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This is a ridiculous thread and as an American, it embarasses me that we have people in our country that are so moronic and self centered to even think of this, let alone ask it out loud.
Also, for the historically-challenged, the U.S. already tried to invade Canada. It was called the war of 1812. We lost that part of the war, thank god. We Americans have enough territory to eff up, no need for any more.
Aaah, that little part about a "war that can actually be won" would seem to fly in the face of actual history over the last 50 years proving the obverse to be true.
Canada is the kind of nation that is most vulnerable to the American way of war; strong central government, peaceful law abiding people with no history of blood fueds and brigandage, easy terrain and good roads in the heavily populated areas. Plus if the Americans ruled with a light hand, co opted wealthy elites and gave Canadians the same political rights as current Americans- yeah, I think it could be done.
I had a conversation with a small group of Canadian girls recently. I believe they were from BC. Very friendly folks. We conversed for quite a long time. As they got more comfortable with me they started asking more questions. One of the questions was, "Do you own guns?" I replied, "Of course. I own lots of guns." They then asked, " Why would you need to own guns?" I replied, "Its not a need it's a right guaranteed by the US Constitution therefore I exercise it." They could not wrap their heads around this.
James; I have encountered your surmisal myself and take great pains to explain to folks who seem confused by stating "they could not wrap their heads around this" with the clarification it's not the constitutional right part we do not understand but rather your need to exercise it.
Canada is the kind of nation that is most vulnerable to the American way of war; strong central government, peaceful law abiding people with no history of blood fueds and brigandage, easy terrain and good roads in the heavily populated areas. Plus if the Americans ruled with a light hand, co opted wealthy elites and gave Canadians the same political rights as current Americans- yeah, I think it could be done.
Wow. I thought you were referencing a film. You can't be serious.
Also, for the historically-challenged, the U.S. already tried to invade Canada. It was called the war of 1812. We lost that part of the war, thank god. We Americans have enough territory to eff up, no need for any more.
We lost because even a small number of British Regulars (many of whom were Irish by the way, such as the 89th Foot of Crysler's Farm and Lundy's Lane fame) were superior to large numbers of American militia. And William Henry Harrison we did succeed in driving the British out of Michigan and up the Ontario peninsula.
But yeah, it was a mess, even after we established our own capable Regulars. The politics and lack of organization...
Canada is the kind of nation that is most vulnerable to the American way of war; strong central government, peaceful law abiding people with no history of blood fueds and brigandage, easy terrain and good roads in the heavily populated areas. Plus if the Americans ruled with a light hand, co opted wealthy elites and gave Canadians the same political rights as current Americans- yeah, I think it could be done.
I will yield to the fact that US citizens have little influence over the Federal gov. Special interests have control there. So if Exxon wanted to seize Canadian oil fields that would become US foreign policy. I understand Canadians concern in that regard.
There are few examples where the American people actually were able to stop a folly in recent years. I suppose not inavading Syria is a good example.
If I were Canadian I might be a bit paranoid as well. I think I get it.
James; I have encountered your surmisal myself and take great pains to explain to folks who seem confused by stating "they could not wrap their heads around this" with the clarification it's not the constitutional right part we do not understand but rather your need to exercise it.
The only thing I can say is that their view of history is different. They view government as a benevolent institution working on behalf of the people where as Americans view government as a necessary evil that needs to be kept in check. A well armed populace being the last defense against an overreaching gov.
Canada is the kind of nation that is most vulnerable to the American way of war; strong central government, peaceful law abiding people with no history of blood fueds and brigandage, easy terrain and good roads in the heavily populated areas. Plus if the Americans ruled with a light hand, co opted wealthy elites and gave Canadians the same political rights as current Americans- yeah, I think it could be done.
You'd have to sweeten the pot a lot more than that. Other countries have made the mistake of confusing our distaste for war with a lack of resolve to very ably fight one.
I, on the other hand, would surmise America would be in for a bout of urban terrorism to rival the worst seen to date. There's something about fighting for your way of life on your home soil that will bring out the absolute intransigent of mans features. Canadians have amply demonstrated their capabilities to be formidable enemies when fighting foreign wars, punching well above our weight everywhere we've been and I can only imagine we'd rise well above expectations if fighting domestically.
Which country would loan America the necessary amount to prosecute an endeavour that would result in them being cheek-by-jowl neighbours?
The only thing I can say is that their view of history is different. They view government as a benevolent institution working on behalf of the people where as Americans view government as a necessary evil that needs to be kept in check. A well armed populace being the last defense against an overreaching gov.
Oh I understand the oft repeated "assumption" of the way in which we regard our governments and that is the fundamental error as we do not view our governmant any diffent than ANY other country.
How many are utilizing some form of governemnt assistance in the U.S. and compare that to Canada. Now which country would you, as an unprejudicial observor, paint with the broad brush of assuming benevolence on the part of government? We do not have anything resembling EBT cards or Food Stamps or Obamaphones for unwed mothers of multiple kids from mulitple fathers. All those are the veritable haulmarks of a citizenry dependant upon government largesse and voting for more every single election.
We however rely upon the rule of parliamentary procedure to remove those governments that presume to trample rights.
I have another way of looking upon this issue and it relates to almost every discussion I've had with American friends over many years and that is; the discussion always morphs from a government needing watching to the issue of personal safety, as in: handguns.
A medium range rifle, either semi auto or even full auto with a few spare magazines in every home, such as the Switzerland model of standing militia example, fulfills the first requirement while handguns serve no useful purpose whatsoever in challenging a gov't run amock. They do however, lend themselves very favourably to protecting yourselves from each other which your constitution never mentioned at all.
Last edited by BruSan; 10-12-2013 at 04:38 PM..
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