a gun ail start shooting shoppers at random. I asked why is it sips difficult to achieve stricter and stronger USA gun laws that will greatly reduce the HUGE number of Americans murdered annually. The elderly male American told me he greatly valued his second amendment right to bear arms. I wanted to tell him that he was misguided but did not as I was convinced that he truly believed that his right to purchase any gun including an AR15 assault rifle weapon of war was more important than the live of his fellow Americans. In other words let me keep my right to buy an AR15 even if this means continuing to have innocent Americans of all ages murdered.
I will end my comment agreeing with the invitation of our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. To all Americans if you want to feel safe from gun violence, if you want to receive universally freer health care, and if you believe that a women’s right to choose what happens to their bodies I.e. easily receive an abortion the MOVE to CANADA. You are very welcome here.
Sounds very inviting! I believe the true reason the man chose his right to have guns... has more to do with fear, learned thru the myth of 2nd amendment, which i'm sure you're right - he truly believes in.
Did you know that many of these dudes can't even tell you what the 2nd amendment actually says?? True! Next time, ask them to recite it.
Why they cling to their guns is complicated, tho the NRA's ridiculous power and out-sized influence seem to play a large part. It's all so enmeshed in our lives and subconsciousness.
My husband was in the military. Somehow, people, especially down south here, assume everyone has guns (you know, like you have a toothbrush), and of course, they know that veterans all do. I've had conversations with completely shocked neighbors when i said we have no guns. None. They look at me like we're from Mars. :-)
Hey Michael, Once again your kind words for your neighbours north of the border are very welcome. We don't get too sentimental on Canada Day (used to be called Dominion Day) but if we are in Ottawa at the War Memorial we can get a little choked up. I love July 1st, going up to the family cottage in the Muskokas. I love remembering that we are the big-little country that always looked up to our big cousin to the south. America has so much to be proud of -- its authors, artists, playwrights, scientists, NASA - fabulous heroes - including more recently, pandemic truth-sayer and leader Dr. Fauci and that young lady Hutchinson testifying before the Jan 6 committee. We hope that you will be able to throw off the poisoned 1984ish Trumpism that has so infected parts of the country. We have had to put up with some of that same crazy when the so called "Tuckers" protest invaded Ottawa and some of our border crossings. Our esteemed author Margaret Attwood wrote the Handmaid's Tale. I just can't believe I am witnessing the backward march of women's rights and very sad to see the attack on EPA and gun control in NY. But, Monday is the 4th of July and I believe in American greatness and generosity. Love ya' Mike. Stay healthy, we all need you. M.J.
Thank you. We could use a moral booster right about...now!
--and a 'morale booster' as well!
Thank you for being so generous
Thank you Mr Pender... I'm a Canadian citizen living in California....HAD o get away from that snow and ice!
I live in New York. I have started to learn the words to Oh Canada just in case we need to be adopted.
I was just thinking maybe Michigan should pursue becoming part of Canada
And over on the west coast, I've long wished Oregon and Washington could become part of Canada!
And California. We can bring $$$.
But they can't bring in water, which might be a problem! But then, neither can Eastern Washington or Eastern Oregon. But at least the rivers here in the Western parts still have water in them. 💦
Vermont would be right behind you!!!
I have several friends who are Michiganders and say the same thing.
Canada has problems too but nothing near the US. There were horrifying residential “schools “, really concentration camps for children, although these also were implemented in the US. Both countries are finally acknowledging their responsibilities although Canada is ahead of the US yet again. The MAGA populism is creeping into Canada as well and as a dual Canadian/Californian I really hope it doesn’t turn into the dumpster fire that it is in the US.
Proud Canadian here. Won't even visit the US anymore. Used to love visiting. Not anymore!
That's perfectly understandable! Many of us wish we could leave! This is what "Money in Politics" gets ya! Avoid it at all costs!
I’m dual. Leaving the US next year. And I live in California!
I'm a first-generation American of Canadian father and too damn old to move! grr!
Me too but I’m moving anyway. I love California and don’t want to leave but if things here don’t improve in November then bye bye US. 😭😭😭
I like California also. its my second home after Maine, but at 92 I'm way past the moving stage!
