15-Sep-06

Canadian News in the U.S.A.!

Tonight I turned on the evening news to find out that a Canada-related political story was near the front of the headlines.  Now, typically, to say that Canada is even on the radar here (even in this, one of the most liberal states in the country and a state only 3 hours or so driving from the Quebec border) would be inaccurate, so I was pretty pumped when I heard this.  Would it be a story about softwood lumber, explaining the Canadian perspective on this trade dispute?  Perhaps clarifying that the 9/11 terrorists did NOT cross from Canada (something that about 30% of Americans apparently still believe?)  Maybe something about how Canada is supporting the U.S. in Afghanistan?  Maybe the fact that we are America's biggest and most important trading partner?  Or, even better, something about how our two countries can disagree politically while at the same time sharing a common heritage and values?

Nope.

Peter MacKay, our interprid potato-farming, Belinda-broke-his-heart-romantic foreign affairs minister, and Condoleeza Rice, American secretary of state, may be dating!  Aww, aren't they cute together! <cue anchor fawning>
Condi loves the Maritimes!  Condi loves sleeping in the Atlantic Breeze!  Petey takes her for a spin around his home town!  That handshake and alternate cheek kiss certainly looked "hearty"!
Newscaster inserts joke that Peter MacKay proposes development of "bilateral relations" <cue hearty chuckle>

Yep, that's the important information you need to know, right there. 

Sigh. 

And we wonder why so few people in either country knows anything about and/or pays any attention to so many of those "less important" issues, like, say, trade, public safety, and world affairs.

Posted by Todd at 01:21:53 | Permanent Link | Comments (3) |
Comments
1 - I think she did the same thing with Bush and he was elected. He also learned about WMD. Maybe we should talk to Montel? (Comment this)

Written by: Anonymous at 2006/09/15 - 11:38:51
2 - Hey Todd,

Sorry I've been a bit lax in posting but things have been kind of crazy. Just an interesting tidbit for you....Get Smart is now available on DVD from Timelife. I'm not sure I can justify the cost ($199 American or $249 Canadian) but it will get you the whole series. i'm told that if I phone them up and whine they may be willing to waive the 19.99 shipping within Canada though I would still be stuck with the taxes. I figure this qualifies as US/Canada news. (Comment this)

Written by: Jason at 2006/09/23 - 01:18:42
3 - Hmm, the question is whether or not I want to have to admit for the rest of my life that I paid $200US in perfectly good money to acquire the complete anthology of Get Smart (not to say it wouldn't be personally worth it, but... yikes!) Plus, (cue blushing) I already have three VHS tapes packed with Get Smart highlights, including my favourite episode of all time when Max has to cover as a shoe salesman when his parents visit and battles a Kaos agent in the backroom while fitting his uncle... best sitcom sequence ever I would say (briefly: Uncle's line: "Can I get this in an 8D?" Max: Sure (goes into stockroom and battles Kaos agent, being thrown out back into the store with torn clothes and a cut on his face) Father: "I'll take an 8C if it's easier for you" - so good. On the bright side, one channel here is now showing back-to-back Green Acres every weeknight... a good way to avoid using your brain after a hard day at work :) (Comment this)

Written by: Todd at 2006/10/02 - 00:18:48
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