I've read through several of these Canada/USA discussions, including bits about military power, terrorists, missile programs and the like. I have to admit, as a Canadian, I'm a little disgusted by some of the commentary coming out of my own countrymen. I think we can get so caught up in all the things our politicians are doing wrong that we're forgetting the US is in fact our greatest relationship. We're like siblings that occasionally get on each other's nerves, but we do need each other.
While I have several friends in the US, and a great respect for their country, I am also extremely proud of being Canadian and of the stand we have seemed to take on military actions. We are the "peacekeepers" and we're damn good at that job. I like being part of a country that offers aide to those who ask for it, who goes in, helps them rebuild their own governments and get their own countries going again. I like that our boys aren't afraid to walk into hostile territory and say "what can we do?" And as I have an ex-husband who is in the military, I can honestly say that I couldn't have been prouder as a wife, then to be able to tell people what my husband did for a living.
As to the issue of Canada being "annexed" it would never happen, for several reasons. I seriously doubt either government would every truly discuss the issue, and if any country - I'm not saying the US - if ANY country tried to take Canada they would be in for a mean fight, and they'd lose. Do any of you know how many times Canada has been fought over? Record loses to Canada - a big fat ZERO! We're nasty little buggers when we get our backs up. We're tough, and when we need to be, we're mean about protecting what's ours. (Must be having to live through all this bloody winter weather.)
I also think amongst all this other garbage that's been happening worldwide, Canada and the US have lost sight of our truly big picture. During 911 Canada was commended on the relief aide we sent to our neighbour, which was wonderful of the general public as it was a lot of work for our people, but I also recall comments on how the response to this disaster was "typically Canadian." As you obviously know by now, I love Canada, but this particular viewpoint is a load of --- well you know. It wasn't "typically Canadian", it was "typically humanitarian". If we, above the northern border, think for one second that the US would not have done exactly the same for us then we are as egotistical and arrogant as the world sometimes accuses the US people of being.
We have lost sight of what each country brings to the other and we need to remember that while we will willing give the US support in times of crisis, they will forever do the same for us. I think we need to keep our eyes on that ball above all other things. I for one am thankful that they are there. May we never need the level of support that we gave to them during the 911 attacks, and may they never need it from us a second time, but I am glad to know that we are each there to provide it should disaster strike once more.