There has been a lot of discussion over the apparent "snub" the U.S. gave Canada in George W. Bush's address on Sept 20th 2001. The snub was quite simply the omission of any mention of Canada in the Presidents speech to the nation regarding the campaign against terrorism. This has caused quite a stir in some circles and has driven some to question how strong the relationship is between the two North American neighbors. I think this situation is quite indicative of what our relationship with the States has always been like. We're that quiet buddy that is always there for you.
The U.S. knows that Canada supports them in this endeavor. It goes without saying. It was clear that the point of the address was to rally any additional International allies who may be sitting on the fence. It was a declaration of war against terrorism but also a recruitment campaign. It would be like stating the obvious to say that Canada has leant their support. The world pretty much knows that. So is Canada gonna be at the party? Well duh…The U.S. is throwing it?
Whether you like it or not, Canada has always been viewed as the U.S.'s little buddy. We live by each other, we hang out a lot, they pick on us, we share stuff, and we support each other when times are bad. Do they take us for granted? Sure they do at times, but they understand our relationship. The U.S. is the out spoken, aggressive, center of attention guy and Canada is the passive, quiet, and friend to all dude. They understood our relationship so well that they didn't need to state it in the speech. As far as situations like this go, it has been widely perceived that if the U.S. is doing something, Canada is tagging along. In their eyes there was no reason to bring up Canada's involvement because it was already quietly understood. We really shouldn't take offense to this…it's just the way it goes between the two of us.
To worry about this failure of mention is quite petty. We are the assumed ally. The guaranteed pal. Perhaps some recognition would be nice once and a while but I guarantee it, immediately after the tragedy, the first country that the U.S. knew that they could count on was their little buddy Canada.
…but that's just my opinion.
Do you Agree with what he's saying? Tell Us HERE
or mail to:michael@boldopinion.com
