Star-Spangled Canadians: Canadians Living the American Dream

My title was taken from Keith Radford on page 334.Prime Minister Pearson observed that Canadians and Americans are each other's best friends,whether they like it or not.There are endless things that Canadians have said over the years to sum up how they feel about Canada and America,and Canadians and Americans;and Simpson has done a marvelous job of covering the long history between our two countries. In a nutshell ,the reason so many Canadians have become 'Star-Spangled 'can be summed up in two words--more opportunities.This has been the case all through.Even when Canadians head to the States "just to get some experience with the intention to return",the great majority seldom do. Simpson details innumerable cases of people who have moved to the States,and have found success and happiness in the American Dream.My experience is, that by and large most people in Central Canada don't agree and don't want to agree.I grew up in the Maritimes,spent some time in British Columbia,and was never exposed to the unrelenting Anti- Americanism that is prevalent in Quebec and here in Ontario.The sad thing about it is that those who spout this venom make statements like,"Oh,it's not the people,it's the American Foreign policy" or "It's not America;it's George Bush,Reagan,"or whoever is president at the time,particularly if it happens to be a Republican. So where does all this resentment come from?I wish Simpson had spent more time on this,but it is a no-winner with the Establishment,media,and particularly public servants,and that includes almost everyone who lives off the public purse.The resentment is also much greater with those whose politics fall left of center,and the further to the left ,the worse it gets. The States has become the great country it is by having cast off the mentality and privilege that were the mainstay of Britain and Europe and developed their own country where opportunity ,hard work,initiative,rewards for accomplishment were the things that count.Yes, capitalism is the better system for winners and Socialism is the better system for losers;but the fact that even those at the bottom of the ladder in America,are never inclined to leave for greener pastures as has been the case with so many other systems and countries.For centuries ,when one thinks of "the Land of Opportunity" America is always at the top of the list. This book covers every aspect of why so many Canadians have opted to become Star-Spangled and is a must read for anyone who is even remotely considering working or living in the States. I also agree,and I think that the author would also agree, there are many wonderful countries to live in,America may not be everyone's cup of tea,but he has done a fine job of explaining it;and with the least amount of prejudice. Simpson also referred to another book which to a large extent shows that we are not really two countries in North America;America and Canada ;but 9 distinct nations.Watch for "The Nine Nations of Nort

If you have been living in the United States as a "Star Spangled Canadian" for any length of time you must read this book. You will identify with a lot of the Canadians who were interviewed by Jeffrey Simpson for his book. Some of the reasons that they give for making the move to the States will be the same as yours, as well as the challenges they faced over the years. Simpson offers and interesting perspective on the "brain-drain" and a lot of facts and figured that will surprise you.