h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

http://www.vivelecanada.ca/staticpages/index.php/ribbon

Time to sharpen those virtual pencils and let the boys in Ottawa know what we really think of the "North American Security and Prosperity Initiative"

I am not a deep and skilled debater, so I'll simply state my view and let you carry on ...

I see most of these ideas as being good for Canada. Not too dissimilar to Community Watch programs, combining efforts with my neighbors to erect property fences to keep out the stray dogs and rabble-rousers, exchanging favours with each other without haggling over one being of more "value" than another, ... None of these arrangements or agreements have any impact on how I carry on and live my life within my property and house. Nor do I tell them what to do in theirs.

Unless you see it as coming around to the U.S. having representatives in Parliament, with veto options on our daily affairs and policies?

Since I don't agree at all with the current USian administration's policies, domestic or international, I cannot see closer ties with that administration as being anything less than harmful to Canada.

If the US people wake up, and realize where the garden path they tread is leading; if they begin to see just what their trade policies, their 'American Way' lifestyle, and their disregard for crucial environmental issues are doing to the world; if they can start to look past the fear which has blinded them since 9/11, then perhaps I would be more willing to cautiously regard these proposals as having some merit.

However, the way things stand at this moment, I do not wish to see USian-style energy policies, immigration practises, or law enforcement influencing those of Canada.

And do you really think their security policy has made the world a more secure place?

Yes, as a matter of face, I do see it as effectively leading to the US having more control over our daily affairs and our domestic policies. The Devil's Lake situation in Manitoba may be worth considering in this context --
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2005/05/05/1027474-cp.html

But perhaps I am just being more paranoid than usual.

'Not too dissimilar to Community Watch programs . . .'



If your idea of a Community Watch program is to have everyone leave a spare key to their house and their car down at the Hell's Angels' Clubhouse.

Not trying to be fanatical, but how does co-operating with neighbors equate to the Hell's Angels? Aside from personal opinions of Bush and his ideas? (Which I do not like, nor do I discount the U.S. as a whole because of today's man-in-charge)

The various integration schemes have proven themselves to be largely about easing the abilities of corporations to raid regional economies, not about 'co-operating with neighbors' (except in the sense I outlined in my first post).

I'm sorry, but Continental Integration to most people on the continent does not equal happy neighbors.

Oh, I forgot to mention. For me it is not simply a problem with the Bush Administration. It goes back to Eisenhower's 1961 caution. There has, indeed, been a 'disastrous rise of misplaced power', and the rise has been going on for decades.

Ah, ... I see. Until I left home at a couple months past the age of 17 in 1977, I knew nothing of world politics and situations. I only know what I have seen since then, as a member of "her Majesty's Canadian Armed Forces" for 21 years, and the 7 or so years since. Without any ecological, political or industrial affiliations. So I have my simplistic view of one man.

Please, do carry on ...

And I'm just a simple person who has listened to the tapes of American Enron traders artificially inflating the price I pay for locally produced electricity.

Perhaps one day I will retire. And be able to do the same. Until then, I only have my daily life, family, kids and grand-kids, experiences and realities to meet. The more obscure bits of the world and news I will have to leave to those who have the time to research and digest as the day goes on.

Once more, do go on ...

Well, my electricity bill is certainly part of my daily life.

Sorry. Having finished my paid week of work, I'm in the midst of my unpaid week-end of work. Married and a home-owner, ya know.

Anyway, glancing at your PS, and trying to figure what part of the country you are in, didn't help to understand how Enron and such affected your (or my) hydro bill. Unless it was nestled somewhere in one of the quotes of someone else? In any case, could you break it down in 100 words or so for when I next get here? I would appreciate it.

A few years ago the Alberta Government (in collusion with industry according to widespread suspicion) against the recommendation of pretty much everyone, deregulated the electricity system. During the course of judicial investigation in Washington State it was revealed that Enron artificially inflated the value of the generation capacity across Western North America at the expence of consumers. As well, with deregulation came a labyrinthine beauracracy of carpet-bagger corporations, most U.S. owned, who reap huge profits for the paper work of billing captive Alberta electricity consumers. Electricity rates have risen hundreds of percent. We've gone from low electricity rates paid to publicly regulated locally owned monopolies to a vast ediface of U.S. owned leeches that such our money south in return for the privilege of having our bills printed by U.S. companies.

Personally, I liked it better before the Halliburton trucks showed up on our streets. The days when I paid Canadians for Canadian generated electricity.

Sorry that I took more than 100 words.

Parent and a home-owner, too; that's why this stuff seems important.

Thank you. I was really only generally aware of how the hydro rates sky-rocketed in AB. Partly because I was still a transient of the military, and partly because your "system" was being touted as the 'working ideal' by the various parties wanting to run Ontario once I finally set roots.

In any case, I now do understand your distrust of "open" partnerships. And being from Bruce county (beef county) of Ontario, I also know that perspective of many aspects of free trade.

THIS is all of why I ask, what is wrong with the proposed ideas? I am actively wanting to KNOW the pro's and con's. The things that meant little to me as I moved from region to province to what-ever ...

I am generally of the opinion that whenever possible it is best to produce and consume locally or regionally. The thrust of U.S. economics for some time has been the opposite.

Another issue I have with the idea of integration with the U.S. is that I simply don't find their political system terribly attractive. As well, I am a devotee of the ideal of multiculturalism rather than the U.S. thrust toward assimilation (homogenization) evidenced not only in the fairly modern concept of a 'melting pot' but also in the general thrust of U.S. economic dominance through export of polystyrene 'popular culture' brands (Disney, Coke, Michael Jackson, Hollywood, and now, Haliburton and Blackwell).

Here's a little story I've come across that has a bearing on the subject of this thread:

' The U.S. Department of Agriculture has churned out three dozen radio and television news segments since the first of the year that promote a controversial trade agreement with Central America opposed by labor unions, the sugar industry and many members of Congress, including some Republicans.'

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0506160132jun16,1,6096846.story?ctrack=1&cset=true