Americans in Canada's topics - tribe.net

Marijuana Possession and PI will keep me from Canada?

2009-11-30T13:38:23Z

I have two Misdemeanor Possession Charges (both capitalized to show how very *serious* I take that crime and both 10 years old... and also, both within a month of each other for what thats worth.... )

AND I have one recent Public Intoxication arrest from a night of X-Mas merry making.

Heh... good times.

Anyways...so I'm not going to get to live in the 'Great White North' eh?
Or even visit?
(sniff sniff)

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Screwed

2009-11-01T20:10:58Z

I'm another American that has sought a better life in British Columbia. My home-town (Mobile, AL) has been in recession since Hurricane Katrina, as everyone flocked there and employment opportunities seemingly vanished overnight. I suppose it was not a good time to end my military career, but after a tour in Baghdad, ending my career was literally a "life and death" decision.

Yes, I was screwed with at the border, which at the time I found very perturbing (but later found it humorous, as not being screwed with at the border would mean that I get to miss out on the true experience of visiting Canada). I was turned away at the border for not having sufficient documentation/ funds, but made a 2nd attempt 2 days later, and was granted entry. My "recon" was for 7 days. I fell in love with the area and the people, and decided that I would move there.

I went home for a few months to sort it all out. As my situation was growing desperate, I concluded that the illegal approach was the only viable means of survival. I found someone in BC that would pay me under the table. Instead of driving, I took a Greyhound bus and brought only a suitcase. At the border, I was granted entry, but issued a document requiring me to leave by a certain date, and should I fail to report to immigration before departure, a warrant would be issued for my arrest.

I made it to where I was going, and began to live (and work illegally) here. The first step that I took was filing an application to extend my stay here. According to Immigration Canada's site, and other documentation, this application submission would override the requirement for me to leave Canada by the date that was given to me at the border. My application was denied, and I was instructed to "Leave Canada immediately".

Now, the recession seemed to follow me here (sorry guys). I am an illegal immigrant seeking employment during a recession. Not a great situation to be in, at all. I do wish to pay taxes here, cheerfully, but they won't let me... for some reason. So, if you, the more knowledgeable audience, were in my situation, what would you do?

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

Cell Phone service

2008-12-10T21:20:08Z

I just moved north of the border and have found that cell phone service seems to be very expensive for what you get. I live on Vancouver Island and even calling the next town over counts as long distance and costs me extra with Bell. Can anyone recommend a good plan or lesser known service provider. I would prefer a plan with nation-wide calling being all one rate and don't really want to pay more than $50 a month. Thank you so much!

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Devastated, turned away at the border...

2008-10-05T20:37:39Z

Well, here's an explanation of my lil' bit of hell I experienced just a couple weeks ago.

For a couple months now, I've had a 7-day vacation planned in Montreal. My childhood friend asked me
to join him at the VANS Warped Tour. He's good friends w/ one of the bands that's playing.

I was even gonna meet-up w/ some new MTL friends; we met through a fellow musician buddy in NYC.
These guys invited me to do a guest DJ spot + lay down some Flute tracks in the studio.

And of course I was gonna spend a couple days w/ my ex-girlfriend + her family (who I've never met in-person).

After getting all the proper I.D. + made Hotel arrangements, I take a 10-hour train all the way to the border.
Each & everyone's credentials are checked which took a long-ass time.

I was red-flagged & removed from the train; denied entrance to CANADA & turned away at the border!!!
Apparently, my DUI charge from 2004 is considered a BIG DEAL over there...
as is almost ANY type of offense greater than spitting on the sidewalk. It was pretty devastating,
mostly 'cuz I was caught completely off-guard & exhausted (I broke night on the eve before the train ride).
Besides, I've paid my debt for this mistake already --
yet I'm being punished again! I was told that this happens practically EVERYDAY out there, but that was little consolation.

It was really difficult to remain calm after hours & hours of bureaucratic nonsense & asshole attitude
(from the Border Patrol). The U.S. officers TOTALLY acted like dickheads! I had to wait hours
for a Charter Bus to allow me a seat back to NYC (another 8 hours). In the end, I've lost almost $1000 on the vacation + got "put to the test" emotionally speaking. I missed out on some great opportunities & some much needed R&R.

Yeah, it sux, & I'm not even eligible to approach the Canadian Consulate (in NYC) to see if they'll grant me
entrance until 2009. And it's possible that I won't be allowed into Canada until 2014 or later!!!

The rules of travel re: PASSPORTS (trust me... I did EXTENSIVE research on this subject!):

If traveling by Airplane, you must have a passport or at the very least have an application that has been approved for processing.
You must prove the status of your application with a certified document from the Official Passport Agency.
This law changes next year; in which you must possess a passport in order to travel by air outside of the Country.

If traveling by land, sea, or fresh water you're only required to provide a State-issued I.D. (Driver's license)
+ an original copy of your Official Birth Certificate. This law will most likely change next year as well;
Mandatory Passports for every type of travel.

Life will never be the same after 9/11 -- The problem is, I don't believe it happened the way the Bush administration says it did.

Outlawfully Yours, DM in da PM

posted in Americans in Canada - 6 replies

"Made in Canada"

2008-08-21T21:25:54Z

“Made in Canada”
by Daniel J Towsey
April 18, 2008

http://www.mychurch.org/blog/172704/Made-in-Canada

“The closed minded know everything but see nothing”

Before NAFTA, I could go to any retailer and I would have a really hard time to find anything that did not have a “Made in Canada” label.

The only items that had a different label were beautiful artistic items and great Japanese Electronics.

Once upon a time there was a lot of Canadian pride in our Canadian products. There was signs everywhere promoting “Buy Made in Canada” and little Canadian flags on Canadian products.

Now when I go shopping I can’t find anything “Made in Canada”

As a result of all the cheap Chinese products flooding all the new huge foreign retail store chains.

Before NAFTA we had lots of Canadian owned national retail chains. Like Woolco, Woolworths, Towers, By-way, K-Mart, Steinbergs, just to name few. All these are now gone. We only have a couple of surviving chains. Like Zellers and Canadian Tire. They only survived because they now sell Chinese goods.

I went to my local Wal-Mart recently and saw a sign that said that Wal-Mart is concerned about selling goods manufactured in Canada, to help local employment and does so when it can.

So I spoke with the store manager and asked her. What percentage of goods that were sold in the store were manufactured by Canadians. She had absolutely no idea and it had never been anything she ever concerned herself with. And she absolutely did not care.

I told her that I walked all through the store and could not find any products with made in Canada labels. I asked her if she could show me any. She could not because she had no idea what, if any products were actually made in Canada.

I then said to her that the sign on the wall was absolutely deceptive.

China is a country that has no human rights and people work for slaves wages to produce those cheap goods we now buy.

As a result our own manufacturing facilities have ceased and all the factories and equipment have been bought for nothing and shipped out to China.

I heard somewhere that the poor peasants in China have to work seven days a week everyday of the year. With no holidays or days off. If a worker gets sick, they loose their job and may loose their life.

As China has no public health care. China is a country with a huge population. Where life is very cheap and people are very disposable.
Anyone in China that dares to speak up, soon discovers that reality.

The same will soon be the case for all of us, as the NWO masters will have it all.

NAFTA is destroying our Canadian identity. The signs are everywhere.

We will pay dearly for the loss of our manufacturing. Like all corporate take overs. Where they flood the market with cheap goods and destroy our self sufficiency. The cheap goods will soon not be cheap. After we are completely dependent on cheap imported goods and can no longer make own. They will raise the prices.

Canada is a huge country with every conceivable natural resource.

So can anyone tell me why there is a food bank [where they give out free food to the starving] in every neighborhood? Even the middle class neighborhoods have food banks. Every city also now has soup kitchens, where you can get a free meal once a day.

It’s because our wealth is being stolen and given to the executives in government and corporations. As long as the government workers are taken care of, they are very willing to ignore the situation.

That is why government workers no longer respond to, or care about the publics complaints or needs.

Since NAFTA my country’s natural resources are being stolen by foreign corporate vultures. No longer is the value of our natural resources being shared with all Canadians.

It is estimated that over 60% of Canada’s employment is as a result of government spending. So we have 60% of the employed that are tax receivers and there is only about 20% that are actually true tax payers. The remaining are the many homeless, poor, sick, elderly, children, and the forgotten unemployed.

The bankers are responsible for the destruction of our country. Canada’s wealth has been diverted from the peoples government to the bankers. Please read my “Once upon a time there was a Canada” to get the whole story.

The corrupt ‘Federal Reserve Systems’ are at the heart of all the worlds problems... Please read my “The last democracy” to get the rest of the story.

The out of control corporate criminals are proving that my Grand Mother was right when she told me some 45 years ago that, “Too much of a good thing, is never good”. Will the bankers have it too good.

The huge corporations have been created as a result of the bankers being able to provide the funds because they produce money out of thin air.

It’s amazing how free money can corrupt everything. It’s a pyramid scheme. And the corruption has tricked down from the top and is now corrupting the very foundations of civilization. We have entered a new dark ages where the light of truth is extinguished.

I am afraid that without TRUTH we only get insanity, from the insanity of Monsantos tampering with genetics, to unrestrained molecular tampering. That the unrestrained out of control insane are dooming this planet.

Please read my “Are you ready for the truth” but I have to warn you. It is a very serious article and may really upset you. And please do not take the easy way out and think of attacking the messenger. Do your own research and you will eventually find out that everything I have written is backed up with the scary proof.

Only the brave seek truth, all others are just cowards.

Thanks to the digital age, The New World Order Masters are attacking individual rights and liberties from every direction at the same time.

The situation is so absolutely horrible. That every caring informed individual has to become a “Truth Soldier”.

And finally, please read my “Corrupt Canadian Elections” to learn how the digital age has made it so easy to fix vote results and completely subvert democracy and our ability to stop the NWO’s take over of our future........

Your silence of the horrible truth of their deceptions will guaranty the NWO’s success..

For they thrive on secrecy..

So do you think it just might be time to start screaming for your very life?

While you still have a breath?

But I fear that the corporate medias hold on your thoughts of reality will make our survival and individual freedoms impossible.

Also learn about the machinations of the NWO’s depopulation agenda that is will underway. From the poison fluoride to the US Patented AIDS virus..and the FDA blocking LAETRILE one of the known cures for cancer.

Is this THE END

******************************************

MY LINKS;

“A truth soldier”
http://danieltowsey.livejournal.com/11047.html
“The last democracy”
http://www.mychurch.org/blog/105969/The-Last-Democracy
“Once upon a time there was a Canada”
http://my.opera.com/danieltowsey/blog/2007/08/15/once-upon-a-time-there-was-a-canada
“Are you ready for the truth?”
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/conspiraciesclub/message/291
“Corrupt Canadian Elections”
http://social.infowars.com/blog_entry.php?user=danieltowsey&blogentry_id=2822

Additional LINKS

conspiraciesclub is loaded with thousands of links to documentary videos, articles, documents, photos and more. Plus you will receive important e-mails with your free membership.
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/conspiraciesclub
Canada's CEO’s sell out the nation What's Behind the "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America"
www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=DOB20050407&articleId=197
Canada-US Relations - Defence Partnership – July 2003 They are going to hand over complete control of Canada’s military to the US..New World Order secret government
http://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-lagasse1.htm
Deep Integration: TILMA and SPP to bring in rules to let corporations challenge Canada’s laws
Giving up on Canada -- and Critical Thought?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/ORC110A.html
Protocols Of Zion' Is The Illuminati Blueprint
http://www.rense.com/general40/proto.htm
WORLD CONQUEST THROUGH WORLD JEWISH GOVERNMENT
Full text of “The Protocols of the learned elders of Zion”
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/przion1.htm

VIDEOS
Fluoride Deception Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3y8uwtxrHo&feature=related
The Future of Foods
The Disturbing Truth Behind Genetic Engineering
http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=8656
The world according to monsanto
This is what insanity looks like
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=314951162223259236
AIDS CURE: U.S. Patent #5676977
Dr. Boyd Graves discusses the origin of AIDS as well as the United States' patented cure, all based on official governmnet documentation
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8567399552051355527&hl=en

You must see this movie
Aaron Russo’s
America From Freedom to Fascism
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

teaching in Canada

2008-06-08T20:53:38Z

Any teachers here? I've gtot my letter of eligibility, but it seems like the only way to get hired in BC is to be hired as a teacher-on-call. I can't imagine moving my whole family up there to be a substitute with only an occasional chance of work. If I DID do TOC, would I be working every day?

Anyone? If nobody knows, any ideas where I could ask?

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Canada's Police State Bill C51 Camouflaged as a Health Bill

2008-05-13T20:23:52Z

Canada's Police State Bill C51 Camouflaged as a Health Bill

On April 8th 2008 The Health Minister of Canada introduced a totally unnecessary bill, that is quickly being forced through Parliament to attack the Natural health products and services industry on behalf of big Pharma. The public is being deceived and not informed of the police state provisions written into this bill.

read it here
http://www.mychurch.org/blog/185640/Canadas-Police-State-Bill-C51-Camouflaged-as-a-Health-Bill

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Immigration and National Health Insurance

2008-04-01T01:17:33Z

Has anyone here immigrated to Canada, become a naturalized Canadian citizen, and become eligible for Canadian national health
insurance? How long did the entire process take?

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

New to this tribe.

2008-03-27T15:23:35Z

I'm Kat. I'm an american living in canada, and have been for almost 2 years. I'm looking to talk to other americans and hear their stories. I'm perfectly willing to give out my messaging address because i'd love to meet fellow americans. It's good to know that I'm not the only one here that's from the states. And i'd love to hear other peoples experiences here and where they're from. So...message me. Lol.

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Will Canada become the 51st state?

2008-03-09T02:49:23Z

The Vancouver Sun just had this article. Again I personally think this is a reason we should unite the bioregion and say fuck off to NAFTA, CAFTA, SPP and any idea of a North American Union (new Axis of Power)

article:

Will Canada become the 51st state?

The Security and Prosperity Partnership: what it's all about and
what it could mean for Canadians

Kelly Patterson, CanWest News Service

Published: Saturday, August 18, 2007
To some, it is a "corporate coup d'etat," a conspiracy by big
business to turn Canada into the 51st state by stealth. Others see
it as a plot to destroy the U.S. by forcing it into a North American
union with "socialist Canada" and "corrupt Mexico."

It is the Security and Prosperity Partnership, a sprawling effort to
forge closer ties among the three nations in everything from anti-
terrorism measures to energy strategies to food-safety and pesticide
rules.

