Sometimes, what people might say isn't intended to be applied to individuals. For example, if I'm driving in Maine and the car ahead of me is going too slow, and I see that it has Canadian plates, I am likely to say something like, "Damned Canadians." If they have Massachusetts plates, it will be "F'ing Massholes." If I don't recognize the plates but know they're not Maine plates, it will be "Damned foreigners." Of course, if they have Maine plates, as is usually the case, given that I am in Maine, I'll have to resort to gender-driven insults, and if my wife points out that it's a guy, I'll suggest that he's probably gay. I don't know any of these people, and I'm not angry with them, but insulting other drivers is essential to driving. Of course, if I am driving too slow, then I must have a damned good reason for it. Given that they practically surround us, I hear "Damned Canadians" a lot, but I don't think Mainers have any particular animosity toward Canadians, other than the ones in Quebec who refuse to speak English. Is there anyone I haven't offended? Should I try harder?
One thing I have noticed having driven across Canada several times, is that Albertans always have to be "in front". You can be going 20 mph over the speed limit and Alberta drivers will pass and pull in front driving the same speed or slower. I haven't noticed it in other provinces but Alberta stands out there.
LOL, you are doing just fine Ken but you have yet to talk of Limeys who emigrated to Canada and who despite having spent many enjoyable weeks traveling in norther States is now is very nervous about the volume of firearms owned by your citizens. Believe me most of us 'up here' are very much aware that we have our faults (and have our share of those that think they are perfect !) and as with yourselves it varies from place to place ....you just have more States then we do Provinces and many more citizens. Forums such as this perhaps helps us understand each others point of view a little more, BUT I often wonder if the move from snail mail to email to online instant communication is a step forward or backward?
Whenever someone makes a comment that ascribes either a negative or a positive to a whole group of people based on where they live or skin tone, the comment shouldn't be taken seriously. If it's meant to be taken seriously, then someone has some serious thinking to do. People are individuals unless they choose not to be, and you will likely find a wide range in any group of people.
It is interesting that many Americans are nervous traveling in Canada because they CAN'T carry firearms with them.
We are definitely interesting. We keep pulling logs out of our eyes on this forum. Not to worry. We see our faults. Just don't know what to do with them.
The corruption is what concerns me on both sides of the border although I never knew Canada had any until last winter.
Not to worry. The chances of being shot are a lot less than the chance of succumbing to medical mistakes. There are MILLIONS of guns here. We don't use them incorrectly, in general, but we sure do use them for political reasons and shock value.
You will excuse me if I say that I dont find either of those two options particularly reassuring, not that such things are not gradually increasing here also, particularly the use of what up here is the illegal use of handguns.
I'm learning more about mine every day. It accelerates the process when they are pointed out. It would be helpful to have more emoticons. I don’t see one that quite captures my thoughts for this thread.