Canada: America's Best Friend?

The Bush Administration, which sat by as the French and Germans based U.S. policies to gain votes at home in previous elections, has apparently decided to draw the line with Canada.

"It may be smart election-year politics to thump your chest and constantly criticize your friend and your No. 1 trading partner. But it is a slippery slope, and all of us should hope that it doesn't have a long-term impact on the relationship," the U.S. ambassador to Ottawa, David Wilkins, said in a tough speech to the Canadian Club at the Chateau Laurier.

The 20-minute address reverberated on the campaign trail. Liberal Leader Paul Martin, who had promised to repair relations with Washington when he became Prime Minister two years ago, vowed yesterday to continue to defend Canadian interests "against anybody."

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Mr. Wilkins, who did not name the Liberal Leader directly, said his government is growing exasperated with the Canadian government's constant attacks on U.S. environmental and commercial policies.
"Canada never has to tear down the United States to build itself up," Mr. Wilkins said.

He said Canada shows little respect for U.S. concerns. He acknowledged irritants such as the softwood lumber dispute and the war in Iraq, but called on Canada to accentuate the positive.

"What if one of your best friends criticized you directly and indirectly almost relentlessly? What if that friend's agenda was to highlight your perceived flaws while avoiding mentioning your successes? What if that friend demanded respect but offered little in return? Wouldn't that begin to sow the seeds of doubt in your mind about the strength of your friendship?" Mr. Wilkins said.

Would you keep a friend around who was constantly negative toward you? And the shoe could go on the other foot. It sounds as if Canada feels slighted by the United States, as well. Perhaps it is time for a new alignment of the nations. (Although, I'd really like to keep Western Canada. I find people from places like Calgary much more pleasant than the European wannabes in the East.)

Let's take a vote now ... to all the nations of the world, you choose. Who would you prefer to have on your side: The United States or Canada?

I'll be over here.

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