Launched two years ago by then prime minister Paul Martin, President
George W. Bush and his Mexican counterpart, Vicente Fox, at the so-
called Three Amigos summit in Waco, Tex., the SPP grew out of
concerns that security crackdowns would cripple cross-border trade.

Email to a friend

Printer friendly
Font: ****With juggernauts such as China and India looming on the
horizon, the three countries agreed they had to act fast to stay
competitive. Now the SPP has grown into a mind-boggling array of
some 300 initiatives, involving 19 teams of bureaucrats from all
three countries.

INTEGRATION BY STEALTH

Its stated mission is "to keep our borders closed to terrorism yet
open to trade" by fostering "greater co-operation and information-
sharing" in security protocols and economic areas such as product
safety.

Little known in Canada, the accord, if implemented, could affect
almost every aspect of Canadian life, from what drugs you can access
to whether you can board a plane and even what ingredients go into
your morning cornflakes.

While you may not have heard of the SPP, you may have heard about
some of the controversies it has sparked: Canada's adoption of a no-
fly list, negotiations to lower Canada's pesticide standards to U.S.
levels or fears the deal will lead to bulk-water exports.

Liberal leader Stephane Dion charged Friday that, "under the veil of
secrecy," Harper has let the Americans run roughshod over Canada,
covertly using the SPP to impose a U.S. agenda on Canada. That's not
what the Liberals intended when they signed the deal, which was
meant to give Canada a stronger voice in Washington, not turn it
into an"imitation" of the U.S., he says.

Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians says it is big business
that is calling the shots, pushing aggressively for the
harmonization -- and downgrading -- of everything from security
norms to food standards, in a move that will lead to
the "integration by stealth" of the three nations.

"Canadians would be shocked" if they knew the true scope of the SPP,
says Barlow, whose Ottawa-based organization represents about
100,000 members.

Fringe groups such as the Canadian Action Party and the Minutemen in
the U.S. go further, arguing the SPP is a plot to sweep all three
nations into a North American union.

"Where are they getting this stuff?" says Thomas d'Aquino, head of
the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, which helped launch the
SPP.

"This is a very nitty-gritty, workaday initiative" to make trade
safer and more efficient through such steps as expanding border
crossings and information-sharing programs on plant and animal
safety, he says.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=4b1bc1a3-32be-
4aac-af56-5636db7ef5a3

continued:

Will Canada become the 51st state?
The Security and Prosperity Partnership: what it's all about and
what it could mean for Canadians
Kelly Patterson, CanWest News Service
Published: Saturday, August 18, 2007
Other SPP projects are no-brainers, such as plans to cooperate in
fighting West Nile virus and flu pandemics.

As for fears of a North American union, "anyone who believes that is
smoking something," says d'Aquino.

This weekend, the debate hits the headlines across the nation as the
three heads of state and their advisers converge on Montebello,
Que., 60 kilometres east of Ottawa, for the SPP's third annual
summit.

Email to a friend

Printer friendly
Font: ****Thousands of protesters are also expected to descend on
the area, hoping to confront the "Three Banditos" about a deal they
say is a secretive sellout to the cowboy capitalism and militarism
of the superpower to Canada's south.

"We always hoped from the outset we could broaden it beyond
security," says Roland Paris, a University of Ottawa professor who
worked as an adviser in the Privy Council Office when the SPP was
launched. He adds that the SPP's architects hoped the "regular high-
level meetings" would help "overcome bureaucratic inertia."

SOVEREIGNTY UNDER FIRE

But they also helped big business and its government allies bypass
both the public and Parliament to push through a host of
controversial changes without debate or scrutiny, critics charge.
They say the accord has enshrined and fast-tracked a longstanding
effort to quietly harmonize Canadian programs with those of the U.S.
in everything from military policy to food and drug standards.

"The SPP is an unacceptable, closed-door process with enormous
implications for Canadians," says NDP trade critic Peter Julian.

Roland Paris scoffs at charges the SPP is a grand design. If
anything, he says, it is a timid collection of piddling efforts that
has become bogged down in bureaucratic red tape.

"This is not a political vision of the future of the continent. If
it were, it would be worth the fuss."

Defenders of the SPP dismiss concerns about regulatory change as
fear-mongering, saying the accord aims only to cut out minor,
needless variations between the three countries.

The goal is to end the "tyranny of small differences" that can turn
the border into a theatre of the absurd, says John Kirton, a
University of Toronto professor and expert in the environmental
effects of free trade.

If fact, the SPP could dramatically raise standards across North
America, proponents say, because it promotes information-sharing
among the three countries.

Scientists would swap data on everything from car safety to new
chemicals, enabling regulators to better evaluate products and react
more quickly to public health threats.

The SPP also includes projects with obvious benefits for all three
nations, such as reducing sulphur in fuel and air pollution from
ships, and coordinating efforts to curb plant and animal diseases.

All three governments insist that the three nations remain sovereign
under the SPP: If Canada doesn't like the way the U.S. does
something, it can go its own way.

But NDP trade critic Julian is not so sure. He worries about the
effect regulatory convergence will have in the future.

If, for example, Canada wants to pass new rules to deal with
greenhouse gases, it could mean "Canada would have to go to
Washington and lobby for the kinds of standards and protections they
want," he says.

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

do I belong?

2008-02-19T05:26:54Z

Hubby & I have been planning to come up for years, and well, we're thinking about this summer.
Can I come in this tribe & pester people with questions of what the moving process is like & how it is up there?

posted in Americans in Canada - 5 replies

Working in Canada

2008-01-03T03:02:16Z

Hey everybody,
I was wondering if anyone had any advice for someone interested in moving to montreal from the USA. I speak French and have a BA so my main worry is getting a work permit. My only real experience is being a waiter and I have no real ties to Canada. If it isn't possible for waiters to get a labour market opinion, can I apply as a university student in Canada even if I am only taking classes and not persuing a degree? Any help at all would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

Canadian Candy

2007-11-18T22:31:10Z

I like smarties.

I always have.

It was not until recently that I discovered that they were made in Canada.

They are sooo much better than swee-tarts.

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

Visas?

2007-09-12T19:49:53Z

I may be moving to Nelson, BC in a couple of months. I have been researching the different types of visas (visitor, work, etc.). I think I would prefer to apply for a visitor's visa.

I was wondering if/ how they check your money situation (you are supposed to prove you can pay for your stay, the gov't website says), check your health (will I need to have a physical done?), and how they look into seeing that you really will plan on returning to your own country (I will not have a home or job to return to, for example--I do not actually plan on returning).

I would be getting married to a Canadian and then applying for permanent resident status, which I understand can take around two years to achieve.

Any help you could provide, especially about how to enter and stay in the country legally (or at least believably legal!) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! It all seems rather complicated. I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about this transition.

posted in Americans in Canada - 9 replies

Moving to Canada? What about annexation instead?

2007-08-27T12:29:45Z

Hello

For years I have not called myself "Amerikan" or aa "US-Amerikan", but instead I identify myself as a Cascadian. You ask "where the hell is Cascadia?" Cascadia is the "Pacific NorthWest" and specifically its not a "nation-state", but is a bioregion that currently transcends political borders. Ok now you may ask "what the hell is a bioregion?" ... well it is some geographers and environmentally aware people explain as:

“Bioregions are geographic areas having common characteristics of soil, watershed, climate, native plants and animals that exist within the whole planetary biosphere as unique and contributive parts.... A bioregion refers both to geographical terrain and a terrain of consciousness -- to a place and the ideas that have developed about how to live in that place.... A bioregion can be determined initially by use of climatology, physiography, animal and plant geography, natural history and other descriptive natural sciences. The final boundaries of a bioregion, however, are best described by the people who have lived within it, through human recognition of the realities of living in place.... there is a distinctive resonance among living things and the factors that influence them which occurs specifically within each separate part of the planet. Discovering and describing that resonance is a way to describe a bioregion.” http://www.olywa.net/speech/may99/mccloskey.html

Cascadia is a bioregion encompassing the territories of the Alaskan Panhandle, British Columbia, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, northern California and western Montana as well as very small portions of other near by states and provinces.

Cascadia is geographically the Columbia River Watershed and the area around the Cascade Range. Cascadia's farthest extent is from northern California to the Alaskan Panhandle and from the Pacific to the Continental Divide. Cascadia Minor tends to be the states of northern California, Oregon and Washington with the province of British Columbia. The Scottish naturalist David Douglas named the Cascade mountain range after the powerful waterfalls that carved out this land and gave it so much biomass.

So why not instead of all of us south Cascadians flocking to Canada we could suggest Oregon, Washington, northern California, Idaho and western Montana with the Alaskan panhandle re-unify with British Columbia as part of Canada. This region was once considered a one region before the US under expansionist policies by president Jackson and Polk divided the region. It could be a campaign like after the fall of the Berlin Wall to re-unify Germany: "Re-unification of Cascadia!" Just imagine Seattle, Portland, San Fransisco, Vancouver (BC), Victoria and the whole Cascadian bioregion (rural and urban) working together either as Cascadia or under a Canadian Confederation.

cascadians.tribe.net

posted in Americans in Canada - 15 replies

To Canada or Death!

2007-08-10T22:57:30Z

...Or something like that. I am ready, now that I am nearly done with college, to start the paperwork to move back to Canada on a more permenate basis (I was a student living in Vancouver for a while). How do I begin the process? Do i need an immigration lawyer? How much will it all cost in the end (can a [recent] college graduate afford it)? What I'd love to go is move there now, today, yesterday!

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

North American Union

2007-08-10T18:34:10Z

I just got this message from a friend. What do you make of this? Well, if anything, immigration should be easier!?

"In just over a month's time, on August 20, the most powerful president in the world will be arriving in Montebello, Quebec for a two-day conference. President George W. Bush will be meeting with Stephen Harper and their Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderon. So far, the silence from the Canadian and American media has been deafening.

Talk to 90% of people on the street and they won't know about this upcoming conference, and if by a slim chance they do, they won't know the purpose of the meeting or why the leaders of Canada, United States and Mexico are meeting in the dog days of summer under what amounts to a veil of secrecy.

So, what's this upcoming conference all about, and why are the newspapers, radio and television keeping silent about it?

The purpose of the upcoming conference is to ratify the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, which was initiated by Bush, Martin and Fox in 2005 in Waco, Texas. Essentially, this so-called 'partnership' will result in what the politicians refer to as 'continental integration'-newspeak for a North American Union- and basically a harmonization of 100's of regulations, policies and laws.

In layman's terms, it means that once this 'partnership' has been ratified which is a fait accompli; we will be following in the footsteps of the European Union. It will mean that Canada will become part of the North American Union by 2010, and that our resources, agricultural, health and environment issues, to name a few, will be controlled not by Canada, but by the government of the North American Union.

A huge 'NAFTA' highway, one quarter of a mile wide, is already being built in Texas, where private land is being expropriated, and will eventually reach the Manitoba border.

Water will be the 'issue' of this century, as more than 25 states in the U.S. are currently in desperate need. Where do you think they will get the water they need?

The United States is already guaranteed 60% of our natural gas resources from NAFTA, which mean that even during emergencies when we need energy, we will have to import it, while we are forced to export gas to the U.S. This is just one example of how Canada is being shortchanged, and it's only going to get worse.

Why has there been absolutely NO public consultation on the biggest issue (North American Union) facing Canadians since Confederation? Why isn't Guy Lauzon, our local MP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, holding town hall meetings, bringing in cabinet ministers and explaining how the emerging North American Union will affect our Canadian way of life? Ask the citizens of Canada for their feedback. Isn't that how democracy is supposed to work?

Folks, I suggest that Mr. Lauzon isn't even aware of the SPP or the North American Union, which explains why the Conservative government has denied all Canadians information to which they are entitled. If he does have something to say about it, then let him raise the issue in our riding.

Furthermore, the example of the North American Union illustrates that our government claims to be democratic, but in fact, does it act like one, or does it prefer to make the big decisions at committee level behind closed doors, while masking its real intentions?

The ratification of the SPP, and the emergence of the North American Union have been organized entirely by government committees and private enterprise. I refer readers to my website at _www.realitycheck.typepad.com_ <http://www.realitycheck.typepad.com/>

for further information on the North American Union.

If our citizenry allows the North American Union to come into existence, then our way of life will change drastically, for the years to come. With privatization of our resources, increased foreign ownership, and a Canadian government with less and less authority, our children and grandchildren will be come 'North Americans' and our quality of life will drastically decline.

The founding fathers of Canada must be rolling over in their graves."

Kevin Parkinson

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_2235.shtml

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Banking in Canada.......Credit Unions.....

2007-07-19T22:59:01Z

I'm assuming I'm going to have to get a Canadian bank account. In the states I prefer credit unions as they are cheaper and have fewer fees. Do you need to be a member of some special group to join a credit union in Canada? The web sites all seem to suggest that you need to 'buy shares', that there is some sort of initial fee up front for being a member. I'm not familiar with this approach. In the states typically you join a credit union affiliated with your work place or college or whatever. Any info on this?

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Seeking the wisdom of fellow US countrymen and their work permit experiences

2007-07-19T05:47:38Z

I'm looking at a job opportunity in Toronto right now, and I could REALLY use some insight from any Americans working in Canada now on how they went through the immigration or work permit process. I HAVE been reading the CIC site thoroughly, but these questions relate more to people's actual experiences:

Did you initially get accepted under a Work Permit?

Did NAFTA allow you to forego a HRSDC labor opinion? From what I understand while reading the CIC site guidelines a position qualifying under Appendix 1603.D.1 does not require an HRSDC labor opinion.

How long did it take to get approved for your work permit? I'm going to try and put together the necessary paperwork ASAP, and I'd like to get a rough idea of time frame so I can create a time table for myself.

Were you able to extend your stay by applying for Work Permit extensions?

Did you enter the country on a Work Permit and successfully transition to being accepted for Permanent Residence? I want to make sure that I'm not miss-representing my intent with Imigration and hurting my chances for PR status if I file for Permanent Residency soon after getting a Work Permit and moving.

If you did go from Work Permit to PR status, did you find the process happening any faster because of the existing job, and continuing employment?

Thanks! Any help is greatly appericiated!

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Introduce Yourself!