Well Maine is pretty close.☮️❤️
---and looking better every minute, LOL. I have a son still residing there.
Was born in California but had to leave it as it's so insanely expensive to live there.
I hear you. I lived in Oregon for 6 years and loved it. Mostly in Eugene, Berkeley north LOL.
Eugene is where I currently am and I lived in Berkeley and surrounding areas for over 20 years! It was moving to the Menlo Park/Palo Alto area that made me realize something had to give. I tried Central Calif which was less expensive but was way too conservative. I finally gave up.
I am in the Sierra foothills now. Too conservative but slowly getting better. If I don't move to BC, Eugene is the only other place I would consider. I went to grad school at U of O.
The foothills are beautiful (I hope you're safe from fires this year). I got my undergraduate degree from the U of O. But as soon as I had it I left for Marin (where I was born before it was a popular and expensive place). Good luck with everything!
Take me with you. I wish our family had gotten dual status. I wonder if I still could. My grandmother's people were from Canada--Bouchers, Riels, Vallee's We didn't get alone real well with the British as you can imagine. Take care and enjoy your move.
Yeah I am Quebecquois and Irish so not fond of the Brits either.
Who IS fond of the supercilious Brits? Have you ever heard of serving 'warm beer'? And have you ever tasted their 'cuisine'?? Enough to gag a maggot! They're desperately trying to hang on to what's left of their empire and their efforts are as pathetic as those of the Empire of the Dis-United States of 'Murika whose own seams are coming loose like a cheap leatherette chair.
Exactly LOL
While traveling in Europe in 2016, I realized (yes, for the first time in my long life!) that our country is an infant compared to the rest of the industrial world. Unfortunately our politics and societal structure reflect this infancy.
Indeed it was glaringly apparent in Spain. There was dignity and grace there I don't see here. We are like demanding infants. I truly hated returning
That’s the same reaction you get visiting any other developed country.
I remember experiencing a similar realization my very first day in Paris. Actually, i felt more like our country is more like a rebellious adolescent. It was such a clear recognition. Like i was seeing 'us' for the first time thru wise, old European eyes. Long time ago now. Unforgettable.
That's a great awareness and helpful for bringing oneself out of despair and into hope. HOWEVER, Canada is also a "infant" and they don't have the same problems to the same degree as us. Could be the large amount of French influence in their development?? I don't know.
Nah. That's a whole other can of worms. Hugh MacLennan wrote a book decades ago called Two Solitudes that explored the mutual misunderstanding of the two clashing cultures. You've really said it all when you cited "degree". The same myth of self-sufficiency, the same parsimonious, grudging resentment o'f "others" (of all sorts), the same tirades against "big, intrusive government" and suborned media, the same bitter paranoia all exist here, exacerbated recently by the creeping disease of Trumpism. So far it's a fringe movement of deplorables but with some support from the low information and usually non-voting public. We shall see how that plays out over the next few years.
The non voting public has become so because politicians have proved ever since running George McGovern out bringing Nixon again that we have nobody. The elections turn out like THEY see fit not us. That begins with gerrymandering and then making sure the candidate WE like - never a progressive is replaced by the art choice which brought Joe Biden who pretty much no one wanted. That is why rle don't vote- for what ?
Why is the US propaganda machine able to eradicate all news from Canada? From abroad in general? (TV in Colombia give you access to the national TV channels of most European countries) And, with impunity call these countries socialists, not having a clue what it means, as if socialism were the devil incarnate. The word was selected to oppose the "unbounded individualism" of of capitalism: "All for us, and nothing for the rest" the vile maxim of the masters of mankind (Adam Smith "The Wealth of Nations" 1776). It means developing a system that fosters a good society to live in for the people. Describing all the advantages of socialism in foreign societies would eventually gains hearts and minds in the US. The masters of mankind won't have any of it. And we suffer, in ignorance. (disclosure: I am a Canadian citizen, I know of what I speak)
I’m frequently in Michigan and appalled y the lack of knowledge about Canada that my friends have.
We immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 from the U.K. My parents, at the time- looked to this country as a beacon of hope + the land of opportunity for my sister + I. We’ve been afforded great educations that have come with great debt; a double-edged sword. Growing up & becoming aware of this country’s history has been sobering + a true life lesson, to say the very least.
