Life Lessons From Memaw
Dear Canada,
I want to take this opportunity to apologize for the USA’s behavior. We are treating you horribly right now and I’m sorry we are doing that. We don’t always agree with what our government does and this is one of those times. I represent no formal group but realize there are many of us who are shocked how our neighbors in the north are being treated.
Make no mistake. We love Canada. You are a strong, gentle people who have always been kind to us. You took in people who didn’t want to fight in wars. You are a peaceful people who do not engage in wars yourself. Even in movies, United States’ people flee to you for safety (i.e. Handmaid's Tale).
You have many wonderful qualities. Even A.I. says you are known for your high quality of life. You have low crime rates, a commitment to equality and diversity, and a universal health care system. Your people value politeness and a respect for nature. You have given much to us, including some awesome actors like Ryan Reynolds, Rachel McAdams, Jim Carrey, Justin Bieber, John Candy, Michael J. Fox, Ryan Gosling, and Seth Rogan to name a few.
Personally, one of the best things that came from Canada was my best friend. We were friends for several decades until her death. She lived in the United States for many years and she raised her two children here. She loved the U.S. but refused to give up her Canadian citizenship until she discovered she could have dual citizenship. She was so excited to be a U.S. and Canadian citizen! She was an excellent teacher and changed the lives of so many of her students. She exemplified Canada with her warmth, her genuineness, and her kindness. She was a gentle person, with a great sense of humor, and was very personable. She was a Canadian role model.
I have even visited Canada many times. When I was younger, your drinking age was 18, compared to the U.S. age of 21. As a midwesterner college student, I had many fun times in Canada—thank you! As I got older, we took our children to visit your great region: the cleanliness, the kindness of people, the awesome natural wonders. You truly are beautiful.
I guess we are being bullies because we are frustrated with ourselves. It is common to lash out to the people you love when you are disappointed in yourself. We are a young country and we are trying to find solutions to our many problems–guns, violence, drugs, corruption, crime to name a few. Our government says that you are to blame for fentanyl coming into our country. In reality, about 11 pounds of it comes from Canada across our borders. But you get about 43 pounds of fentanyl from us! In comparison, we get about 21,000 pounds from Mexico. Don’t get me wrong—we are a great nation too but we are throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Blaming you is not sticking.
Please forgive us in this time of our stupidity. We are trying but failing you in a huge way. We have a lot of growing to do and we are hurting others by our stubbornness, our cruelty, and our ignorance.
Maybe we can repay you by lending Alaska to you? We love Alaska and the people, but geographically, why is Alaska ours? Maybe we can share and in doing so, the U. S. can learn to play better in the sandbox?
Forever your friends—Really!!
A few of us from the United States of America
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