2007-07-19T05:26:16Z

let's start off with some intros, eh? (argh! i can't stop saying that....)

so i started this tribe after being part of the Vancouver tribes for sometime, which i love, but still feel a little left out of them anyway. i'm always having this internal discourse on the binary of either side of the border, which i'm sure comes out in these tribes and annoys some canadians. hence, the tribe.

anyway, my husband grew up in vancouver, and now he teaches at ubc. we came from los angeles a year ago, and we're going back and forth between LA and Vancouver a lot! i'm liking vancouver a lot (i even like the rain), despite the complexities with taxes, statuses, etc., that comes along with border crossing.

what's it like for other americans in other parts of canada? are there other american vancouverites here?

posted in Americans in Canada - 61 replies

it's official!!

2007-05-15T18:46:36Z

we just got notice from our lawyers, the applications have been sent and the buffalo office officially has them. We are officially in process, fees paid.
YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Now just one or two more years for the paperwork to go through...

Bleu

posted in Americans in Canada - 5 replies

Some questions on moving to Victoria.

2007-05-14T17:12:55Z

Hello,

My wife is considering doing a PhD and the University of Victoria and I would be going as a trailing spouse. I have a few questions that I hope someone out there might be able to answer.

1. I am a very employable computer programmer, in the U.S. that is. What is the job market like in the technology sector and what are some of the challenges for finding a job? I believe that being the spouse of a university student takes care of the work permit.

2. Any tips on finding a Canadian tech job?

3. Anything that I might need to know that I might not know to ask about moving to Canada?

Thank you in advance!

Kjel

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Retiring to Canada....unusual direction....older student thinking about permanently residing in Canada.....

2007-05-05T00:56:27Z

The two ways that I am familiar with getting permanent residence/citizenship are 1. Have a company hire you/prove that you have unique skills/get a job or 2. Marry a Canadian. I am not interested in working and am an early retiree. So I plan to go to art school at Emily Carr in 2008 or 2009 and start out as a student. Are there any other ways to obtain ciitzenship if you are no longer pursuing a career? One friend told me that you have to have $400K in assets, any ideas about this?

Thanks!

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Canadian work permit denied to US citizen

2007-04-30T01:02:01Z

Dear Friends, I need your advice! I am a US citizen, who has applied for a work permit in Canada under NAFTA agreement, under the "professionals clause" (Appendix 1603.D.1 - Professionals). On the time I have applied i was already in Canada (I came here with my Canadian fiancé). So i was told to send my application complete with a letter from a potential employer (who keeps calling and asking when I can start working - i am a graphic designer) to Buffalo Center. After 6 months of waiting I received a letter from Buffalo asking me to send to them again the same letter from the employer and... a proof of my legal status in Canada. Well, I sent them the updated letter and for the proof of legal status, i thought - what kind of legal status can a US citizen have in Canada if she exactly applies for a status. So i figured, i was a legal tourist in Canada and sent them a photocopy of my US passport (I have traveled to New York 2 months ago, so I was not overstaying in Canada). And so - two weeks later I receive a rejection "because I failed to provide a proof of my legal status". I turned to the Immigration lawyer, who said: No problem - 3 weeks and 3000$ and the permit will be yours! But according to NAFTA agreement I was simply eligible to receive the permit. I am totally at lost and don't know where to turn. :roll: If you can advise me, I'll be ever so thankful, God bless you. signed: Une Américaine perdue au Canada

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

permanent resident vs. immigration

2007-04-23T23:40:09Z

Anyone have input on comparing the 2 processes? In order to do permanent resident you still have to have a work visa and the settlement funds, right?

I think I can handle the settlement fuinds, but that AND the 6-8thou for legal fees puts things off for a long while...

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

divorce question ( related to canada )

2007-04-23T23:33:53Z

Obviously this isn't "for" me... as I'm not married
via a conversation I got a little curious about something

But have gone threw a divorce in the US. I'm familiar with how it works ( in my state anyhow ). I do realize no matter were in the world you are divorce can take years and more in nasty cases. But for an uncontested divorce were I am anyhow it takes about 2 months if things go smoothly by the time you get the judges signature and then the proper amount of required days pass afterwards before it's official. I think it's 30 days here locally "after" the judge decides and signs for that.

Does anyone know if it's similar in most parts of Canada ? I do know there is a one year initial separation requirement in basic "no fault" cases before filing. But the time from filing till it's official is what I am wondering about.
for uncontested that is.

Regards
Richard

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Immigration

2007-04-23T23:18:12Z

Do any of you folks have any advice for immigrating to Canada?

My main question that I'm wondering is if I should try to get a work visa before going, or should I go on a visitor's permit and find a job that will sponsor my stay? Are Canadians more liberal about having the requsite paperwork for working than Americans? I'm not really sure that I would meet the minimum amount of money needed for immigration at this time, so I'd like to try to find a way around it.

If I enrolled in school and got a student visa, would I be able to get a work visa too to be able to support myself while I'm there?

Any wisdom would be fab! Thanks!

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

the actual move

2007-02-17T16:41:27Z

so, when you went up...

did you have jobs first?

did you have a place lined up?

did you start the immigration process right away or go up with visas?

do they stop you with your uhaul at the border & look through all your stuff?

posted in Americans in Canada - 4 replies

American's in Canada, Support Barack Obama!

2007-02-11T20:34:02Z

I just created a group on www.barackobama.com for American's in Canada that support his campaign. Let's make some real changes!

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Help on the moving process?

2006-10-09T15:01:49Z

Please excuse the cross-posting if you are in other similar Tribes, but I, and several of my friends, are fairly desperate to leave the Bush-run land of the formerly free. Any help would be appreciated for the basic processes of moving.

posted in Americans in Canada - 11 replies

SIN Timeline?

2006-10-09T02:52:26Z

For those of you who have immigrated, how long was it from the time you submitted your landed fee until you received your SIN? And how did it work exactly?

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Information

2006-10-09T02:34:59Z

As a Canadian living in the States, I find it strange that some are finding it hard to get information.
In my experience, the Canadian government is far more transparent than the American.
Just go to the Canadian government web site and most of the information people are looking for is there.
The Canadian government does not hide the information behind red tape or cloaking devises. It is all pretty easy to find.....
now if someone could explain how to find information here in the States without a lawyer......
Planning to move ack to Canada in the next two years, I can't wait!!!

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

So How Much Is Gas?

2006-09-02T18:50:48Z

Just wondering, how much does a gallon of gas cost in Canada?

Presently, here in Ohio, I see $2.79 a gallon.

posted in Americans in Canada - 9 replies

Criminal Inadmissibility - Rehabilitation Process

2006-08-25T16:58:08Z

As in the fallowing link

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/inadmissibility.html

Has anyone had to go threw this before even thinking about entering Canada?
To visit or otherwise.

I read one person someplace on the web that stated it had been 16 months and still no approval or denial either way. And very few if any other first hand accounts with much insite to them.
The lites suddenly go dim hearing that...as I happen to be in love with a Canadian woman.

It's funny how ones past truly does fallow them till the end...and ocasionaly run up and bite you on the bum.

Anything at all is greatly appreciated.

Regards
Richard

PS.. I didn't see an introduction thread or anything... my apologies for making my first post a question.

posted in Americans in Canada - 10 replies

a voice in the darkness,,,,,,,,(smileing)

2006-08-25T15:38:20Z

Is anyone alive out there????????

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

the greater partitioning of Cascadia: border divisions

2006-07-05T13:10:50Z

the greater partitioning of Cascadia: border divisions

I have posted before that Cascadia is becoming two very distict Cascadias as the US and Canadian governments administrate differently, as economies shift and as world's most longest and peaceful border becomes more militarized. The following articles illustrate the continuing division that the Amerikan expansionist president Polk started back in the 1840s:

CASCADIA Mayors plea for delay Cross-border impacts feared if U.S. forges ahead with security crackdown

By Jeff Nagel
Black Press
Jul 04 2006

Lower Mainland mayors joined counterparts from Washington, Oregon and Idaho Friday in urging U.S. officials to delay plans to force all visitors to carry passports.

The motion passed at the Cascadia Mayors Council meeting in Surrey after the 35 Pacific northwest mayors heard forecasts that tighter border security will hurt cross-border tourism and trade.

The U.S. government has set Jan. 1, 2007 as the date passports will be required to enter the U.S. by air or water, and Jan. 1, 2008 for land crossings.

In the meantime, a group of U.S. senators is trying to pass an amendment that would delay implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative until Jan. 1, 2009.

Most residents on both sides of the border don’t have passports and many of them don’t know about the planned changes, said Mary Mahon-Jones, with the B.C. Council of Tourism Associations.

She cited polls that show a third of Canadians and Americans who don’t hold passports say they don’t plan to cross the border again if they have to get one.

“The process of getting a passport is, frankly, a colossal hassle, at least in Canada,” Mahon-Jones said.

The more Americans and Canadians do get passports, she added, the more they may be tempted to travel to more distant countries, rather than just across the 49th parallel.

American visits to Canada are already down sharply this year even though the passport rule isn’t in force yet.

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts said a delay would buy time to pursue alternatives, such as creating a different identification card or upgrading driver’s licences to include extra security data.

“We are very aware and cognizant of the security issue,” Watts said.

“But we also want to make sure the implementation of this is done right.”

It’s not just tourism that’s at stake.

All trucks carrying goods that cross the border would have to have accepted identification.

And the passport rule could impact many businesses located in Surrey, White Rock, Langley and Abbotsford which take advantage of the proximity of the border.

“With Surrey being the largest border crossing in Western Canada and the second largest in the country, those issues are front and centre in what we’re dealing with,” Watts said.

Anthony Welcher, the U.S. State Department’s director of intergovernmental affairs, told the mayors plans call for passports to be mandatory for all travellers – even children.

He admitted that may drive up costs for families and deter tourism, but said the U.S. plans reduced passport fees to ensure a family of four won’t pay more than $100.

He defended the requirement, saying it will help protect children from cross-border kidnappings.

“It is a burden. But it will help keep our children safe and secure.”

Welcher said Canadians shouldn’t hold out hope the passport plan will be shelved.

“Honestly, I’ve got to say it’s tough,” he said.

“Barring an amendment, we’re just going to have to deal with it.”

The Cascadia mayors’ motion backs a similar call by Premier Gordon Campbell and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire to delay implementation until after the 2010 Winter Olympics while other options are pursued.

Senator Gerry St. Germaine said both countries must work to ensure anti-terror measures don’t unnecessarily impede the millions of people who cross the border and billions of dollars in cross-border trade and investment.

“These new requirements will have long term implications,” he said.

“We must act very, very carefully.”

found at http://www.peacearchnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=44&cat=23&id=683031&more=

____

Biking to Canada and back (if the Border Patrol lets us in)

By WILLIAM MARVEL
For the Monitor

July 05. 2006 8:00AM

Among the numerous and sometimes conflicting doctrines we try to observe in my household is that of treading lightly on the Earth. That is difficult to accomplish in a society that seems dedicated to waste and self-indulgence, where the only feasible means of long-distance travel is the automobile and the only way to feel good about oneself is to buy something new.

It is also a difficult concept to pass on to children whose friends race here and there in parent-purchased cars, communicating continually on parent-purchased cell phones. And it becomes especially hard to convey when there is work to do in the garden or at the woodpile. Nonetheless we attempt to set an example through consumer restraint, household economy and energy conservation.

Energy conservation was one of the main motives behind our choice of a vacation this year: bicycling to Canada. That isn't as rigorous a feat as most Americans might suppose, for the nearest border crossing lies only about 110 highway miles from our door. Avoiding deadly highways requires more mileage, but the round trip still falls within a week's easy cycling, during which we can ignore traffic jams and oil-industry gouging.

The flatter terrain of southern Maine might have been a preferable choice for bicycling. The coast is lovely, but it is usually packed with people from places no one wants to live, and by their mass presence they often make Maine feel like another one of those unpleasant places. There is something immensely gratifying about gliding all the way to an international border on such ecologically sound transportation.

There is something appealing about entering Canada by any transportation, for that matter.

Canada is a different world, at least from Vermont and New Hampshire. The U.S. side stands in the tall conifers of the great northern forest while the Canadian side slips immediately into rolling farmland and occasional, distinct towns, with little of the endless suburban sprawl that ate up so much of the United States so quickly.
The abrupt change in language offers an instant taste of Renaissance Europe, at least for those who remember their professor rattling off Middle French, and what can be more therapeutically humbling than trying to recall the vocabulary of a seldom-used language?

The money adds to the European atmosphere. Canadian bills are pieces of art, emblazoned with exotic historical characters and scenes in a variety of colors. The larger denominations are decorated with ornate engravings that mimic embroidery, and in that currency we have a dollar that still makes the American version seem as though it were actually worth something.

One-way cordiality

The strongest attraction Canada exerts may be the calm, peaceful atmosphere, which, unfortunately, seems especially foreign anymore. Just note the difference in customs officials.

Since the first time I crossed the Canadian border, I've never had an unpleasant experience with a Canadian customs officer. All of them have been flawlessly courteous, most of them are quite congenial and many are even unarmed. Approaching the U.S. border, meanwhile, usually turns the stomach sour.

Certain U.S. border stations in Vermont long ago developed widespread and well-deserved reputations for rudeness and unwarranted, invasive searches. Since the commencement of King George's War, the U.S. crossings have served as an introduction to American paranoia, with suspicious officers engaging travelers in deceptively inquisitive banter.

On my last re-entry by automobile at Beecher Falls, a pleasant young agent asked me the usual questions and wished me a safe trip, but as I started away, his older colleague interceded, hand-near-holster, and awkwardly initiated a perfectly artificial conversation. When I inadvertently misquoted the New England price of a New York Times, he grew as stern and mistrustful as an East German border guard. Welcome home, Yank.

Canada may have the friendliest customs service, but my belongings have been closely searched at places like the German border, back in the heyday of the Bader-Meinhof gang, without giving me the impression that I was being singled out for scrutiny. The only customs officers who have ever made me feel like a criminal suspect have been our own.

Until recently (and they may be doing it yet), the Border Patrol was stopping traffic nearly 100 miles inside the United States, interrogating citizens and frequently detaining them - probably for such suspicious actions as mispronouncing local nomenclature.

This sort of internal surveillance would be easier to bear if the New Hampshire State Police would establish a similar roadblock along the Massachusetts border and ask everyone to say "Kancamagus."

(William Marvel is an author and historian who lives in South Conway.)

By WILLIAM MARVEL

found at http://www.cmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060705/REPOSITORY/607050302/1028/OPINION02

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

QUEBEC CITY canada - FREE LODGIND - Guys age 18 to 27 - Backpackers

2006-06-30T17:17:42Z

QUEBEC CITY canada
FREE ACCOMMODATIONS for BACKPACKERS
GUYS age 18 to 28
straight, bisexual or gay,
who cares if we get along nicely!

