Tri-National proposals for an integrated N. America "disturbing"

[G_j]

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1108336208455&call_pageid=970599119419

Border talks called `disturbing'
Blue-ribbon panel looks at North American integration
Canadian vice-chair insists group has no hidden agenda


SEAN GORDON
OTTAWA BUREAU

OTTAWA—An influential tri-national panel has considered a raft of bold proposals for an integrated North America, including a continental customs union, single passport and contiguous security perimeter.

According to a confidential internal summary from the first of three meetings of the Task Force on the Future of North America, discussions also broached the possibility of lifting trade exemptions on cultural goods and Canadian water exports.

<snip>

Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow said the summary, a copy of which was obtained by the Toronto Star, was "disturbing" and "shocking."

"What they envisage is a new North American reality with one passport, one immigration and refugee policy, one security regime, one foreign policy, one common set of environmental, health and safety standards ... a brand name that will be sold to school kids, all based on the interests and the needs of the U.S.," she said.
..more..

[whistle]

1. That's the new United States of North America which includes...

Canada and its territories, the United States, Mexico and the Central American countries down to and including Panama. The combined population will be around 600,000,000 people and the new currency will be the NorAm. The strategy is that the only border that needs protecting is the southern part if the isthmus of Panama that is about 80 miles in length.

[flyingfysh]

2. there is a problem here

When the US gets into a really stupid war (Vietnam, Iraq, etc), people have had the option of fleeing to Canada. If there is only "one foreign policy", then does that close off that avenue for escape? "One immigration and refugee policy" would seem to imply that.

Does "health and safety standards" include a national health system like they have in Canada? Or would the combined entity lose that?

I would have to hear a lot more to be convinced, but I haven't heard anything I like so far.

[Jose Diablo]

3. Oceania n/t

[G_j]

7. mmmm......... n/t

[G_j]

4. kick for further discussion

[PROGRESSIVE1]

5. ..

[G_j]

6. Over 40% of Canadian teens think U.S. is evil,

better not ask the teens..
-----
http://www.newstarget.com/001283.html

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Over 40% of Canadian teens think U.S. is evil

There's a lot to like about the attitude in Canada. The country is progressive about environmental protection, recycling, personal responsibility and public education. In Canada, violent crime rates are extremely low, the kids are smart, and the education of its adult citizens remains relatively high.

It's no surprise, then, that a large portion of Canadian teens think the U.S. is evil. It's also true among Canadian adults. And the cause for all this? Mainly the Bush Administration, the war on Iraq and the utter lack of global responsibility practiced by the United States in so many ways: rampant consumerism, lack of environmental responsibility, lack of business ethics, and just plain lack of friendliness.

I'm still glad to be an American citizen, but I don't think today's America reflects the true nature and heritage of our country, and Canadians are right to point out how far we've gotten off track as a country.

I say, if you're pissing off the Canadians, you're doing something wrong. Our friends in Canada are relatively mild mannered. You have to be really screwing up to get 40% of the country to think you're evil. Related articles on this topic are also available on the NewsTarget Network, including: Bush Administration Censors Scientists In Order to Promote A Distorted, Politically Motivated Scientific View.
..more..