This is reponse to a post today by Chemical Billy.

What can I say, hon. The sad undertone in your post really struck a chord.

When I first moved to the States somebody asked why I knew so much about America. I replied that when a mouse sleeps next to an elephant, the mouse pays very, very close attention to every move the elephant makes.

When it comes to international agreements that are suddenly inconvenient, America has long chosen to ignore them. The best another country can hope for is a long and arduous negotiation to get the States to abide by what they've already agreed to.

In recent years that has come dramatically to light in Canada. We watched bewildered as we were trashed after not joining the Iraq war. We didn't realize that asking for more compelling evidence before committing our troops meant that we were on the side of terror.

Our negotiators on economic issues are being told flatly to "take it or leave it" by their American counterparts. Some have even reported veiled threats coming from men and women that they have long known to be skilled and intelligent people.

Perhaps most tellingly is the travel agents. My travel agent will no longer book clients through the States unless that is their destination. Even brief stopovers that don't involve leaving the plane are out - just too many crazy and invasive things have happened.

And now it appears that such tactics can be used domestically.

I don't want this to come across as a rant. I loved my time in the States. I love the people I've met there, the friends I still have there. Americans are kind and brave and warm. I understand your pride and love for your country because I love my own. America has a lot to be proud of.

Although I love Canada, since living in the States I've thought that under the right circumstances I could again. At this point I doubt if I'll even visit anytime soon, and I'll never live there.

I really feel for you, Billy. Be scared, but don't be petrified. Your government already feels itself above the rest of the world, and now it feels itself above its own people. For a long time we watched the way the US dealt with Third World countries and believed that our long friendship would spare us that. We were naive. When push comes to shove, the US government, especially this one, does what it wants. Even if they don't use these powers immediately or often, they will use them. The "agreements" written into your Constitution have suddenly become inconvenient.


I'm glad you're a proud American, Billy. Don't give up.

You and Mr. Billy are in my thoughts.