------------------

QUEBEC CITY gets so many backpackers,
the 2 youth hostels very often have NO VACANCY!

So you, backpackers from the world,
GUYS, age 18 to 28,
are sure to find with me confortable,
clean, friendly lodging.

COME for a few days, a weekend or just for an overnite stay.

REST your bag, freshen up, lay back, relax and enjoy!
It's cool here!
Shower, bath,
fresh bed and all the services.

No curfew!!

Laundry, good meals prepared together, swim pool, sundeck, air condition, tennis.

I'll show you this beautful historic city,
you'll know more in 2 days than 10 days by yourself!

Quebec City is unique!
The only city in North America part of the World Heritage by UNESCO.

French is spoken here but most speak English also.

Great outdoors at 20 minutes.
Near university campus (55,000 students).
Lots of festivals year-round.

WELCOME BACKPACKERS, TOURISTS, STUDENTS,
GUYS age 18 to 28!

I am also a budget traveller, backpacker,
it's cool and fun!

I EXPECT YOU TO BE like me,
GUYS neat looks, honest,
laid back, fun and open-minded,

able to assume your personal expenses. No drugs.

Save my infos in your bag.
Call ahead or on arrival!
No matter what time, early or very late!

You will be free to go to town by yourself or with me.

This invitation is a SINCERE FRIENDLY GESTURE
to allow you a more affordable, more fun stay!
My way of returning the warm invitations I got
while backpacking!

BARGAIN:
STAYING WITH ME means A SAVING
OF ABOUT $60 A DAY

SHOW UP SOON, guys!
Keep it up nice till you're ready to come!

People here speak French but most also speak
English and some Spanish.

I expect mature, neat looking, congenial,
fun guys age 18 to 28 from around the world!
I host many cool backpackers a year already!

Unfortunately it is not as easy for me to host a girl, I am sorry!
Call I may offer alternative accommodations

Good travels! Bon voyage!

PIERRE, Quebec City

EMAIL: sakado25@ gmail. com

SKYPE: bonjourquebec
=======================

www.regiondequebec.com
www.quebecplus.ca
www.montrealplus.ca
www.montreal2006.org
www.bonjourquebec.com
www.allostop.com
www.orleansexpress.com
www.fugues.com
www.squirt.org
www.ulaval.ca

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Is there a growing health division between the two Cascadias (US-Amerikan versus Canadian)?

2006-06-22T09:50:35Z

Is there a growing health division between the two Cascadias (US-Amerikan versus Canadian)?

Could living under US Amerikan hegomony be killing us in regards to health and life conditions? There is a growing health division between the two Cascadias (US-Amerikan versus Canadian).

articles with URLs:

B.C.'ers live longer, healthier and greener

By Jeff Nagel
Black Press
Jun 21 2006

We live longer. Drive less. Burn less fuel. And we're not as fat.

On a series of measures, British Columbians outperform Americans who live in the nearby U.S. states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, according to a new report that will be released today (Wednesday).

The Cascadia Scorecard, published by the Seattle-based Sightline Institute to track trends in the Pacific Northwest, links B.C.'s gains on several fronts to the trend toward more compact and walkable neighbourhoods that's on the rise in Greater Vancouver.

"Sprawling land-use patterns not only promote sedentary lifestyles, but also expose residents to elevated risk of injury or death in car crashes," the report concludes. "Sprawl can be hazardous to health."

Among the findings:

- Twelve per cent of B.C.'s population is obese, compared to 21 per cent in the northwest U.S. states, where obesity is rising four times as fast.

- B.C. residents spend less time driving in cars and don't die in crashes as often. We drive an average of 8,300 kilometres per year and our rate of auto crash deaths is the lowest in Cascadia (the northwest U.S. plus B.C.).

- More Vancouverites (72 per cent) live in compact neighbourhoods than in six other major Pacific Northwest cities.

It all adds up to people living longer, healthier lives north of the border.

As of 2005, British Columbians reached a life expectancy of 81.1 years. That's up three years since 1990 and it's significantly higher than the 78.8 year average in the U.S. northwest.

"If B.C. were a nation, it would have the world's second longest life expectancy, trailing only Japan," the report says.

The main author of the report, Sightline research director Clark Williams-Derry, admits there are other factors behind B.C.'s healthier record.

He said Canada's universal health care system is a key difference that separates B.C. from the U.S. and improves life expectancies.

Immigration is another possibility.

"The province has welcomed many new wealthy (and healthy) Asian immigrants over the past several decades, which may have boosted the province's longevity statistics," the report says.

"British Columbia also has lower infant mortality rates and fewer homicides than its southern neighbours."

No single factor or combination of them fully explains the longer life expectancy here.

Instead, Williams-Derry looks to B.C.'s "relatively strong" record in containing urban sprawl.

"Places where you have to drive a lot are places where you have high levels of car crashes and low levels of walking or biking for exercise," he said.

The report says development using smart growth principles - a blend of stores and services in residential areas, creating better street connections and reduced parking requirements - has helped create more livable neighbourhoods where residents don't have to drive as much as in conventional suburbs.

Williams-Derry said old assumptions that suburbs have better air than congested downtowns are also falling away.

Urban cores have become cleaner as pollution standards improve.

Research indicates a greater air threat comes from time spent in traffic breathing other vehicles' exhaust, he said.

"If you're trying to escape to the suburbs to get cleaner air, not only are you not getting cleaner air in your neighbourhood, if you spend a lot of time on the highway you may be undoing some of any benefits you do get."

Cross-border issues will get more scrutiny next week when Surrey hosts the annual conference of the Cascadia Mayors Council.

found at www.surreyleader.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=73&cat=23&id=673415&more=____

Is your commute a killer?
Report shows suburbanites are less healthy than downtowners -- and cars are to blame

Chad Skelton, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, June 21, 2006
People who live in high-density core cities are significantly healthier than residents of sprawling suburbs, says a report being released today by Sightline, an environmental think-tank based in Seattle.

That's because the extra time suburbanites spend in their cars each week makes them fatter -- increasing their risk of chronic disease -- at the same time that it makes them more likely to be killed or injured in a car crash.

Overall, the Sightline report of the region known as Cascadia -- the northwest coastal region of North America -- found that the average life expectancy in B.C. is 2.5 years longer than in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

And while that gap is due to a number of factors -- including our public health care system and a recent influx of "wealthy and healthy" immigrants from Asia -- the report argues the difference in the time we spend in our cars is a major factor.

The report say B.C. residents drive about 45 per cent fewer kilometres every year than those in northwest states and, as a result, have one-third fewer traffic fatalities per capita.

British Columbians drive less, the report found, because our communities are more dense, making it easier to walk, bicycle or take the bus to work than to drive.

Vancouver is by far the most dense city in Cascadia, the report found, with 91 per cent of its residents living in "compact neighbourhoods" (those with more than 12 people per acre), followed by Victoria at 80 per cent.

In comparison, in the county around Portland, Ore. -- often held up as a model of high-density urban living -- 45 per cent of people live in compact neighbourhoods.

In the area around Seattle the figure is just 34 per cent.

"For us [Americans], it's nice to have a place nearby that has shown that it can create a high-quality of life that doesn't sprawl," said Clark Williams-Derry, the lead author of the report.

Vancouver has also seen a far more dramatic increase in high-density living than its U.S. neighbours over the past 15 years -- fuelled mainly by the condo boom in Yaletown and Coal Harbour.

Michael Mortensen, a planner with the city, lives in a two-bedroom condo at Bute and Alberni with his wife, Ellen Clague, and their children Lucas, 4, and Lauryn, 1.

The family doesn't own a car.

Mortensen bikes to work at city hall while Clague works at home some days and takes transit or bikes the rest.

Mortensen conceded that, with two kids, space has become tight.

But he said the benefits of downtown living outweigh the inconveniences.

"It's the life," he said. "It's easy to live and to shop. There's a seawall right next to us. We've got memberships to the aquarium, Science World, the art gallery."

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said he was proud of the Sightline report's findings.

"I think Vancouver is leading the way in a new paradigm for building cities," he said, saying he'd like to see more high-density development in the city.

While Vancouver is the most dramatic example of high-density living, B.C. suburbs also fare better than their counterparts south of the border.

"It's kind of a different ball park," said Williams-Derry. "Even a place like Abbotsford, as sprawling as it might seem, is relatively compact by U.S. standards."

Indeed, 45 per cent of Abbotsford residents and 50 per cent of those in Surrey live in compact neighbourhoods.

That's well behind Vancouver at 91 per cent but it's far better than the Seattle suburb of Pierce County, at 13 per cent, and the Portland suburb of Clackamas County, at just nine per cent.

And high-density suburbs can make a real difference, said Williams-Derry.

Most of the driving people do in a week is not their daily commute, he said, but the combination of all the little trips they take -- to the grocery store, soccer practice and the mall.

"Everyone thinks of the commute as the big thing, but it is the minority of driving," he said.

So while the residents of Vancouver's suburbs may have a nasty commute ahead of them each day, many of them -- especially in more compact communities like White Rock or New Westminster -- have a better chance than U.S. suburbanites of being able to walk to the corner store for milk.

And even slight improvements in walkability can have a profound impact on people's health.

For example, Williams-Derry said, one study found that an extra two-to-three-minute walk each day is enough to reduce someone's weight by, on average, nearly half a kilogram.

"If you walk more, you're going to weigh less," he said. "The differences are fairly small, but over time they really add up."

cskelton@png.canwest.com

Even our suburbs are more compact

Percentage of population in each community living in "compact neighbourhoods" -- those with at least 12 residents per acre (0.4 hectares).

City of Vancouver 91%

City of Victoria 80%

Richmond 77%

Burnaby 70%

Surrey 50%

Delta 49%

Coquitlam 45%

Abbotsford 45%

U.S. Suburbs

Multnomah (Portland) 45%

King County (Seattle) 34%

Pierce County (suburban Seattle) 13%

Clackamas (suburban Portland) 9%

found at www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=1220dee1-8bcf-4fec-8474-d287361e0eec&k=76567

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

financial burden of waiting for papers to process

2006-05-28T04:28:33Z

I am Canadian and my fiance is American. He is planning on moving to Canada after we get married and we are aware that it will take 1 - 2 years for the paperwork to process and that he won't be able to work legally during that time. He is stressing about being a financial burden to me (I am an artist who doesn't earn alot of money) and he doesn't have alot of savings to live off of (he is an artist too!).

My question to those who have gone through this: how did you deal with this?

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

A new tribe - Marc Emery

2006-05-11T22:18:40Z

A tribal discussion on the future of Marc Emery, the implications on Canada and the United States governments, and the effects on the citizens of both countries.

http://tribes.tribe.net/marcemery

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

The biggest con: Democrats & Republicans work together to destroy America

2006-05-10T14:03:32Z

The biggest con: Democrats & Republicans work together to destroy America

The biggest con: Democrats & Republicans work together to destroy
America, part 1 of 3
Tibor S. Friedman
Online Journal Contributing Writer

May 8, 2006, 00:31

America is being destroyed by enemies within and with the help of a
corrupted Congress and dumbed down (through public education and the
corporate media), apathetic, indifferent and lazy public. The window
for action to reverse the fascist trend of the last 50 years is fast
closing and only an awake and vigilant citizenry can begin to
comprehend and take action against the coming totalitarian
devastation we have allowed to manifest in our country.

September 11, with the perpetrators in the shadow government and
clandestine operations, signaled the final stages from the NWO (New
World Order) cabal that they are now in a flight forward end game.
The elders in this `open conspiracy' for global totalitarian control
of the planet, its peoples and resources, David Rockefeller, George
H.W. Bush, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Henry Kissinger, Prince Philip, the
Rothschild's, and the rest are pushing for some major advancement in
their diabolical agenda before their mortal demise.

Briefly, I will attempt to elaborate on three conclusions reached
from my research: Democrats and Republicans are two home teams
working for the same masters -- the enemies within; corporations and
covernment (using the corporate media as their mind control tool)
operate as one entity; and the New World Order (using the CFR,
Trilateral Commission and Bilderberg, et al) is an open conspiracy
to reduce the population of America (and the world), destroy
American sovereignty and to create a totalitarian global government.

It will be useful to ask ourselves, while reading this, why our
leaders -- both Democrats and Republicans alike -- after having
sworn to uphold the Constitution and to protect America and the
American people -- have deliberately worked together to destroy
America and to what purpose have they made America a pariah in the
world?

The Duopoly . . . Two sides of the same Coin

Genocidal chemtrail spraying across the US, begun about 1996-1998 by
Democrat Bill Clinton, continues unabated today and the recent
passing of the un-PATRIOT Act by the Senate, with an overwhelming 89-
10 vote in spite of the refusal to enforce it by more than 440
cities and counties, are two examples of shared criminality by the
duopoly. Although the list of bipartisan crimes against Americans
(and the world) is endless they share the common agenda of
destroying America and an allegiance to the global banking elites
through their membership in the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR),
Trilateral Commission and the Bilderberg Group. These groups form
the trinity in the globalization of the world by members who are
involved in the highest levels of government, industry, academia,
military and the media.

Mordecai Zember's list of the CFR 2005 membership reflects the cross-
section of elites that control policy and propaganda in America
today. Google also the list of members in the Trilateral Commission
for 1973 and 2006; you will find Leonard Woodcock and John Sweeney
on it -- leaders of the UAW and AFL-CIO, among others. How about
Daniel Ellsberg being a member of the CFR? See "Sheep Dipping CFR
style: The Kerry and Ellsberg Cases" for an interesting peek at the
CIA.

As someone in the upcoming movie "From Freedom to Fascism" describes
the duopoly, it is like the Gambinos and Genovese families who share
the power and eat their gnocchi from the same plate. No offense to
them; but this is how the system works as both parties advance the
interests of the globalists, the International bankers and their
corporate proxies. The politicians, who take their share of the
plunder, are generally fronts who wrap themselves in the flag and
patriotism as it serves their needs to accomplish their assignments
received from their bosses behind the curtain -- the elites in the
shadow government.

Staging Media Events and the Changing of the Guard

Meet the new boss; same as the old boss.

In America, the corporate media and their counterparts, the liberal
gatekeepers, are preparing us for the changing of the guard.
Remember six years into Bill Clinton's neoliberal and globalist
assault on Americans was the Monica sex circus that the media served
up 24/7 to distract us from all the real serious crimes of the
Clinton era. Which, in hindsight, seamlessly dovetailed with the
Bush 2 agenda after his selection by the Supremes: the Project for a
New American Century (PNAC) and the execution of 9/11, the illegal
Afghan and Iraq wars (against non-threatening and, in the case of
Iraq, sanction weakened, sovereign nations) and continued predator
globalization (spreading `democracy' via capitalism and so-called
free trade).

