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Originally Posted by fishjoel
I don't think he was saying you should hand over money to us. I think he was more implying that you should have a stronger military. But, that is your own choice, just like having a large military is ours. So, no, Canada doesn't owe us anything but they also can't deny that they have no need spend much on military because we are your neighbor and friend. Do not deny this. If something happened and ya'll were put in the cross-hairs we'd rain down fury on them for messing with you.
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Fair enough. That's your own choice. But personally, I'd rather the US reduce it's military spending and let Canada take its chances in that big bad world. After all, just as we have no obligation towards the US, the US has no obligation towards us. And I'd like to point out that none of this criticism is intended as mean-spirited. As a matter of fact, I'd love to see Canada grant more freedom of labour movement for US workers into Canada regardless of whether the US reciprocates, as I believe this would help build stronger relations between our countries. But the fact of the matter is, we don't see eye to eye on our views of the threat. What American's perceive as real threats to North America, many Canadians perceive as imaginary boogeymen induced by paranoia. And that's fine. To each his own, as long as it doesn't sour relations between the people.
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Well, we are not the world military and I do resent that role we play but...you can't deny that the world expects a lot from us. You can't deny that we give more aid and assistance to other countries than anyone else.
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Honestly, I don't believe many in the world expect this of the US. My impression is that Americans believe the world expects this of the US. Personally, I think the best thing the US could do to help its neighbours right now is to help itself. After all, you can't help us while you're own currency is risking a cave in under the weight of debt.
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I am, by no means trying to sound condescending but you really can't take care of yourselves. I mean, maybe if you were attacked by Argentina or something you could fend them off but you are, by no means, even in the same ballpark of many countries.
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Argentina has not expressed any interest in attacking Canada to begin with. Nor has Russia. In theory, you're right, Russia could probably crush Canada militarily. But again, show me one quote that indicates that Russia even has that intention.
Actually, here's another way I could see Canada helping out:
Canada could contribute financially to a world military force of a maximum of 100,000 well trained and equipped men, recruited from around the world, and with the mission of destroying any government in violation of international law, in accordance with international law (in other words, adhering to theprinciple that the ends do not justify the means). Such a contribution I could agree to as it woudl ensure a neutral force looking out for the interests of all rather than just its own 'national interests', generally a code word for screwing the others over.