Hello Again, Nicholas here.
First off, I'd like to thank Kristie and Cujo for their feedback, and I politely disagree.
The missile defence plan is not that simple to generalize so negatively. To believe that this concept of defence is not essential is dangerous. North Korea and Iran, and potentially several other organized countries, despise our 'sinner' culture and only want complete destruction of those who are not them (once again similar to extreme Leftists), it is not that easy and it is not that simple to condemn the entire idea of defence.
There is not much else to say about this matter, we disagree, we see the world differently, and that is our human nature by default.
As for GibsonGirl's slightly naive perception about Toronto and Newfoundland in relation to America, perhaps I can give another Canadian's perspective.
There are more murders than 2 or 3 in Newfoundland, and there are around 50 - 60 murders in Toronto, where I live, and most of those are gun related. But I will delve deeper into the deceiving fallacy of judging quality of life strictly based on murder statistics.
Newfoundland's quality of life cannot be determined solely by murder rates. My mother is from 'The Rock', and it is a beautiful place. However there are many problems in the quality of life in Newfoundland. There is an epidemic of Oxycontin addiction, a very powerful time-released narcotic used for cancer patients. Also, Newfoundland has one of the highest rates of Alcohol consumpstion and alcohol related illnesses and deaths. Domestic violence is common in Newfoundland, and that can perhaps be tied into the drug and alcohol problems the province faces. Unemployment rates are higher in Newfoundland than any other province in Canada. The fishing industry, previously its economic impetus, is dried up, largey owing to the Liberal government's inaction to foreign over-fishing - yes, GibsonGirl, I'm sure many fisherman would still vote Liberal just like you, because as Canadians we sure are suckers for abuse. Furthermore, Newfoundland has the second highest cancer rate in Canada as alcoholism does tend to breed other bad habits, such as Cigarette smoking.
As for Toronto - you feel safe where I live? You should live here a little more often before making such a statement. Toronto is turning into a very dirty, gang ridden place. I've been robbed once, assailed by drunks, smashed into by a road enraged motorist, my best friend was stabbed at a club - he is okay thankfully. Of course, stabbings like his case are not even reported fully any more because it is commonplace.
You think that Toronto is so terribly different from American cities? Hey, we have McDonalds, we have CSI on primetime, we have GM plants employing Eastern Ontario, and yes we have all the bad things that come with a 'North American' city - murders, general violence, dirtiness, prostitution, gangs, police brutality, racial tensions, and Snow... brrr!
Anyway, this is just another way of looking at this very typical Canadian snobbery - we're cleaner, safter, better. Hey guess what - we used to be a couple of things, but it is a fact that New York is just as safe and clean as Toronto - I know, I've been to both places.
Alas, Canada is united by our slogan 'We don't have as many murders as the U.S.'. That's good. But GibsonGirl, you can see that there are many other determining issues in a society. Let us not forgot, as it is stated right on our own Cigarette packages, second to Tobacco deaths is suicides. Yes, Canada has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, unfortunately. If we're perfect, I guess some people just don't feel perfect, huh?
Anyway, U2traveller, thanks for the song input, we'll hear it soon enough - and also, feel free to e mail me if you would like, and that goes for anyone too. You can reach me at:
zoou2@hotmail.com
Cool eh???
--- Nicholas ---