The elites (manipulating the elections) chose Bush -- twice. Now,
almost six years into the fascist Bush 2 era we are witnessing both
parties criticizing Bush (giving the sheeple false hopes, again)
even as the corporate media begin propping up Hillary or McCain
(what maverick?) or Edwards (or other globalist tools)
as `alternatives' to the madness in Washington. One cannot run for
or become president without the approval of the elites.

As Paul Joseph Watson warned us, `Hillary is the rat poison that
will sink America.' It matters not who is selected. The madness will
continue unabated until America is totally destroyed for the
international bankers and globalists and driven into the waiting
arms of the UN -- created to institute a One World Government;
achieving David Rockefeller's long time dream and goal: controlling
the world's resources (monopoly) and the reduction of the world
population through manipulated wars and bio-engineered
diseases . . . and the enslavement of those that are allowed to
remain to serve the elites.

We are and have been an occupied and fascist state -- the blending
of corporations, banking and government. As Patrick Wood of the
August Review, a research center for globalism, points out, `the
Global Elite march in three essential columns: Corporate, Political
and Academic.' Corporate determines the goals; Academia provides the
white papers or propaganda for the Politicians to then sell to the
unwitting citizens. Corporate media and all liberal gatekeepers are
not only controlled by the CIA, but have members on their boards
from all three groups to facilitate the manipulation of the desired
public opinion. An example is a Carlyle (Bush family connected
military industrial complex investment group) board member on the
New York Times board; cross-pollination exists throughout the elite
spectrum encompassing all aspects of finance and power. Everyone,
those with their hands on the levers of power, is literally on the
same page.

Welcome to the New World Order -- Ready or Not

David Rockefeller -- the godfather of the New World Order - a member
of the Bilderbergers and the Council of Foreign Relations and co-
founder of the Trilateral Commission, thanked the media facilitators
(most of whom are also members of one or more of these groups):

"We are grateful to the Washington Post, the New York Times, Time
and other great publications whose directors have attended our
meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost 40
years . . . It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan
for the world if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity
during those years. But, the world is more sophisticated now and
prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational
sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely
preferable to the national auto determination practiced in past
centuries"

David Rockefeller gave this talk at the annual Bilderberg meeting in
June 1991 held in Germany.

Alex Carey, an Australian scholar on propaganda techniques
observed: "The 20th century has been characterized by three
developments of great political importance: the growth of democracy,
the growth of corporate power, and the growth of corporate
propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against
democracy."

It is clear that what has been a long and deliberate process has
become evermore sophisticated in its manipulation of Americans and
the world. For at least 100 years, America has been occupied by the
Rockefellers, the Morgan's, the Rothschild's and other international
bankers who have used their wealth and power (and by their illegal
creation of the Federal Reserve and Income Tax Acts in 1913) to
subvert America and humanity, in general, for their own greedy and
nefarious purposes -- the documentation exists and only connecting
the dots is needed.

The late William Cooper, a former military intelligence officer and
world-renowned researcher, said this about the New World
Order, "They are bound together by blood oaths, a secret religion,
and the promise of an elite status within regional government, or
the world supra government. Their religion is based upon the
Kabbalah, the Luciferian Philosophy, and the worship of the Sun.
They are not bound by any oath or allegiance save their own. They
are loyal to no government or People save their own. And they are
Citizens of no country save their already in place secret world
government. In their words, 'If you are not one of us you are
nothing.' To garner some sense of 'feel' for the concept see the
movie 'They Live.'

"It is a largely 'open' conspiracy, in that much of its membership,
structure, methods, and operations, are matters of public record,
however scattered and obscure. Its manner of coordination is
atypical. Two nuclei -- the elite core of the Wall Street clique
(orbiting the House of Rockefeller) and the elite core of the
European financial clique (orbiting the House of Rothschild) --
coordinate this global conspiracy by waging psychological warfare on
the rest of the conspirators, telling each no more than is necessary
for him to fulfill his designated role, often with explicit
recognition neither of his role, nor of the unarticulated rules that
govern him.

"Thus, the overwhelming bulk of the conspirators do not know, but
only suspect, that they are part of and in service to a power
somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so
complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their
breath when they speak in condemnation of it."

Further he added: . . . emerging realities in 2006, "There will be
no individual Rights only privileges. These will be granted or
denied at will by the world supra government. All property is to be
owned by the State. There will be a redistribution of wealth. They
plan to eliminate class differences and reduce the standard of
living to a lower level in the advanced nations, such as the United
States, and to a higher standard of living in the so-called third
world nations.

"This leveling of the standard of living will be accomplished
through a global economic collapse which is in its beginning stages.
The economic collapse will fulfill the goal of Marx and Engle's'
Communist Manifesto mandating the elimination of the middle class.
The graduated income tax was the first implementation of this
process and is one of the planks of the Communist Manifesto. NAFTA
and GATT (add now CAFTA and the pending FTAA) are a part of this
process encouraging industry to move into third-world nations in
order to exploit cheap labor.

"All existing religions will disappear. The only religion will be
the state religion (humanism or illuminism).

"All County and State governments will be eliminated and replaced
with regional government. These regional governments (Home Rule) are
already in place. Regionalism is gradually taking control throughout
America.

"There will be no more cash. Trade will be accomplished by a system
of computer credits with accounts accessed through debit cards or
computer chip implants. The cards or implants will also serve as
personal identification, drivers license, and etc. When this is
completed the human race will be shackled to a computer in a never
ending cycle of debt. No action or movement will ever again be
private."

The Constitution for the United States of America and its Bill of
Rights will be scrapped. A parliamentary form of government will
take its place. All military forces and individuals are to be
disarmed except for an internal police force which will carry only
the minimum weapons needed to maintain internal order.

Although Cooper only lived to see a little more than a year of the
Bush presidency, he was a firm advocate that President Clinton,
although posing as a man of the people, was (and still is) in fact
one of the biggest and most diabolical front men for the New World
Order.

William Cooper, author of the classic, `Beyond a Pale Horse' was
killed on November 5, 2001, by authorities at his home in Arizona.

Globalization, free trade and `spreading democracy' are Trojan
horses for the NWO/International Bankers true predatory intent. The
fact that America's downward financial spiral started in earnest
shortly after the Trilateral Commission was founded by David
Rockefeller and Zbigniew Breszinksi in 1973 is not incidental. The
very policies that brought us the "New International Economic Order"
(their own phrase) have wrecked our country. Trilateral member and
Democratic President Jimmy Carter had 19 Trilateral members
(including VP Mondale and Breszinksi as national security adviser)
in his administration in 1976 and began David Rockefeller's mission
to de-industrialize America. The elites in fact have bankrupted
(sold off) and destroyed America by off-shoring critical
manufacturing enterprises and knowledge and technologies, which is
continuing and is now, 30 years later, almost complete as the Big 3
auto manufacturers have been designed to collapse, further eroding
America's independence and vitality.

The (State) Media Lies

Joel Skousen (on his site) wrote recently that the media are
completely in lockstep with the USG. I would add that we have been
under the greatest psychological operations ever in the history of
man, involving all levels of media -- corporate media and liberal
gatekeepers. Information is the coin of the realm and our minders
would rather have us believing their fiction and not what we may
find in our research on the Internet.

The media lies and manipulates perceptions as a matter of course --
and as corporate-owned organs of the power elite structure they
serve only to protect the status quo and those in power in their
quest towards creating a New World Order and protecting their
international banking interests.

The CIA's annex, the Washington Post, and best patron, the late
Katherine Graham, once remarked the world is a dangerous place and
that democracy operates best when some details are not shared with
the population. The WP and the New York Times, the lead so
called `premier' papers, operate similarly and are conduits of
propaganda for the Powers That Be and their security apparatuses,
and provide the `copy' for all the other press in the US. The Daily
News and New York Post -- comic book versions of the news -- are
dumbed down propaganda rags for the `common man' with loud
headlines, plenty of mindless celebrity gossip and partially naked
women to distract. TV land (including PBS, C-SPAN) and radio (like
NPR) mimics repetitively (through all news and Sunday talk shows)
the same official fictions that are disseminated in the press. The
evening news on all of the alphabet channels is eerily alike in
format and content -- by design, of course.

Polls are used to fine tune messages/propaganda and are manipulated
to reflect the desired public perception -- like the deliberate
linkage of 9/11 and Iraq. Online CNN polls have been known to
disappear after the results were not as expected -- suggesting that
no matter the propaganda the public may not be buying it -- forcing
the puppet meisters to recalibrate their propaganda efforts. The
average citizen it is assumed will fall in line with the `majority'
view of a poll even though Joe Citizen has no way to confirm the
poll. It is possible that the majority of people may consider that
they are in the minority,.victims of the corporate media propaganda
and poll manipulation, and remain silent about critical issues
because of it.

The NWO and their political / media / clandestine operatives use a
technique called Problem-Reaction-Solution where a situation is
created for which the public demands a solution -- by orchestrating
the problem and manipulating the reaction, a solution, originally
desired, is effected. It accomplishes their goal while the public
thinks they had some input. This process is repeated over and over
and is evident in the current Immigrant demonstrations that have
been organized by the elites at the top to foment unrest and
division in America. Events are created and managed to accomplish
the elite's desired goals with the politicians and the corporate
media as accomplices and facilitators -- all moving incrementally
towards the creation of the New World Order.

Add to this the elite's ownership of and control of media
corporations, 40,000 lobbyists, hundreds of think tanks, the
foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral
Commission, Bilderberg and countless other groups that `control the
dialogue' and provide both parties (the duopoly) with mountains of
propaganda to create distractions and wedge issues (abortion, gay
marriage, illegal immigration, etc); or the latest `trivia news
saturation' (missing blondes, rapes at Duke, a Kennedy in rehab)
while the greater issues of the day are conveniently disregarded.
All this and more is arrayed against the lone American citizen
struggling to understand what is happening to his country and the
world. It is no wonder that the American citizen is not informed --
by design, of course.

Mark Twain once said that if one does not read the newspaper he is
uninformed and misinformed if he does.

Nothing important gets into the corporate media unless officially
created, sanctioned, approved or leaked on purpose.
Next: In Part 2, we will further explore the corporate media,
liberal gatekeepers and how the news and views are controlled by the
elite ruling class. Parts 2 and 3 will elaborate on some of the ways
the New World Order and their proxies -- the Democrats and
Republicans -- are destroying America.

Copyright © 1998-2006 Online Journal

Found at http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_775.shtml
__

The biggest con: Democrats & Republicans work together to destroy
America, part 2 of 3
Tibor S. Friedman
Online Journal Contributing Writer

May 9, 2006, 01:32

Nothing important gets into the corporate media unless officially
created, sanctioned, approved or leaked on purpose.

I cite two recent examples of media manipulation, omission and/or
fabrication.

The NSA domestic spying story: Spying has been standard operating
procedure by the US government for decades against its own citizens -
- the story was held by the New York Times before the 2004 elections
but was released in December 2005!

Why?

Certainly not to inform the unwitting and manipulated public! The
New York Times publisher was at the White House discussing this
story prior to its release, raising suspicions about the motivation.
The ensuing (staged with the usual talking points) controversy
favored increasing the president's powers `in time of war' and even
a censure (slap on the wrist) from Sen. Russ Feingold had no
traction because of the spineless Democratic members. So, what was
the point? To further condition Americans to the idea that spying on
them was to protect them from terrorists and that giving up liberty
for security was an acceptable sacrifice. The lopsided Judicial
Committee (10 Republicans and. 8 Democrats -- why even bother?) had
hearings (dog and pony shows) to reinforce the idea of the war
powers of the president. Manipulation of public perception seemed to
be the primary motivation.

Spying & the Internet: The Internet -- originally created by the US
government spook lab DARPA -- may soon be controlled (and charging
tolls) by the large media and cable corporations with limited
content and access, threatening the last bastion of real free
speech. Technology used by the US government is at least several
generations ahead of commercial technology available in the market.
It is rumored that all new monitors have micro cameras imbedded that
can remotely watch you whether or not the computer is on unless the
power is shut off. However, in tandem with corporate assaults
against the Internet is the Pentagon's view of the Internet (free
speech) being as dangerous as an `enemy's weapon system' as stated
in their declassified report `The Information's Operation Roadmap.'

See the Center for Digital Democracy for more information on what
our so-called `representatives' are being lobbied (bribed) to
legislate (currently being debated) against Network Neutrality (the
Open Internet) -- all for money and silencing dissent.

The second story was about DPW (Dubai Ports), while generating much
media bread and circus critical pieces of information were omitted.
All media outlets ignored the globalization process that is and has
been orchestrated and deliberate and not the `natural process' as
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Neocon/Globalist Thomas 'Flat
Word' Friedman of the New York Times would have us believe. Focusing
on the `security issues' -- the circus included the usual suspects
and `experts' from the CFR (now out of the closet) and think tanks,
etc., while none strayed from the `security' talking points. Little
attention was given the fact that America has been virtually sold
out from under our feet by our so-called leaders.

The centerpiece of this story is the Committee on Foreign Investment
in the United States (CFIUS) -- the group that vets and reviews all
foreign investments. The corporate media (and liberal media) across
the board repeatedly told us that CFIUS was a secret body that
informed cabinet members of pending deals -- well it turns out that
the members are not only cabinet members but Bush insiders. What an
egregious omission!

Patrick Wood's August Review tells us that the CFIUS committee
membership is hardly made up of second-rate government staffers. Its
12 members include:
John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury, Chairman

John Marburger, Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy

Stephen Hadley, National Security Advisor

Stephen Friedman, Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
(TC)

Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security

Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State

Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense (CFR)

Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce

Alberto Gonzales, U.S. Attorney General

Joshua Bolten, White House Chief of Staff

Rob Portman, U.S. Trade Representative

N. Gregory Mankiw, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers

On April 3, Rep. Jim Kolbe (R) addressed the Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace (a Globalist think tank and Bilderberg member) --
more like singing to the choir -- about national security and
foreign investments. Kolbe referred to CFIUS as a group that is
secretive but is concerned about national security. His pep talk was
about the positive attributes of globalization -- allowing
foreigners to `invest' in America because it made us friends in the
world.

