Never said I have low regard for America, and have more relatives living there, then anywhere else on this planet.
Some of your old conservative ways, and politics don't work any longer in this Global Market. Obama got elected on the promise of change. Yet, anything he wants to change, is blown right up in his face.
2) Should be happy the world watches American TV and movies. It's a big export product of Hollywood, and is a good moneymaker.
3)Why is UPS only paying Canadians $23.00/hr (max rate), and only $71.00 for medical per month. Only $50/mth pension per year service ?
UPS Canada, probably makes more profit then in USA.
That's why DHL is here still very well alive.
4)Never had a problem with our healthcare, and I used it lots, actually (3 times hospitalization, diabetes, pancreas problems, and had many tests done.
It's good we have that system in place, since I'm not currently working, atleast I still have healthcare. And I can plan on retiring at age 55, without putting money away for health services or medical insurance.
5) I am a little bit European, 1st generation Canadian, was born here, but lived and worked in Germany for 14 years.
6) Don't cross the border for trips for booze or cigs. It's a 9 hr drive south, about 600 miles, (1 way), that would be just nuts.
And we have different cigarettes here, that don't taste like the american cigar cigs.
Most Canadians don't like them, don't even buy them when they visit south.
As far as gas goes, yours might be 10 or 20 cents cheaper a gallon. No big deal.
It's ironic, we pipeline oil to you, and you sell it cheaper then we get it for.
But, we tax everything higher. For better roads, healtcare, social programs.
Thats why alcohol is quite more expensive here, too.
7) Canada joined England in the war against Germany in 1939.And were present in WW1, too.
America didn't join WW2 against Germany until 1942. (and only because Hitler declared war on the USA).
8) Canada exports Steel and Lumber to the USA, NOT vice versa.
9) Canadians were in New Orleans to help you out, and recently in California, again, with the worlds largest Waterbomber to help with the fires.
All, I hope, is that America gets back on it's feet, does some changes, so they can compete globally again. It's been over a decade since you had a trade surplus !
What happened to the olden days ? Good old TV's , like RCA, or Timex Watches, Texas Instruments, The Big 3 Auto, etc.
Those were the good old American days !
Now, you need to find a way to get it back.
But, having employers paying $1000 a mth for healthcare, and generous pension plans. That adds to Laborcosts !
I don't have a solution, but what I do know:
Sticking with old ways, and not making changes, won't get America striving/booming as much as it once did.