As an adult, experiencing the divisiveness + every ‘man’ for himself way of life; see: [racist/sexist/homophobic/hypocritical + anti-other], has left me feeling angry + in search of a better way. It’s like living in a hostile country environment. I know many others are feeling the same & how sad.
Yes- this country is in its infancy but I’m a grown ass woman + I don’t have time for babies- literally or figuratively + guess what- I should have the right to decide that, so I’m interviewing other countries!
In the meantime, I’m going to do what I can to help my sisters living in hateful states, that are now, not able to get an abortion as easily as I did at 18 but know this- the clock is ticking America. 🇺🇸
https://open.spotify.com/track/14mwel8vjedANfclf48jfw?si=Y-vOfgpcSN6jofn8OuaaPg
Happy Canada Day. Born in Iowa I came here in 1959 and found a country free of legal racism.
Open to immigrants of the world. But we are just learning about the past and those whe were here first. Reconcilliation ongoing.
Thank you Mike. I'm with you to help push back however I can. As a disabled senior I can still do something. Calling our reps isn't enough.
Just how many of us feel, Michael. This is the saddest 4th of July of my life. I’m now ashamed of being an American citizen--the land of the fascists, the yellow-bellied R “leaders”, the women/minority/gay haters, and the imprisoned majority.
There is a growing movement to protest all the craziness by STOPping on July 4th. Don't go to work, (if possible), don't go shopping... STOP and consider where we are as a country/culture, and what we might do differently. Guns, violence, corruption... Where our own personal responsibility lies,... July 4th! STOP!! Shut down and THINK! We have little time left, if any, to change course...
On the 4th, me and my cat are going outside and weed all around my vegetable garden and drink lots of filtered water...nothing else. Oh, tune into KBOO broadcasting the Portland Blues Festival. No more!
Darn, I missed that! The Blues Festival. I love KBOO.
Thanks for sharing that bit of the Constitution which was news to me.
As a boomer, I for one felt that our government and or our political system would rite this wrong. over the past 50 years. I never thought bribery would be ignored!? While the guardrails were coming off, I thought, surely these people would not destroy the country they live in, or appear to want to takeover.
It’s clear to me now I was dead wrong. For the first time in my life I can not even imagine a solution 🥺
All of our protections are compromised.
The solution is simple and was very clearly presented by none other than our own "higher-ups", who've shown us the way to react on multiple 'PUBLIC' occasions. I refer to the choice of simply ignoring the law if you don't like it. Act like it isn't there! You know, like so many of our "leaders" have done with the Congressional subpoenas they were issued. (But be sure to check to see if there's room on the "Pardon List" first),, you know just like our 'leaders'.
we don't all have the luxury of the privileged to simply ignore laws we don't like... if only we did, tho! "pardon me" that law doesn't apply to me. i'll take some coffee, please. :-)
--if "the laws apply equally to everyone", then "the right to ignore those laws should apply to everyone" as well. "Equal justice" is a joke! The president is quite obviously above the law. Lying Supreme Court Justices are obviously above the law. Congress critters are above the law. 'Pardons' are above the law.
Thanks Michael for giving hope and energy just when it's needed.
Let's all register someone to vote this holiday week! That will be something to celebrate.
Imagine just being put into voting register on day you're born and getting your voter registration on your 18th birthday!! How very democratic and efficient! Simply brilliant.
Hi Suz, All that is required to vote is proof of age and proof of your address. You are supposed to be a Canadian citizen but all they do is ask you when you go to vote that first time. Once you are on the on the list, then you just keep getting added for the voter information cards. If you lie to the people at the voting poll about being a Canadian citizen I imagine you can get into some trouble so it keeps people reasonably honest. But we do not have that level of strictness about "registering" like you do in the states. Most of us update our address on the voting lists but if pushed we can still show up at a voting place with id and proof of age and address . Have a great 4th! m.j
Hey MJ... That's because y'all actually WANT everyone to vote. What a concept!! How it oughta be. Not sure what's gonna become of us. Truly. Where i live, there are all kinds of hoops to jump thru to register to vote, very qualifications restricting mail-in voting ... and plenty more unapologetically deliberate voter suppression obstacles. And voila! Lowest voter turnout in the country... what a surprise! It's really sooo un-American. Hope you had a great Canada Day! Thanks for your good wishes.. still celebrating 4th!