As you can see from the CFIUS members list -- all are Bush insiders
and cabinet members. Omissions and Lies are reinforced throughout
the information pipeline -- talking points and scripts replace the
truth. Of 1,500 deals passed through CFIUS during the Bush reign
only one has been rejected! In fact, small local newspaper recently
reported, "President Bush has approved the takeover by a Dubai-owned
company of American plants that make parts for jets and tanks after
a review that seems to have satisfied lawmakers who helped block an
earlier Dubai deal." The AP report also said, "Initial reaction from
Capitol Hill was favorable." (Which `lawmakers'?)

Specifically, the Dubai company takes over control of at least nine
factories, including military production facilities in Connecticut
and Georgia. Dubai settled the deal for $1.2 billion. The corporate
media had not reported any of these details to most Americans.
Selling our national security interests to the Arabs seems rather
risky, don't you think?

So the media lies, omits and ignores important information if it
conflicts with the `official' story, message or goals. Any
challenges to power that the media pose are usually safe or intended
to suppress further scrutiny of an issue. Disinformation and
outright propaganda is disseminated along with credible pieces of
information to facilitate redirection or neutralization of inquiries.

As Robert Fisk, a seasoned and honest journalist covering the Middle
East, recently stated that stories written with `officials say,'
or `officials confirmed' have become commonplace in the corporate
media. It reflects not only journalistic laziness, but is used to
condition Americans to blindly accept `official' sources. He stated
that he no longer consumes any corporate media -- print or TV. I
suggest the same -- turn off your TV and stop buying the New York
Times -- it's all lies. Occasionally I tune in to see what they are
reporting as `news,' but try to save your mind and use your
discrimination in processing their stories and their propaganda
techniques -- once the code is cracked you are free to see through
their smoke and mirrors.

Gatekeepers -- the So-Called Liberal Media Also Cover for the Elites

The corporate media and the so-called liberal pundits (the
gatekeepers) both continue their perennial charade of framing all
debate between the Democratic and Republican orbits. Typical of the
liberal tack, Robert Dreyfuss, a gatekeeper at Mother Jones, in a C-
SPAN interview threw in discussion about progressives (not as a
separate entity, but as parts of the duopoly) needing to concentrate
on grassroots efforts to make changes. They know full well that most
Americans have neither the will nor all the information -- which
leads them into dead ends -- as all gatekeepers like Amy Goodman,
Michael Moore, Al Franken, Bill Maher, Jon Stewart , Noam Chomsky
and publications like the Nation, The Progressive, Mother Jones,
etc., are intended to do. This is gatekeeping at the margins.

Corporate media Gatekeeper Jon Stewart and his Daily Show is an
example of the allowable `mainstream' dissent with guests like Sen.
John Kerry (remember his Democratic Convention `free speech
zones'?), Sen. John McCain, Sen. Joe Lieberman, the genocidal war
criminal Henry Kissinger, Sen. Edward Kennedy (his bill adding
another 350,000 H1B visas), without asking them the right or tough
questions . . . framing all the dialogue, again, in the context of
Democrat vs. Republican -- the two headed hydra. Stewart buys into
and advocates the `official' 9/11 lie, the phony War on Terror, and
the illegal wars on Afghanistan and Iraq -- "now that we are
there . . ." His pointless Bush-bashing detracts from having to
address the elites who are behind the curtain really running the
show (and providing his paycheck) or having to address the war
crimes committed by Bush and Cheney. Stewart, like other
gatekeepers, doesn't stray far from the official mythologies peddled
by Uncle Sam and cleverly focuses on `personalities' and not real
issues. Although gatekeepers may provide some peripheral information
(not in the corporate media) for the citizen to ponder they are
deliberately marginalized in acting on it; the politicians and the
corporate media are instrumental in blocking real action for change.
All the exits are covered -- by the occupiers.

The corporate media and the liberal gatekeepers, not surprisingly,
are funded by the same elite structures -- foundations and
corporations -- whose mission it is to protect the elite and their
shadow government that are truly in control, while they distract the
public with their mindless drone about Hollywood and sports
celebrities. When the duopoly talk about the `liberal media' they
omit that people like FOX (News Corp) Rupert Murdoch -- neocon and
pro-Zionist media mogul -- provide some of the most dumbed down,
decadent and degrading entertainment on TV. Murdoch recently
acquired MySpace.com -- for reasons I think may be suspect and
nefarious. In short, there are no liberal media -- they're all one
big happy corporate family fooling and dividing you. All one needs
to do is to examine the cross pollination that exists in corporate
boardrooms -- like the Carlyle director sitting on the (so
called `liberal') New York Times board.

Hollywood hedonism is a propaganda by-product of the media
conglomerates -- and worshiping and creating `stars' has long been
cultivated as part of the cultural phenomenon -- as epitomized by
absurdly hedonistic award shows like the Oscars where the `stars'
kiss each others asses -- all fed to the public via the corporate
media for their distraction and fantasy.

Hollywood, as part of the elite corporate community, has been
instrumental since the beginning of moving pictures in creating
propaganda for the masses that operate under the radar as
entertainment meant to distort reality and deceive the population.
Creating a confused public provides grist for the corporate media to
distract and divide people while other crimes against the people are
ignored -- look here, not there.

Distractions are created deliberately to keep us focused on trivial
things while those in power move incrementally towards enslaving us
and destroying real human values. Hollywood is an integral part of
the New World Order / Corporate Propaganda Machine that serves to
undermine American values and independence.

Some CFR members from Hollywood are Michael Douglas, Richard
Dreyfuss and Warren Beatty -- what are they doing at the Pratt
House? Anyway, people are seeing through Hollywood and their deviant
propaganda products -- the sleeping giant is awakening to the fraud
foisted upon them.

Although the corporate media is the main gatekeeper for the general
public the liberal/progressive left has its own circle of controlled
alternative media -- much of it interspersed with new age hype to
dilute credibility. Discussions of the New World Order, 9/11 truth,
the emerging police state, City of London International banking, the
privately owned Federal Reserve cartel, chemtrails and weather
modification by the military (see HAARP), and other critical issues
are deliberately avoided. A recent C-SPAN phone Q&A with Robert
Dreyfus had a caller ask about 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing
and the conversation was, as is typical, immediately redirected by
the moderator to another topic and the caller was disconnected. That
is media gatekeeping in action. Don't ask questions -- move
along . . . never happened . . .

A recent article, "Noam Chomsky -- Controlled Asset of the New World
Order," by Daniel Abrahamson, confirmed my suspicions and
disappointment about the `master of dissent' as I have often
wondered why his view of the 9/11 official story and other matters
of importance diverged. How can one maintain employment by MIT for
decades, a giant government contractor and still rant on about US
Imperialism?

Abrahamson shares that while Chomsky blames `America'
and `corporations,' he fails to acknowledge the hidden Globalist
over class which pulls the strings, using the US as an engine of
creation and destruction -- and after pinning the world's ills on
American imperialism, he offers the solution of world government
under the UN. Chomsky calls the CFR, Trilateral Commission and
Bilderberg Groups nothing organizations.

Chomsky's hero status is amplified by left gatekeeper publications
like Z Magazine, The Nation, The Progressive and Democracy Now! --
all receive funding from Globalist-front groups like the
Rockefeller, Carnegie and MacArthur Foundations.

The AM (Alternate Media): If you are reading this it is neither in
the New York Times' op-ed section nor in The Nation. As in the
corporate media and the so called liberal alternative media, the AM
has writers, researchers and content that are not equal and requires
sorting out by the reader. Like pulling on a thread it leads you
somewhere and it is up to each of us to hone our researching skills
to add to our database of useful information already acquired and to
use our precious time recognizing what is useful in further
developing our understanding. Recognize the difference between a
rant and good research.

Educated in cultural anthropology, I have been researching for
several years now and use AM for my checks against corporate media
and alternative media sources, and for new sources of information.
Multiple sources are needed to verify conclusions and I have tried
to present an informative article based on these practices. I have a
list (provided later) of core sites I frequent; there are
writers/journalists I look for who have high standards for research
and analysis -- with new additions as my research widens. It is up
to each of us to be Information Guerillas and to seek out the truth
no matter what horrors and atrocities we discover -- to be free is
to seek the truth no matter where it leads. And as I attempted to do
here -- share your knowledge with others and encourage dialogue and
discovery.

Thus far, we have shown that both Democrats and Republicans are
essentially the same, both working for the same masters. We have
also pointed out that not all media are equal and the corporate
media and liberal gatekeepers are financed by the same corporations
and foundations and controlled by the CIA. At the top of this power
pyramid is the New World Order cabal with their shadow governments.
Alternate Media is the last bastion of free speech and Internet 2 is
soon coming -- print or save your important articles.

Now for the really ugly and nasty stuff . . .

Destroying America for the New World Order

Chemtrails. . . . In the Skies, but not in the News . . .

Having observed CTs (chemtrails) for some time I am convinced that
our leaders (and their masters) would not hesitate killing 3,000
citizens if it served their purpose, which, undoubtedly, 9/11 has.
With two illegal wars and more already in the early stages, the
construction of a police state (the soft cage) and 800 detention
centers (and Halliburton building more), the bipartisan passage of
the un-PATRIOT Act (It is us they fear, not the terrorists) which
abrogates the Constitution and the creation of the phony War on
Terror (renamed the Long War), etc., it is clear that they have
Americans targeted for population reduction and enslavement.

Chemtrails have been sprayed across America by the military and
contractors almost daily since at least 1998 -- begun by Democrat
Bill Clinton. Chemtrails include aluminum and barium oxides, the
very toxic pesticide ethylene bromide and raw jet fuel occasionally
mixed with bio germ toxic cocktails like pseudomonas fluorescens and
mycoplasma.

Amy Worthington's "Chemtrails: Delivery System for Dept. of Death's
Toxic Cocktails" details some of the biochemical
warfare `experiments' the military has conducted on the American
people in the last 50 years. The sharp increase of respiratory
illnesses and various cancers indicates they are succeeding at
killing many thousands with compromised immune systems and weakening
others exposed to CTs.

Ken Welch concludes in his "Chemtrails -- Predictions" written
earlier this year that this is a two-step process with Chemtrails
spraying first and then `for the second part, the biological
culmination, is the intentional release of the1918 Spanish
Influenza, or some minor but souped-up variation..'

According to Michael Chertoff's (DHS) announcement on March 9, the
same day the un-PATRIOT Act was renewed, the avian flu is a mere
months away from reaching the US. Dr. Len Horowitz tells us in his
article, "Avian Flu Fright: Politically Timed for Global
Iatrogenocide" that `if the avian flu becomes more than a threatened
epidemic, it will have done so by political and economic design,'
adding that this would also serve depopulation objectives. These
merchants of death in the military-industrial-academic/research
complex see biochemical warfare and weather modification
(experimenting and creating `natural' disasters has been going on
for decades) as `conflicts short of war' economic substitutes for
standard militarization. Both Dr. Horowitz and Jerry Mazza ("The
AIDS Virus: Made in the USA?" Online Journal, 10/26/05) explain that
AIDS was created in a military lab and was deliberately transmitted
to Africa and India via smallpox vaccines by the WHO -- a
Rockefeller funded organization. The Ebola virus, the swine flu,
Lyme disease, West Niles virus, SARS and other bioengineered weapons
made by the US have been used as `test runs' before the `Big One,'
now being propagandized by the leaders and the corporate media, is
possibly unleashed.

A weakened and compromised population offers little resistance to
the authorities.

The current mumps (a normally mild virus) outbreak in the Midwest
was called a useful `drill' by a CDC spokesperson. According to
Patricia Doyle, PhD, the virus has mutated away from that which the
vaccine covers, rendering it useless. Is this another test?

If this is enough to scare you, consider that the 1918 Spanish Flu
(H5N1) has been recreated (what madness!!) and is in the labs of the
CDC and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology! No doubt the elites
will have their vaccines close at hand when and if the Big One is
unleashed.

Today, the Rockefeller family, its foundation, the UN and WHO remain
at the forefront of administering `population programs' designed to
reduce world populations to more `manageable' levels. The David
Rockefeller directed Council of Foreign Relations periodical Foreign
Affairs has advertised targeting the US for 50 percent reduction.

A note on Chertoff: The dual (US/Israeli) citizen has two deputies
working in Homeland Security -- ex-KGB General Yevgeni Primakov and
ex-STASI (East German intelligence) Markus Wolfe -- both declared
terrorists by the US in the 1990s. Why would DHS have these kinds of
folks working in America? This is eerily similar to the CIA's
Operation Paperclip where hundreds if not thousands of Nazi
scientists were brought to the US after World War II to expand
torture, mind control and biowarfare techniques for the CIA.
Incidentally, almost a hundred microbiologists have been murdered or
committed `suicide' in the last few years -- a coincidence? For more
on Chertoff visit Newswithviews.com Patrick Briley's extensive and
enlightening expose. This is the guy protecting you!

President Bush has already warned us that in the event of an avian
flu pandemic people would be quarantined (martial law) and forced to
take vaccinations (we know can't possibly work). The cowardly and
complicit Congress has budgeted $8 billion for Tamiflu made by Roche
(formerly I.G. Farben, a Nazi era company supported by and
benefiting the Rockefellers, Harriman's and the Bushes before,
during and after WW II), which Dr Horowitz warns us could be
the `flu vaccine' that will precisely deliver this pandemic to the
world to affect population control.

Vaccinations are usually harmful -- such an example is the Lyme
disease vaccine that crippled 750,000 people within months of its
release and subsequent recall by the FDA. The anthrax vaccine has
had similar results with the forced vaccinations of military
personnel, and much of the population's outright rejection and
refusal to take it including health care first responders. Dr.
Horowitz states in his article that "a growing body of scientific
evidence strongly suggests vaccines are largely responsible for
increasing cases of autism and other learning disabilities, chronic
fatigue, fibromyalgia, Lupus, MS, ALS, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma,
hay fever, allergies, chronic draining ear infections, type 1
autoimmune diabetes, and many, many more pandemics.

A note on martial law: One million foreign troops are alleged to
be 'training' at various locations on US soil. Once martial law goes
into effect they will be used to detain and control the population
as part of the 'peacekeeper force' of the UN. (This is the real
mission of FEMA -- population control -- not disaster relief, see
educate-yourself.com) Over the years white UN vehicles have been
noticed being shipped by rail in many parts of the country. Eight
hundred detention centers are estimated to exist in America with
base closings becoming new centers; along with large vacated
industrial parks being converted into same. Halliburton just
received a $385 million contract to build more detention
centers 'rapidly' for 'new programs.'

