My readers know that we've constantly praised the good work of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
Here is the bottom line: The French send translators. The Canadians have guys in the fight.
Over the last few years, I've spoken to a dozen Afghan veterans. They say wonderful things about the Canadian soldier.
Over the weekend, we were happy to read Josh Freed in The Montreal Gazette.
This is what he wrote: Hey, Mr. President! What did Canada ever do to you?
"Dear President Obama, Like most Canadians I rooted for you madly and cried when you were elected President-of-The-World.
So far, I think you've been a great leader, reaching out to the whole planet.
But you've forgotten one nation - Canada."
I spoke with Josh Freed today. He is a nice man. We had a nice chat. We even discussed the possibility of trading PM Harper for Pres BO!
Ideology aside, I did ask a couple of questions:
What did Josh see in BO's resume or life to conclude that he could change the world or heal the planet?
I don't get it. What did BO accomplish in his career to inspire all of this devotion from someone in Montreal?
I don't get it. What did BO accomplish in his career to inspire all of this devotion from someone in Montreal?
A little too much wishful thinking?
What legislative achievements did Josh find in BO's career as a State Senator or first term US Senator?
Frankly, all we know about his Illinois days is that he voted present 100 times! Wonder what "the thoughtful people of Canada" think about the "thoughtful BO" sitting in Rev Wright's church for 20 years?
All we know about his US Senate days is the spent half of his term promoting a book and running for president.
Beyond "sugar coated" speeches, telling people what they wanted to hear about Iraq and Guantanamo, and writing two books about himself, what else did Josh, and so many Canadians, find in BO?
What previous presidential candidate ever wrote two books about himself before he had an executive job?
Josh is disappointed that BO is reaching out to other countries except Canada.
Is that so?
What countries has BO been reaching out too?
Mexico is mad about a provision that violates NAFTA. We are in the middle of a trade war with our southern neighbor.
Colombia is still waiting for the Dems to approve a free trade deal.
Israel is not exactly saying "yes we can"!
Canada is mad about "Buy America". There is talk of a trade war with Canada too. By the way, most countries are balking at the "Buy America" clause, too!
And now the Brits are furious: Actions have consequences!
Where is all of this love for BO?
A trade war is love?
They may love BO, "the world's ideal American"!
However, BO is not having much impact on any one's policies.
Just check out his trip to Europe where he got lots of praise but came home with nothing tangible.
Josh: What happens when you fall for someone just because he is not Bush?
You get surprises....don't you?
You get an incompetent Homeland Security Director who has already lost control of her department. By the way, Canadians are not the only ones who are furious with this lady!
You get "buy American" provisions in budgets or stimulus bills. Worse than that, they are "hidden" in the same earmarks that BO ran against!
You learn that the Euros won't send troops to Afghanistan: No Bush and still no troops!
It will be the US, UK and Canada in the battlefield. Everybody else is doing a lot of talking but no fighting.
You may get The Byrd Amendment again, specially now that "protectionists" have their guy in The Oval Office.
We remind everyone that The Byrd Amendment was signed into law by Pres Clinton in 2000 and repealed by Pres Bush in 2006!
You get someone who kept much of the Bush anti-terror policies intact. (Obama's Deeds Vindicate Bush - Charles Krauthammer)
You get someone who has implemented the Bush-McCain policy in Iraq.
Bush may have lost Canadians by invading Iraq or opposing same sex marriage. However, he did support "free trade" and understood just how important exports are to Canada. (Also, what exactly were we supposed to do with Saddam Hussein, a man who had used WMDs twice and violated every UN resolution!)
After 9-11, Bush decided that protecting the US was more important than being popular overseas.
We are very happy that he did.
After all, what's the point of being popular if nobody is sending troops to Afghanistan? What's the benefit of having a "loved president" if the UN can't issue a North Korean resolution with teeth?
We hope that Josh in Montreal reconsiders his devotion!
Or we fear that Josh's disillusionment will only get worse!
P.S. Canadian Greg Morton has a different take on "Hope and change".
Yes, lots of "sugar coated speeches"!