Hey Suz, ... It just breaks my heart to see these fascist tactics used in America. The fight is never over. take care - mj (Mary)
Thanks, MJ... appreciate your support. It's pretty awful. Because it's so blatant, i sometimes think it's like blowing up a balloon past its capacity... and it'll blow up in their faces... leaving us all free of them and their tactics. :-)
Yes. Love it - that is something. mj
Shame on US.
Hi USA Neighbours: I am a proud Canadian living in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Yukon is one of Canada’s 3 Northern territories. Canada is further divide into 10 provinces. In total Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Michael Moore sarcastically asks why Canada doesn’t join the USA. By joining the USA Canadians would inherit 3 monumental problems. Firstly Canadians would have to give up our universal health care system. Everyone while working and paying provincial/territorial taxes contributes a part of this tax to pay for Canada’s universal health care system. Unemployed and never employed Canadians get free universal health care. I as a Canadian can travel anywhere in Canada and if I get sick Canada’s Universal Medicare Health Care System will allow me to access any doctor free of charge, and be admitted to hospital where my total hospital charges are free to me. If a doctor decides that I need an operation to improve my health in any way then the total hospital charge for this operation is free to me. I or any Canadian will never have to pay or incur any debt to pay for needed health care. The second huge benefit to have Canada remain independent from the USA is that Canadian women in consultation with their doctor can receive free prenatal and postpartum care including the right to have an abortion if they so choose. This right to get an abortion is guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This right to have an abortion can never be lost and most certainly never be lost by a majority decision by the justices who make up the Supreme Court of Canada. The recent death of the Roe versus Wade in the USA by comparison will and could never happen in Canada. Thirdly the gun laws in Canada are so strict it is very difficult to purchase any hand gun in Canada. All assault type weapons of war like the AR15 rifle are ILLEGAL to purchase and own in Canada. In Canada because of our strict gun control laws Canadians are much safer than Americans. Parents in Canada can send their children to school and never worry that their children will be murdered in their school by an individual who in many USA jurisdictions who can more easily purchase an AR15 assault rifle than an alcoholic beverage.
We get a lot of American tourists in Whitehorse, Yukon where I live. I remember asking an elderly American couple after they had completed their shopping in our local Walmart store: do you folks feel safe going into a Walmart store to shop in the USA. I asked are you afraid that some crazy person with a gun ail start shooting shoppers at random. I asked why is it sips difficult to achieve stricter and stronger USA gun laws that will greatly reduce the HUGE number of Americans murdered annually. The elderly male American told me he greatly valued his second amendment right to bear arms. I wanted to tell him that he was misguided but did not as I was convinced that he truly believed that his right to purchase any gun including an AR15 assault rifle weapon of war was more important than the live of his fellow Americans. In other words let me keep my right to buy an AR15 even if this means continuing to have innocent Americans of all ages murdered.
I will end my comment agreeing with the invitation of our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. To all Americans if you want to feel safe from gun violence, if you want to receive universally freer health care, and if you believe that a women’s right to choose what happens to their bodies I.e. easily receive an abortion the MOVE to CANADA. You are very welcome here.
David Michael Dixon
Whitehorse,Yukon
Canada
Sounds very inviting! I believe the true reason the man chose his right to have guns... has more to do with fear, learned thru the myth of 2nd amendment, which i'm sure you're right - he truly believes in.
Did you know that many of these dudes can't even tell you what the 2nd amendment actually says?? True! Next time, ask them to recite it.
Why they cling to their guns is complicated, tho the NRA's ridiculous power and out-sized influence seem to play a large part. It's all so enmeshed in our lives and subconsciousness.
My husband was in the military. Somehow, people, especially down south here, assume everyone has guns (you know, like you have a toothbrush), and of course, they know that veterans all do. I've had conversations with completely shocked neighbors when i said we have no guns. None. They look at me like we're from Mars. :-)