Beginning in the 1950s, underground cities for the elites
and 'government officials' have been created and increased in the
1990s under Clinton, bringing the completely self-sustaining
underground cities to about 135. There is protection for the elites
but not for American citizens. What are they expecting or planning?

These are not things that our elected officials share with us or
have the authority to do without our permission; yet they do
whatever they want under the guise of 'National Security' and other
phony pretexts. This is the shadow government at work.
Next: In Part 3 we will continue to discuss the destruction of
America by the New World Order cabal, the powers behind the curtain.

Copyright © 1998-2006 Online Journal

Found at http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_780.shtml

__
The biggest con: Democrats & Republicans work together to destroy
America, part 3 of 3
Tibor S. Friedman
Online Journal Contributing Writer

May 10, 2006, 01:03

"Military men are just stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign
policy" -- Kissinger
Depleted uranium weapons were first given by the US to Israel for
use under US supervision in the 1973 Sinai war against the Arabs.
Since then the US has tested, manufactured, and sold depleted
uranium weapons systems to 29 countries. An international taboo
prevented their use until 1991, when the US broke the taboo and used
them for the first time, on the battlefields of Iraq and Kuwait.
Depleted uranium (DU) is a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) that was
used under the direction of George H. W. Bush and then Secretary of
Defense Dick Cheney in the 1st Gulf War in 1991. Democrat Bill
Clinton used it in the Balkans (and in Iraq, using the no-fly zones
as cover) and it continues to be used today in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In Irving Wesley's "Depleted Uranium for Dummies," he tells us that
more than 400 tons were used in 1991; that rose to at least 2,000
tons in the Balkans, more than 1,000 tons used in Afghanistan and
over 3,000 tons used so far in the current liberation of Iraq by
George W. Bush.
The explosion of DU munitions on the battlefield creates microscopic
and submicroscopic insoluble uranium oxide particles that remain
suspended in the air and travel around the earth as a radioactive
component of atmospheric dust, contaminating the environment,
indiscriminately killing, maiming and causing disease in all living
things where rain, snow and moisture remove it from the atmosphere
DU is a death sentence not only for our soldiers and their families
but also for all the people whose land is forever contaminated --
with DU attacking the master code of DNA.
Eleven thousand troops have died and over 500,000 are on disability
from the 1st Gulf War -- 56 percent of those having served now have
serious health problems.
Depleted Uranium use is genocide and a war crime of the highest
order. It is now circulating around the world via the trade winds
and has been detected in the UK. It will eventually arrive in the US
and to add to what already exists here, as exposed recently in a
report on LANL (Los Alamos National Lab) detailing Weapons Testing
of Depleted Uranium by explosions and fires in the open air in New
Mexico, near Santa Fe -- contaminating the area forever. Forty-two
states in America are contaminated with nuclear waste, DU weapons
manufacturing and testing.
It is clear that the insane are running the asylum. Who are the real
terrorists?
In "Depleted Uranium: The Trojan Horse of Nuclear War," Leuren
Moret, a former Livermore Labs expert, provides a deeper analysis of
this greatest of all crimes against humanity.
It is important to note and understand that the complicit and
criminal Congress and the corporate media refuse to address or
report on chemtrails (CTs) and DU, two major crimes against
humanity -- open conspiracies that one can see up in the skies and
in military personnel returning who are having children with
multiple birth defects.
I have sent many articles and email to my representatives, Sen.
Hillary Clinton and Rep. Maurice Hinchey, and the corporate media
about these two specific issues and have never received any replies.
This is how their system works -- they ignore and marginalize
dissent.
These are war crimes committed by both Democrats and Republicans
against humanity.
The hysteria now echoing in the corporate media about a nuclear Iran
requires reasoned analysis before we all buy into the same lies we
were sold before attacking Iraq. Jack Smith's article, "Bush's War
Plans Include the Use of Nuclear Weapons," provides a sane appraisal
of the madness contrary to what we are fed daily by the corporate
media and propagandists.
Poisoning and Drugging Americans . . . Population Control and Profits
The recent Food Labeling Act passed by the corrupt Congress allows
further relaxation of labeling requirements on what is in your food,
essentially letting the corporate food conglomerates to poison you
at will!
GMOs (genetically modified organisms), rather than feeding the world
as Bill Clinton -- responsible for the FDA approval of these
poisonous products -- would have us believe are cash cows for
Monsanto, ADM, DuPont and Dow, et al, and a way for the New World
Order (NWO) to control the world's food supply. As an example, Paul
Bremer, former Viceroy of Iraq and Medal of Freedom recipient,
issued 100 orders before fleeing the country. Order 81 specifically
dealt with prohibiting the saving of seeds as they have in
Mesopotamia (Iraq) -- the cradle of civilization and agriculture --
for thousands of years and required that they instead buy and use
GMO seeds from Monsanto, DuPont and Dow.
William Engdahl's articles on this subject are a must read: "Iraq
and Washington's `seeds of democracy'" and "WTO, GMO and Total
Spectrum Dominance."
Bremer's illegal orders also call for the privatization of all
Iraq's state owned industries and services with multinational
(American) corporations getting them for pittance. This is predatory
globalization. Have you ever heard these 100 orders discussed in the
corporate media? Of course not.
What will Iraq look like if the new "government" succumbs to US
dictates and Bremer's Orders? "A small sampling of the most
important orders demonstrates the economic imprint left by the Bush
administration: Order No. 39 allows for: (1) privatization of Iraq's
200 state-owned enterprises; (2) 100 percent foreign ownership of
Iraqi businesses; (3) 'national treatment' -- which means no
preferences for local over foreign businesses; (4) Unrestricted, tax-
free remittance of all profits and other funds; and (5) 40-year
ownership licenses," wrote Antonia Juhasz, a project director at the
International Forum on Globalization in San Francisco (LA Times,
August 5, 2004).
Other poisons our fascist (corporate /government) leaders allow in
the water and air and food: Fluoride, MSG, aspartame (a product
introduced by Searle -- eventually Monsanto -- a company where
Rumsfeld was CEO and with his coercion was approved by the FDA),
chlorine, hydrogenated oils, and so on . . . some food for thought
as you go shopping. Mike Adams' article, "The Mass Poisoning of
Humanity," further elaborates on this -- another ongoing bipartisan
crime committed for money by Congress.
As Democrats start whining again this election cycle about wanting
to get universal healthcare for all Americans, we need to remember
that these folks along with their criminal partners, the
Republicans, are responsible for the above toxic warfare against us.
You never hear much about preventative initiatives only about `cheap
drug access,' which still benefits Big Pharma. Newswithviews.com
contributor, Carolyn Dean, MD, has researched that an estimated
748,000 people die annually using modern medicines (allopathic)
products and services.
America is Broke and Deep in Debt . . . Leveling the Playing Field
The national debt is $8.5 trillion, with the ceiling now at $9
trillion, and consumer debt (your mortgage, car loans, etc) is $50
trillion. The international banking elites (Trilateral Commission,
CFR, Bilderberg) having exported your well paying jobs -- American
manufacturing, businesses and technologies -- now have you indebted
to their banks without you having the means to really pay them back!
This has been the plan all along - a bankrupt nation has no leverage
against the elites that own the banks, control the policies and work
towards creating a global totalitarian government.
A brief introduction to the Federal Reserve System is required at
this point to fully appreciate the catastrophe that we now face.
The Federal Reserve is a privately owned banking cartel. It is not
federal nor is there any reserve. It creates fiat currency out of
thin air (printed by the Treasury Dept. upon the Fed's request) and
is backed by no gold reserve but by the faith of the user.
The Federal Reserve System was established by the passing of the
Federal Reserve Act of 1913 by a handful of senators on Christmas
Eve when most lawmakers had gone home; primary among them was
Senator Nelson Aldrich, father-in-law of John D Rockefeller who had
organized a meeting of the major bankers at the Rockefeller and
Morgan owned Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia in 1910.
The highly secretive meeting -- as told by Edward Griffin in his
informative book "The Creature from Jekyll Island" -- was to come to
an agreement on the structure and operation of a banking cartel. The
goal of the cartel, as is true with all cartels, was to maximize
profits by minimizing competition between members, to make it
difficult for new competitors to enter the field, and to utilize the
police power of government to enforce the cartel agreement. In more
specific terms, the purpose and, indeed, the actual outcome of this
meeting was to create the blueprint for the Federal Reserve System.
With the stroke of a pen President Woodrow Wilson and the US
Congress abdicated their constitutional responsibility to control
and print currency based on actual gold reserves and as a
consequence we have been an occupied nation since 1913.
Ten Families Are the Private Owners of the Federal Reserve: The
Occupiers
1. Rothschild Bank of London
2. Warburg Bank of Hamburg
3. Rothschild Bank of Berlin
4. Lehman Brothers of New York
5. Lazard Brothers of Paris
6. Kuhn Loeb Bank of New York
7. Israel Moses Seif Banks of Italy
8. Goldman, Sachs of New York
9. Warburg Bank of Amsterdam
10. Chase Manhattan Bank of New York (Rockefeller)
Eustace Mullins in "World Order" says, "Besides its controlling
interest in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Rothschilds
had developed important financial interests in other parts of the
US . . . The entire Rockefeller empire was financed by the
Rothschilds"
In 2000, the estimated worth of the Rothschilds was over $100
trillion and the Rockefeller family's was $11 trillion. How much is
enough one could ask?
For more on the creation of the `Fed,' see "A Talk by Edward
Griffin" and on The Modern History Project's site, "Final Warning: A
History of the New World Order" -- Ch. 2.3 (this free on line book
is recommended and is an excellent overview of the NWO).
The Federal Reserve quietly announced that as of March 20, it would
no longer publish M3 data used by the public, investors or bond
holders to know how much currency exists. Without it, there is no
way to gauge how much a "dollar" is truly worth. Inflation, as the
average person knows all too well, is not what the US government
claims.
Sources in the U.S. Treasury have leaked that the Federal Reserve
recently ordered $2 trillion to be printed! The U.S. Treasury is
allegedly running printing presses 24/7 to accommodate that order.
Treasury employees were specifically ordered not to talk about this
to anyone because it could cause economic collapse. It is speculated
that the whole Immigration Amnesty Debate (especially the well-
funded, organised and well-attended protests) was deliberately
scheduled to take place to divert attention from this massive
printing/devaluation of the U.S. dollar.
Three hundred trillion in derivatives (market side bets that no one
can explain how they work) are about to implode as those in that
business say it is getting unmanageable. Is the whole planet
leveraged? Warren Buffet calls derivatives the neutron bomb waiting
to go off.
It is believed that the miraculous surplus in some state coffers and
the rise in the stock market -- the pumping up -- have been
attributed to this excess cash being spread around by the Fed. The
real question is why the bankers would intentionally create a
hyperinflationary environment unless they desire to collapse the US
economy. It was the bankers who engineered the crash of 1929 and
then bought up stocks afterwards for pennies on the dollar,
consolidating even greater wealth.
On April 25, Rep. Ron Paul (R) of Texas addressed Congress. In his
speech, "What the price of gold is telling us," he was the only
brave and honest member of Congress to denounce fiat currency as
practiced by the Federal Reserve and the dangers it represents to
our economy and political system. He told us that "Inflation, as
exposed by high gold prices, transfers wealth from the middle class
to the rich, as real wages decline while the salaries of CEOs, movie
stars, and athletes skyrocket -- along with the profits of the
military industrial complex, the oil industry, and other special
interests." Visit his site.
Reporting on Greenspan's final G7 meeting, Reuters last December 3
noted, British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, who chaired
the meeting of finance leaders from the United States, Britain,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, said Greenspan"has served
not only America but the whole world."
"As you know, yesterday he also became a freeman of the City of
London and he has signed an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the
Queen to do so -- something as you know Americans have been
reluctant to do for the last 250 years," Brown told a closing news
conference.
No further confession is requires. History will have to reveal the
damage done to America by the criminal banker, CFR and Trilateral
member Alan Greenspan.
This confirms what we already know, that the elites in the US
(including the Bushes) have allegiance to the international bankers
ensconced in the City of London -- the Rothschilds, the European
elites and the Monarchy of Great Britain.
Another issue not covered here is the US Judicial System viewed by
some international observers as one of the most corrupt in the
world -- that serves to protect the elites and to punish those that
offend and challenge the ruling class. The recent Moussaoui kangaroo
trial, with no evidence and a series of `witnesses' like the
complicit Rudy Guiliani and 9/11 victims' survivors, had no merit
other than the US looking for a `trophy case' as a law professor
noted. The case speaks volumes about coercion and propaganda.
The Great Dumbing Down of America . . . Preparing for Diminished
Expectations
Television (owned by the corporate media) and the taxpayer-funded
educational system are the two main forces that have deliberately
and directly contributed to the mass dumbing down of Americans.
When viewing television the normal activity in the neocortex is
diminished; while the lower brain regions (limbic system) associated
with primal functions increases. The reptilian (lower brain) is
unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality leaving us
vulnerable to manipulation -- which the mind control specialists
have taken full advantage of.
Early on the elites knew the potential of owning and harnessing the
media for the purpose of mass mind control and used the guidance of
the Tavistock Institute in London, which has conducted experiments
in the creation of controlled chaos and their effects on
populations. September 11 was an event meant to shock and immobilize
people -- further conditioning them for brainwashing. Dr. Byron T.
Weeks' "Tavistock: The Best Kept Secret in America" details the
nefarious history and reach of this institute through academia
(Stanford), the think tanks and foundations in the United States.
Manuel Venezuela, in his incisive "Land of the Puppet People,"
understands the power of mass control through television: Our
masters can today do with us as they wish, using the television as
the instrument to implant corporatist propaganda into our minds,
knowing that millions upon millions of Americans no longer think for
themselves, certain that the anemic education prevalent throughout
the nation is succeeding in molding loyal sheep conditioned to obey,
consume and produce.
Our thoughts are being homogenized; our minds now linger in the
assembly lines of corporate propaganda, robbing us of individuality,
of different personalities, of various tastes and wants. We are the
pawns in the front lines of the corporatist takeover of our nation
and most importantly, our minds, with those in power toying with us,
making us marionettes whose strings are easily manipulated by the
few who control television.
Concluding . . .
The Globalists and International bankers (NWO) as you can see have
used and depleted Americas resources and after using this great
country to undermine and destroy other nations in the world for
their own control and benefit, they are now intent on destroying
what remains of America as they turn us into another Third World
country.
Returning to our original question -- why are our leaders turning
America into a pariah in the world? Americans are increasingly
concluding that neither party represents them and that they are both
corrupt and `taking the country in the wrong direction.' In fact
this is what the NWO desires, as they offer the solution of a One
World Government (the UN) as a means to address these problems. This
shift is visible as the CFR, Hoover and Brookings Institute's and
others are used as `official sources' to confirm that the NWO is now
an open conspiracy and that the old way of governance is not
suitable anymore.
So there you have it - a thumbnail sketch of the alternate view of
the world as opposed to the sanitized propaganda spewed by the
corporate media.
My wife and best friend said that this article is depressing, as it
should be or not, if it allows us to wake up and realize that this
precious life and the earth we all share is all we have, and to
honor it is to do what we can within our limited purview to save it -
- it is good.
We cannot let the forces that attempt to keep us ignorant win and we
cannot allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the madness we see, hear
and learn about. We should balance our lives with love in our
pursuit of freedom of speech and a better world.
What Can We Do?
• Stop supporting and feeding the corporate `tapeworm,' as
Catherine Austin Fitts calls it. Divert your financial resources.
Boycott Exxon-Mobil. Cut up your credit cards, and pay off your
bills and your house if you can. Live within your means. I would
suggest dumping stocks as well -- they will crash eventually.
Remember gold and silver will be confiscated by DHS in case of an
emergency; they have already notified the banks not to open safe
deposit boxes without a DHS agent present. Invest in Survival.
• Boycott elections.
• Prepare. Stock up on supplies for at least three months or
more; have a strategy when martial law takes effect. Share all this
with your family and friends.
Recommended Sites:
Onlinejournal.com; Rense.com; whatreallyhappened.com;
globalresearch.ca; another day in the empire.com;
infowars/prisonplanet.com; counterpunch.com; joelskousen.com are
some great sites offering eclectic and varied sources for analyses
and information.
August Review.com -- Chronicles the process of Globalization and the
creation and influence of the Trilateral Commission by David
Rockefeller and Zbignew Breszinksi. Critical analysis of the World
Bank, IMF, WTO, and BIS -- institutions for implementing the
Trilateral plan for globalization. Google to `Trilateral Membership
2006' -- at www.august review.com pdf 2006. The membership lists
members and their affiliations; along with corporate members John
Sweeney of the AFL-CIO is on the list as was Leonard Woodcock in
1976 -- and other curious labor / corporate collusions.
Newswithviews.com is another excellent site that is conservative and
Globalization, NWO, communitarianism, sustainable growth issues are
analyzed. I recommend Deanna Spingola's "Bush's War on Terror" 9
part series on the history of the War on Iraq.
Disclaimer: This commentary is free to reprint as long as the writer
and Online Journal are credited, and is solely for educational
purposes.

