The Same But Different

  At first glance, Canadians and their neighbors south of the border, seem pretty much the same. But that couldn't be farther from the truth. While we may share some core values and ideals, it's becoming more and more evident, we are polar opposites on other really important ones.

  Canadians believe that access to healthcare is a right, NOT a privilege. The idea of deciding between seeing a doctor and eating is insane to us. In the U.S. if you are born with an illness you may not be able to get insurance your entire life! Imagine that. I'm not saying our system is perfect, far from it, but no one dies here because they cannot afford to see a doctor.

  Guns. Another topic we both understand and can't fathom. Canadians own guns and while we complained about the gun registry, we did it, for the most part. Hand guns are rare in this country while they are as common as minivans in the U.S.. Automatic rifles are for the police and military here. According to a Republican politician I saw on tv a few days ago, they can also be used for hunting. Really? Really?? A good hunter needs one bullet not fifty.

  Religion in politics is another area we are miles apart on. Can anyone name what religion our past three Prime Minister's were? Or say that it mattered? We have no interest in our leaders church-going habits. Nor should we. There is a definite separation between church and state that we don't see in the United States. For good reason. Politics are about all of us. Religion is personal. We allow it to stay that way.

  National pride is a big one. One of the first things I notice when I cross the border is the amount of flags I see. Almost every house has one flying. That is a rarity here. People talk about living in the greatest country and how they are world leaders. We don't do that. At least not enough. However if you travel the world you will find that Canada is much more respected than the U.S....especially this past year. We are universally considered to be decent, helpful and brave. I guess we let our actions speak for us.

  I love travelling south. I've never had an issue anywhere we've gone in the United States. We've always been treated with kindness and respect. When folks find out I'm Canadian, there is always a story of a visit to, or a visitor from, Canada that was so nice. That word, nice, is always used. Always. 

  We are the same....but different. That's a good thing for a country to be!

  Ang