McKenna criticizes U.S. system, deficit

[CHIMO]

Canada's ambassador to Washington unleashed a blunt critique of the U.S. yesterday, and reminded Americans that Canada is their biggest supplier of oil.

"It's a great country in spite of its government structure, rather than because of it," said McKenna, adding the lack of party discipline among Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate also makes it tough to develop "coherent" policy.

McKenna also criticized the fast-growing U.S. budget deficit and contrasted America's finances to Canada's balanced budget, economic growth and taxpayer-funded universal health care that is a competitive advantage for Canadian firms.

"At a time when the world is going to be crying out for water, we probably have the largest water resource in the world."

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1128031099877&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467&DPL=IvsNDS%2f7ChAX&tacodalogin=yes

(Free registration required)

Well there it is folks, looks like water is for sale. Guess that we are just going to argue about the price now.

[Beaver Tail]

1. Frank hasn't been watching Steve Harper

Frank is a Liberal (as in the political party, not the true definition of Liberal), former Premier of New Brunswick, and of course won't speak ill of his own party and the scandals in it. Then there is the Conservative party of Canada lead by Steve Harper, someone truly out of touch with Canadians.

Frank should be careful as the finger can easily be pointed right back at him and the Canadian political parties.

Regardless of the fact he is correct on the budget; the health care system is in shambles in Canada.

[tazkcmo]

3. Heath care

And ours isn't?

[tazkcmo]

4. French for Health ntf

[Spazito]

5. Health care is in shambles???

Not from where I sit other than the off the wall decision by the Supreme Court re case in Quebec.

The system works well, it is not perfect by any means, needs tinkering but no major overhaul.

[SidDithers]

6. I agree with you, Spazito...

A "shambles" would be when you are so overburdened by health care premiums that you can't afford to live your life, or when you go bankrupt trying to pay for the care of a loved one during a health care emergency. Canadian health care may be many things, but a "shambles" isn't one of them.

Sid

[tazkcmo]

2. Canada's Right

The Ambassador had some valid points. Specifically, finances, health care and oil. Give 'em that, no problem. Just a couple of things though-"...lack of party discipline..." and "...coherent policy." ? Isn't this exactly what we've had for 5 years now?

We have a Congress in lock step, Re pub or Demo, with a coherent if not consistent policy, marching us off to doom.

Other than that, McKenna is right on.

[Spazito]

7. Never forget Mr. McKenna was a director in the Carlyle Group,

I certainly don't. I read his 'blunt critique' as sophistry, overall. I notice how he is quick to say "his remarks were not intended as a veiled threat over trade concerns, now the subject of negotiations and court proceedings, but rather part of his continuing effort to better describe his native land."

He damn well should be talking about the trade concerns and the fact that Canada can and should serve notice to withdraw from NAFTA.

[CHIMO]

8. Sounds

A bit funny to me. Almost seems like an election speech. Rallying the troops. Perhaps it is a preparation for a return to the negotiating table? Overall seems funny.

Found two additional pieces on the speech that do not require registration but neither of them picked up the bit on water.

McKenna calls United States government dysfunctional
U.S. envoy at table
http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=22401388-5c1c-4bbd-99da-f8cfdfd45ac5

U.S. government 'dysfunctional': McKenna
By Neil Herland, CBCUnlocked
http://www.cbcunlocked.com/artman/publish/article_540.shtml

[Spazito]

9. I am glad the 'water' part was in the Star, I think it is the start to

opening the bid process on our water, at least in McKenna's mind. I DO NOT trust him one bit, I suspect his loyalties lie with the corporatists he was happily working with and for as opposed to any real allegiance to Canada and Canadians. I suspect he will turn out to be of the same ilk as Blair.

[CHIMO]

10. If One

Goes back a few moths, he was deeply involved in the Devils Lake dispute between Canada/US and Manitoba/North Dakota so he must have learned a lot about the intentions for the Great Lakes water.

It is open season on it now since the IJC has been thrown into the waste basket.

[Spazito]

11. Agreed, Canadians better wake up VERY soon, imo, otherwise

water will be part of the one sided NAFTA agreement just as our oil and natural gas is, the debate will be over before it even begins.