Not what you’d expect to hear from a Canadian
I do think Canada’s healthcare system is better than what we have here in the U.S. But I also think that our American political system, the way our government is set up (and I’m not talking who is currently in office, I’m talking structure and how it functions) is definitely better. Have you, other than when you were forced to back in high school, really sat down and read and thought about how the government is set up? I did. When the election was going on last year Den dug out his old textbook and I spent several days reading all about the founding of this country, how and why the system was crafted the way it was, and how it functions. It’s not only fascinating, but brilliant. I couldn’t help but marvel at how very well it was done. I love the fact that we elect the actual president. I like how the politicians do actually listen to their constituents’ phone calls and letters. I like how the states do have some form of autonomy to form a mini-government that better serves the ideals of the people within that state, while still all being part of the federal system.
One thing that stands out to me quite starkly is how different the Canadian and American people are. To be perfectly honest I think some of the problems with the Canadian healthcare system (like the fact that infertility treatment is NOT covered) exists simply because the Canadians don’t DO anything about it. They’re not really a very vocal, outspoken people. They don’t flood town hall meetings, they don’t protest, they don’t get into a huge uproar every election. I don’t want to say that they’re less engaged, but, well, they’re less engaged. Canadians don’t consider themselves to be under the rule of the Queen or any part of the United Kingdom. But, well, they just have never had the energy to put up a fight to formally become independent. That’s just how Canadians are. It’s all okay, it’s all good, they aren’t really perfectly happy with it, but eh, it’s an effort to change it and it’s not really worth getting upset over.
And in this way I definitely don’t fit in with Canadians. I’m far too opinionated.
I’m in this very strange in-between. I’ve been living here as a resident for four and a half years now. I still feel a lot of pride in my country of birth, and I still definitely consider myself a Canadian. When I visit home I feel a rush of contentment and comfort when I see all the Canadian flags. But at the same time I’m slowly starting to consider myself an American, too. It’s happened in little bits and pieces, I didn’t really notice. I started saying things like “we” and “us” when talking about the United States. I get anxious now about politics and social issues not just because it affects me now, but because I want this country to succeed.c
That’s really interesting, Natalie. I recently had a similar conversation with a German friend who was visiting the states. He was asking me why I think people are so politically involved here on issues about which they feel passionately. My take on it was that there’s a different sense of the role of government here than in the Europe and Canada. In the US, groups have to organize and fight to convince the government/their fellow citizens to assume additional responsibility or grant additional rights. I feel like there’s a different view of the role of the state in European countries and Canada. Quite possibly that’s a legacy of our founding as a country with a limited central government and strong individual rights. I really enjoy hearing the perspectives of people who have experienced other cultures and forms of government — keep sharing your thoughts, please!
I’m cranky that I was a year too young to vote in the referendum ten years ago on the Australian republic. I don’t ‘get’ the whole US President is like a god thing, but at least they get elected, unlike the Queen…
I totally agree. Neither system is perfect, but I do like that we elect the President down here… I also think it’s brilliant that the leader of the country has a term limit, and that elections are at set intervals. (What crap is it that the party in power in Canada can decide when to hold an election, picking the time that gives them the best chance of re-election??)
I don’t think most people consider the US president is like a god. Maybe the supporters of any said president might think that … but there has certainly been enough dissent on both sides for the most recent Dem and Republican presidents.
I also slowly slipped into thinking of myself as much an American as Canadian. I think of myself as part of the “we” and “us,” and no longer take notice to American flags. But I am still very proudly Canadian, and since I don’t get to go home often, I feel a surge of pride and homecoming whenever I’m at a hockey game and get to see the Canadian flag fly and the anthem play.
Yeah, I don’t think there’s a view that the president is like a god. It may look like they have supreme power, but in reality they don’t. The way the system is set up is to make sure that the Senate and Congress (which are also both elected by the people) have a fair amount of control in almost every process that takes place. Which is why it’s a big deal that the Democrats also have a majority in both houses. I didn’t really understand it all until I read the textbook, but like I said, it’s brilliantly crafted and I’m not sure we could come up with any better system now than when they did when they founded it.
Kel, the whole election process in Canada is a little fucked up, if I may say so. You can only elect your regional government, so what if you agreed with party X for regional, but really wanted party Y to control the federal government? You’re effed.
Really really cool post Nat. I think Hub has similar feelings, yet he’s still holding on to that “Canada is awesome, the U.S. sucks” attitude a bit that some Canadians seem to cling to or identity. I understand it, but it sometimes frustrates me. I know Canada is awesome, but some of the U.S. is too.
I’ve been in the US 6 years now and I do not, and do not expect to ever feel American. Of course, I am not denying that anything could happen…. I am very happy to NOT be American. Sorry!
Interesting Nat. Although, I think the US should change it’s system so that the PEOPLE of the US and not the electoral college elects the President. Seems wrong, somehow, in a representative democracy for the people not to directly elect the President.
Thanks for the nice little digression!
Jen – LOL Yes, there is that, but it’s still a far cry better than the system in Canada where you elect a local rep and then the party with the most reps are the majority and they pick who among their party will be the prime minister! The electoral colleges are at least directly reflected by the peoples’ votes for that specific president.
Nina, you definitely don’t have to…. and there are a hell of a lot of times that I don’t. I have to admit, there are a LOT of times when I feel the urge to flee back to Canada. But I really like Massachusetts. I think that plays into it a lot. This area is one of the most liberal of the entire country, and I love it!
I agree, our government system is so screwed up and to be honest, because of the set up I lack any enthusiasm to go out of my way to vote. I dont think I even did the last election…because there is ALWAYS an election every couple of months over something so stupid. Anyway, on the fertility issues, I believe Ontario is looking to provide some funding for IVF, and opening more local adoption agencies. It will be interesting to see how this works and if any other provinces follow suit.