Some Bush Foes Vote Yet Again, With Their Feet: Canada or Bust (NYT login: FRITOPIE, password: FRITOPIE)
There is a lot of anger and disillusionment out there when it comes to the result of the 2004 Presidential election. I can say this because I share much of it. It’s easy to wonder how 51% of Americans could be so stupid and undemanding as to elect a man so clearly intellectually, morally, and ethically challenged. Still, this is the beauty of democracy- the majority rules, no matter what other factors exist.
The question now is how do Progressives, and those who think Progressively, deal with four more years of neo-Conservative jingoist arrogance? Can playing the Loyal Opposition suffice when a President who promises to be a uniter and not a divider clearly has no intention of living up to that promise? When everyone and his brother understands that Iran is very much a target of this Administration, regardless of all protestations to the contrary?
What is a patriotic Progressive American to do when he or she recognizes that this country no longer reflects their values? Do you stay and continue to piss into the wind, recognizing that in the end you will only get wet and smell badly? Or do you take more drastic action?
Many Americans are making the move north of the border to Canada, a place perceived to be more accepting and less dogmatic. It’s not such a radical idea, really, though it is unusual. For generations, people have been emigrating to America in pursuit of opportunity and freedom. It’s always been assumed that people would want to leave their homeland to come here (You know; give us your tired, your poor, your yearning to vote Republican….). When we hear of someone like Johnny Depp emigrating to France, it seems somehow backwards. Think about it, though; why NOT leave if you are strongly philosophically opposed to the direction in which you see your country heading?
If America truly does stand for freedom, then Americans should be free to vote with their feet if they so choose. When the political and moral leadership of your homeland no longer represents the values you hold dear, why should you not be able to look elsewhere? In many ways, America is the best country in the world, but there are many things about this country that disturb Progressives- the lack of knowledge of and concern for the rest of the world; the arrogant, self-absorbed, Father-knows-best foreign policy; the overbearing cultural hegemony; the worship and undying pursuit of the Almighty Dollar.
Those Conservatives who reflexively spout the “America: love it or leave it” mantra prove only that they are not prone to analyzing what is happening around them.
If I were single and devoid of family responsibilities, I might just be thinking about going to Canada. I’ve always loved Canada, anyway…well, except for the climate. Politically, I find Canada much more palatable, though The Great White North is not without it’s own indigenous problems. Canada is a country effective divided between French and English speakers. Yes, you will find both languages throughout the country, but it is by no means a sign of unity. It’s not an issue that gets much press in US mainstream media, but in many ways, Canada is effectively two countries- Quebec and everyone else. This is hardly a recipe for stability.
Canada’s single-payer health care system is not exactly a perfect health care solution, either. Taxes are higher, opportunities are fewer, and something like 50% of the country’s population lives within an hour’s drive of the American border. This means that even moving north of the border will not be an escape from the United States.
I’m not thrilled with that fact that ignorant neo-Conservative thugs seem to have a death grip on the reins of power in the US. Even so, speaking only for myself, I’m not certain that Canada is the answer. Sometimes, the best solution is to stay where you are and work for change. Of course, being a free country, we can all make whatever choice we think is most appropriate.
Sometimes the devil you know really IS a better choice….
