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

The globe and mail had a piece earlier this week - I think it was by John Ibbotson - talking about how decriminalization (NOT legalization) was apt to be a major bone of contention in US-Canada relations. The article quoted the justice minister as saying he would introduce a bill at the end of the month to decriminalize possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannibis for personal use.

here is the link to the the decriminalization story by John Ibbitson in Monday's globe http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20030303/COIBBI3//?query=decrim

Another article in today's globe and mail mentions the same issue in the context of a UN report


http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20030304/EDRUG//?query=decriminalization

Shhhh. Do not tell but....I have often wished to be Canadian

Hey, keep it quiet, eh? do you want all the pot-heads to start moving here? I mean, Bill Clinton, for example?

NO, although potheads are still better than warheads

Oh, so true abbi, when have you heard of someone gettin' stoned & doing anything at all violent...the munchies're about as bad as it gets!

Did you hear what our Foriegn Minister said? When asked what Canada would do if the U. S. decided to attack Iraq without U. N. backing, he responded "Well, we wouldn't invade the U. S. like we did back in 1812 and burn down the White House but . . ."

I thought B.C. was the dope capital of Canada? Leastways that's what I was told in Calgary. As for the Canada not being as icy cold and stuff as is made out, I had your customs bods getting suspicious because I hadn;t packed 30 layers of clothes and several ski jackets. First few weeks of september, absolutely beautiful weather. Bit chilly in the morning, but tis true what they say that the lack of humidity makes it less noticable.

The only thing that got me was the coach driver (well I had to do *one* touristy thing ) stopping the bus and saying 'look, a critter'. I was looking all round wondering what the L he was on about!

Are Calgary peoples as unrepresentative of Canadians as they are made out to be?

Oh, and one thing, why was the news in Canada full of stories from the USA?

Yes, Calgarians are different. No one knows why.

The News is full of stories about the U.S. because we have a "Free Trade" agreement with their government and yet that government is constantly slapping tarrifs on our goods (the latest one is wheat). Also, as someone (it must have been Pierre Trudeau) said, "when you're in bed with an elephant you are very careful." As well, if the Elephant starts to thrash around in a delusional way, you want to know it if you're the mouse.
Seriously though, many of the news outlets in Canada are owned by American interests (free trade) or subscribe to big American news services (economy) and so, listeners only here the stories the American editors send out. That's why I always check with the cbc (http://www.cbc.ca/news/): they lump American news into the International News section unless it's a story that actually has something to do with Canada: If the American Military bombs Iraq, it's international news; if they bomb Canadian soldiers, it's Canadian News. (Unlike CNN, where American Space Shuttle Ripped Apart Over Texas is on the CNN World page).

Thanks for coming by Chief Lightfoot's thread.

Cheers, I was wondering.

Also noticed on your telly.....Prince Edward presenting a series of programs about British country life (yeah right) over there?! I wondered where he had got to Still, glad someone has found a use for him

And one day I must go back, merely to visit the charmingly title 'head-smashed-in buffalo jump'.

BTW, perhaps a contentious point so I hope not to offend in your own thread and all but I'm all for a bit of edification Does Canada really believe the bit about it invading america and burning the whitehouse to the Ground? Or is this tongue in cheek?

"Well, we wouldn't invade the U. S. like we did back in 1812 and burn down the White House but . . ."
Gotta love that Canadian humor!

Well actually during the War of 1812 (the only one the US has lost if you count Vietnam as a draw) British troops (who were technically Canadian since they lived here and several were born here) burned down a wing of the Whitehouse. The original facing was pink granite but the fire damaged it so much that it was painted white.

Oh, and Calgarians are different because of the strong influence of US business interests there due to the oil companies, the fact that they host one of the world's biggest rodeos every year, and their terrible hockey team!

And BC has the best pot in the world, but we are branching out to mushrooms.

First of all, Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump is my favourite place on earth, so go ahead and visit please.

there, that's the serious bit.

Is there a tongue-in-cheek smiley? Of course we believe it. But you have to remember that Britain was part of Canada in 1812. Now shut up about it; we don't want *them* to realize.

clzoomer, is there anywhere to find the make up of the troops as I was under the impressions that the regiment involved was one of the Lancashire ones under the command of an Irish general? Pah, tis history and a good joke from your Foreign Minister anyway

Isn't B.C. where they have the strongest anti-smoking laws as well? I'm just noticing a bit of a mismatch here, perhaps cause and effect (although which way round ?)

I did notice a certain American influence in Calgary it must be said. And German, they love their VWs don't they?

Was it Cabot or Wolfe who discovered Britain? It's been so long since I read the history books.

"But you have to remember that Britain was part of Canada in 1812"

Well given which one is now a respectable world power I'd have to agree with you

Ictoan, the cigarette smoking laws are indeed strict. It is a bit of a joke that the local *Amsterdam* clubs have machines to vapourise the pot so as not to contravene smoking laws.

Ah, necessity the mother of invention again

I got accused of being scottish when I was there. Hmph. Mind you, probably getting their own back for all the people that ask a Canadian if they are american

Too true.

Here's a link to start a search about the troops:
http://www.galafilm.com/1812/e/people/ross.html
Remember that *Canadian* was a loose term then since the country had no independance at the time.