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Lol!  Not terribly upset, just trying to sort out your perceived feelings/opinions from my own.

Not saying I believe Canada does have lax immigration laws.  It is an often-repeated accusation, though.  Of course that doesn't make it true. 

It seems the overall issue here is Pres. Bush, a rugged individualist, "leading" a nation in that fashion...which appeals to other rugged individualists (which are many here).  OTOH Canada and Europe are very socialist -- or seem so.  That is a major philosophical difference right there.  Probably is the crux of the matter.

Meanwhile the nation continues tearing itself apart over Iraq.  That, and many Americans it seems are becoming more stringently politically polarized; disagree with someone and kiss your friendship goodbye.    Ironically, American liberals tend to be the most truly intolerant of differing opinions; agree with them or else, lol.

On the bright side, Pres. Bush will be out of office in a few years.  I am hoping for a return to a more NORMAL America...the one I knew a mere 7 years ago.  Frankly I think too many things are broken to ever be truly fixed again.  Particularly as violence within this nation goes.  The plethora of school shootings alone is enough to convince me Rome is starting to burn...

Unfortunately. 

::shakes head::  The U.S. I knew 20 years ago -- even 10 years ago -- compared to today is just weird.  I hardly recognize it, am glad my father did not live to see all these unpleasant changes.

Oh.    This proves once again that I know very little about weapons, lol.  Jacket pocket, huh?  I've seen that on TV.  Wouldn't work so well around here with the hot weather.

Yep.

Agreed.  I've been pulled over by police maybe 6 times since age 16 (speed limit variations or perhaps a signal light was out).  Never had a pistol drawn on me.  I've driven past many pull-overs (even on quiet residential streets), have never seen a cop with a pistol in his or her hand while talking with the driver.

Yep.  Major cultural differences.  Canada, for instance, seems much more British than American in many respects.  And I've no doubt if Canada could physically move to just north of the UK, they'd do it.

::EDIT::  As for women carrying pistols in their purses, to each their own.  It's enough of a hassle, though, trying to get ANYTHING out of a purse in a split second -- even if purse is tidy with few items in it.  There's a definite possibility of accidentally shooting one's self while trying to get it, or being overpowered and the pistol used against you -- particularly as the attacker's reflexes are likely quicker.

:?  That sounds ... Orwellian to me.

Don't have to.  In this city of roughly 110,000 people our crime rates are (believe it or not) low.  The worst thing that's happened in our portion of the city was someone hitting our house with an egg a few Halloweens ago.  And in 2000, a "grinch" stealing a lawn ornament.

If Canada is as peaceful and "together" as you all try to make it sound, I'm wondering why you need civilian neighborhood foot patrols?  Honestly, the concept is strange to me -- particularly as it smacks of some voyeuristic "checking up on the neighbors."  If you only need flashlights/notepads then likely your crime rate IS low and you're wasting your time.

Some U.S. neighborhoods do have "Community Watch" -- wherein families therein have pledged to call the police in the event of suspicious activity.  I've never lived in such a neighborhood.

Sol in a cluster with siblings early on...

...one of which went supernova only 0.32 to 5.22 light years away.    Solar system(s) believed sturdier, more resilient than previously thought.

--Cindy

These conservative Christians also believe (I have seen this in print, though not online) that Great Britain lost favor with God and thus lost its Empire, wealth and strength when it (allegedly) "turned its back on the Jews" shortly after WWII, and that God bestowed favor upon the U.S. instead for supporting Israel.

I cannot recall what exact circumstances they consider as Britain's "proof of having betrayed Israel"; it's been many years since I read that claim.

But again, it is literally believed the U.S. will be cursed by God if we stop supporting Israel.  So you see, to this point of view, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks/wants:  U.S. survival depends upon Israel's continuation and well-being.

Those acts were wrong.  Completely wrong.  The U.S. tracked those soldiers down, court martialed and threw them in prison.

Give us a bit of credit, huh?

I'm currently also thinking of all the innocent victims of Saddam Hussein.  You know:  People he poisoned, tortured, women his sons raped for sport, etc.

Let's hope the Iraqis soon have a better future.  All Iraqis, not just certain sects.

One thing which has struck me about many political viewpoints (found anywhere) involving current U.S. foreign policy is that "it takes two" doesn't apply; that it's only the U.S.'s fault, period.

No one else is to blame; just the U.S. alone.

Doesn't make sense.  It always takes two.

::shrugs::

Well, not to go too far off topic (even if I did start the original thread)...everything has changed since 9/11.  Some of that is unavoidable.  In childhood/teen years the U.S. seemed mostly welcomed and admired by the world.  I would have felt safe traveling to just about anywhere.  Not anymore.  But attitudes and behaviors have dramatically shifted within the U.S. as well.  Frankly I often feel somewhat estranged as fellow Americans go.  I'm never into "reality TV," I am willing to remain friends with people whose political views differ from mine (unlike lots of folks here who become downright hostile and rejecting of others), etc., etc....in some ways I'm at odds with quite a lot of current U.S. sentiment.  But again, the U.S. does seem downright hated now by much of the world.  Is some of that our own fault?  Sure.  But not all.  Western civilization is pulling itself apart over how to deal with hostile outside forces.  The repercussions of 9/11 have been staggering; "world turned upside down."  I sure miss the old days.

De-orbit it!

Hey...I don't kiss and tell. 

Wanted to address this as well:  I've never heard anyone accuse Canada of giving us illegal immigration troubles.  You're our very quiet neighbor to the north, tidy and self-contained.    That's the general perception, imo -- and you've earned it (compliment). 

In fact, Bill O'Reilly has often pointed out the similiarities of Canada's GNP, population, etc., compared to Mexico and has asked the Mexican gov't to stop and consider why it's not faring as well -- or better -- than you guys!  With its nice climate, two lovely ocean coasts, oil...

So, you're not being "seen" as Mexico To The North.  Rest assured.

I wish the Mexican gov't would get its act together for its people!  They deserve much better than what they're getting.  Imagine a strong Canada, U.S. and Mexico:  All independently strong.  That'd be great for everyone.  Hopefully some day soon.

Hubble SWEEPS

What a photo; zillions of stars. 

Why so many super-Jupiters out there, seemingly?  Is our diversely beautiful Solar System an anomaly?  We've pondered that before and I'm wondering again.

Whoa, Robert.    Didn't know you were a mythology buff.  Ah, your fantastic computer-like mind.    I do envy it (in a good way).

But there's also the (often my own) feeling -- discouragement actually -- that others are especially out now to make us wrong, wrong, wrong no matter what we do.  It's a bit confusing to go from most of life with the U.S. generally beloved and welcomed most of the world over...and now we're so universally hated.  :-\  And in the short span of 6 years it seems.  Sure, some of that is a result of things we've done or not done properly...but not all of it.  Frankly, some U.S. hatred has become fashionable; the "in" thing to do. 

As for Canada, it gave us William Shatner and Hayden Christensen.  That definitely makes it one of the best nations in the world. 

As for the ISS, I still say abandon that piece of junk and let it burn in LEO...let's get on to Mars.