Copyright © 1998-2006 Online Journal
Found at http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_785.shtml

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

O Canada

2006-05-04T17:28:08Z

O Canada

We sold our homes and gave away our native land

True American patriot love in all thy dead sons command

With saddened hearts we see thee fall

The True North sold to slavery

From Alberta and Quebec

O Canada, they come to destroy thee

Their God will keep our land incarcerated while they glee

O Canada, we watch them destroy thee

O Canada, we sold our souls and are no longer free

www.chycho.com

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Proud American

2006-04-30T11:59:35Z

Ya know I hear a lot of ppl talking trash about the US & I can understand most of it & as for the rest, what the hell, it's called free speech. Anyway & maybe more to the point, the US is not perfect nor has it ever been & that's the freaking deal ppl. The US is a Constitutional Republic not a utopia. The greatest challenges that face such a nation are ignorance & apathy. A democracy is undefined in it's purest form because it is always changing based on the perceptions & participation of it's voters. Are you free in the US....... yes & no. You are free to vote, lobby, donate, lie, educate, ect in order to change the laws that help govern us all. You are not free to piss on my mail box or beat someone to death on the beach.
During the American Revolution 1/3 of the American colonists were opposed to separation another 1/3 sat on the fence taking no action. It was a mere 1/3 of the population that changed the coarse of history. These are the ppl that we need to step up now & make the US live up to our expectations. I mean don't be a punk & bail on your country & then bitch about it. Lets not bring anymore of our problems to our friends in Canada, they have their own issues to deal with, they don't need a bunch of Americans running around creating new problems in Canada that they couldn't fix in America. I love my country & I plan to continue to help guide it by participation & education. (& get the hell rid of Bush, the fucking shmuck!) Cheers all!

posted in Americans in Canada - 21 replies

Forget moving to Canada?

2006-04-27T17:15:51Z

Scary news off the wires tonight:

Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party won national elections Monday and ended 13 years of Liberal rule, a victory expected to move Canada rightward on social and economic issues and lead to improved ties with the United States.

The Conservatives' winning margin was too narrow to avoid ruling with a minority government, a situation that will make it difficult to get legislation through a divided House of Commons.

The triumph for the Conservatives came with many Canadians weary of the broken promises and corruption scandals under the Liberal Party, making them willing to give Harper a chance to govern despite concerns that some of his social views are extreme.

"Tonight friends, our great country has voted for change, and Canadians have asked our party to take the lead in delivering that change," Harper told some 2,000 cheering supporters at his campaign headquarters in Calgary.

Relations with the Bush administration will likely improve under Harper as his ideology runs along the same lines of many U.S. Republicans.

Reading some of the other analysis about the election, it sounds like things may get a bit more Right winged up north...
Unless the Conservatives fail to keep the Parliment together, it may be tough times for progressives and issues such as gay marriage and marijunia reform..

What's other folks take on the election?

posted in Americans in Canada - 22 replies

From the Union of Concerned Scientists on the Nuclear "bunker busters"

2006-04-17T08:16:44Z

From the Union of Concerned Scientists on the Nuclear "bunker busters"

This is the most important three minute explanation by the Union of Concerned Scientists that you will ever see.

http://www.ucsusa.org/global_security/nuclear_weapons/nuclear-bunker-buster-rnep-animation.html

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

The "Doug" flag of the Bioregion of Cascadia

2006-03-24T14:32:25Z

Our fellow Cascadian Collin (savepac17@yahoo.com) during the winter holidays had a "Doug" or Cascadian flag made. Those are pictures of the Doug I posted in the photo section. If you are interested then contact the Texan company for a copy.

For those wanting a Cascadian local flag company there is smALL FLAGs in Oregon www.smallflags.com/BASE/About%20us.htm

For those wanted a more organic material made either contact small flags and inquire if it is possible for them or the BeeHive Collective ( www.beehivecollective.org/ ) and see if they can help with materials. I would also suggest starting several local flag making workshops (maybe Tryon Life Farm would be willing or one of the FreeSkools).

Kloshe Nanitch

Alexander

pictures of the Doug:

http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2006/03/336589.jpg

http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2006/03/336590.jpg

http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2006/03/336591.jpg

http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2006/03/336592.jpg

original design http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2005/12/330627.jpg

symbolism of the bioregion http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2005/12/330626.jpg

From Collin:

"Collin" <savepac17@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 4:19 pm
Subject: CHECK OUT THE PICS OF THE DOUG!!! savepac17

Who says we ain't movin'... we are movin'! Check it out! WE HAVE A FLAG!

Ok, cool, I had to get that off my chest. Anyway, if any of you would like a
flag too let me know. Remember all, the more of you who say, "YES I WANT A
FLAG TOO" means we can get a bulk rate, which will make future productions
of "THE DOUG" cheaper. A and I found a flag maker in Salem, OR who is
waiting for us to make an order.

Collin

various Cascadian groups and sites:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cascadian_Bioregionalism/

http://cascadians.tribe.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascadia

http://republic-of-cascadia.tripod.com/

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Canadian Police State:

2006-02-10T12:55:25Z

Canadian Police State:
Will Canada Follow U.S. "Patriot" Lead
Connie Fogal
Canadian Action Party
January 25, 2006

The USA PAtriot Act had been renewed with a terrifying new term. A new
permanent federal police force has been created to be known as the 'United
States Secret Service Uniformed Division.'" It has Gestapo like powers. Sec.
605 of USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005
empowers these police to "make arrests without warrant for any offense
against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony
cognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable
grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is
committing such felony."

The new police are assigned a variety of jurisdictions, including "an event
designated under section 3056(e) of title 18 as a special event of national
significance" (SENS). "A special event of national significance" is neither
defined nor does it
require the presence of a "protected person" such as the president in order to
trigger it. Thus, the administration, and perhaps the police themselves, can
place the SENS designation on any event. Once a SENS designation is
placed on an event, the new federal police are empowered to keep out and
arrest people at their discretion.

This is very bad stuff. It impacts Canadians because under agreements
entered under the Liberal regime post 9/11 including the Smart Border Plan
and the Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement Canada has agreed
to restructure our police and legal systems to copy that of the USA. We have
just been through an election in Canada in which the four
mainstream parties being the only ones with M.P.s in Parliament said nothing,
nothing, nothing about any of this fundamental regime change process;
nothing, nothing, nothing about the anti terrorism legislation under review in
Canada. The Canadian Action Party has been unable to obtain copies of the
proposed changes to the Canadian law which were under review before the
writ was dropped and now will be back on resumption of Parliament in a few
weeks.

No Canadian NGO's have been profiling this legislation. Indeed, the strongest
NGO, the Council of Canadians, gave this issue no profile in their Election
Report . Worse yet, they gave no profile to and continued their discrimination
against the seven alternative parties some of whom, eg CAP (Canadian
Action Party), take a strong active support position on all
the issues the COC does highlight,and more.

Voters were failed on all fronts.

Prime Minister -elect Harper is lauded by the USA who see him as more Bush
friendly even than was Martin, and Martin already sold Canada out with his
signature on the Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement signed by
Martin Bush and Fox in March of 2004. Harper has said he would reconsider
a U.S. missile defense scheme rejected by the Liberal government of Prime
Minister Paul Martin. He also said he wanted to move beyond the Kyoto
debate by establishing different environmental controls, spend more on the
Canadian military, expand its peacekeeping missions and tighten security
along the U.S. border to prevent terrorists and guns from crossing.
All this means is that Harper will be more open than Martin in his acts of anti-
Canadianism and regime change. His language of double speak copies
Bush. He even ends his speeches with "God Bless Canada"

If I am right that no concerned thinking Canadian will support the Gestapo
legislation now intact in the USA, all of us, but especially those Canadians
who voted for the Conservatives, the Liberals, the NDP, the Bloq Quebecois
have no time to lose. We must all immediately contact our new MPs and
demand cancellation of the anti-terrorist legislation in
Canada. Even the NDP need strong prodding . Some of their candidates
were talking more law and order, more punishment. Like the NAFTA, the anti-
terrorist legislation is so fundamentally flawed , is so liberty stripping that
it
must be revoked , not re-jigged. Similarly the Smart Border declaration and
the Security and Prosperity Partnership
Agreement must be revoked. All the administrative changes in process by the
bureaucracy arising out of those agreements must be halted.We are either
sovereign or we are not. MPs need to prove they have not been neutered.

Please read the following article respecting the U.S.A law. It is definitely not

safe to travel to the USA any more, or even to fly over their airspace.
Arbitrary
power is unleashed there. Americans are prisoners now in their own land.
Canadians await the same fate unless we compel this minority government to
stop it here.

Connie Fogal, Leader, Canadian Action Party

Unfathomed Dangers In Patriot Act Renewal
By Paul Craig Roberts
1-24-6
A provision in the "Patriot Act" creates a new federal police force with power
to
violate the Bill of Rights. You might think that this cannot be true as you have

not read about it in newspapers or heard it discussed by talking heads on TV.

Go to House Report 109-333 -USA PATRIOT IMPROVEMENT AND
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005 and check it out for yourself. Sec. 605
reads:

"There is hereby created and established a permanent police force, to be
known as the 'United States Secret Service Uniformed Division'."

This new federal police force is "subject to the supervision of the Secretary of

Homeland Security."

The new police are empowered to "make arrests without warrant for any
offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any
felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable
grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is
committing such felony."

The new police are assigned a variety of jurisdictions, including "an event
designated under section 3056(e) of title 18 as a special event of national
significance" (SENS).

"A special event of national significance" is neither defined nor does it
require
the presence of a "protected person" such as the president in order to trigger
it. Thus, the administration, and perhaps the police themselves, can place the
SENS designation on any event. Once a SENS designation is placed on an
event, the new federal police are empowered to keep out and to arrest people
at their discretion.

The language conveys enormous discretionary and arbitrary powers. What is
"an offense against the United States"? What are "reasonable grounds"?

You can bet that the Alito/Roberts court will rule that it is whatever the
executive branch says.

The obvious purpose of the act is to prevent demonstrations at Bush/ Cheney
events. However, nothing in the language limits the police powers from being
used only in this way. Like every law in the US, this law also will be
expansively interpreted and abused. It has dire implications for freedom of
association and First Amendment rights. We can take for granted that the new
federal police will be used to suppress dissent and to break up opposition.
The Brownshirts are now arming themselves with a Gestapo.

Many naive Americans will write to me to explain that this new provision in the
reauthorization of the "Patriot Act" is necessary to protect the president and
other high officials from terrorists or from harm at the hands of angry
demonstrators: "No one else will have anything to fear." Some will accuse me
of being an alarmist, and others will say that it is unpatriotic to doubt the
law's
good intentions.

Americans will write such nonsense despite the fact that the president and
foreign dignitaries are already provided superb protection by the Secret
Service. The naive will not comprehend that the president cannot be
endangered by demonstrators at SENS at which the president is not present.
For many Americans, the light refuses to turn on.

In Nazi Germany did no one but Jews have anything to fear from the
Gestapo?

By Stalin's time Lenin and Trotsky had eliminated all members of the
"oppressor class," but that did not stop Stalin from sending millions of
"enemies of the people" to the Gulag.

It is extremely difficult to hold even local police forces accountable. Who is
going to hold accountable a federal police protected by Homeland Security
and the president?

COPYRIGHT CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.

Paul Craig Roberts is the author with Lawrence M. Stratton of The Tyranny of
Good Intentions : How Prosecutors and Bureaucrats Are Trampling the
Constitution in the Name of Justice. Click here for Peter Brimelow's Forbes
Magazine interview with Roberts about the recent epidemic of prosecutorial
misconduct.

Stay informed. Subscribe and get the best of PEJ News by email. Free.

link to www.pej.org
article&sid=4118&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Tax Question

2006-02-01T06:31:34Z

I'm in something of a weird situation here. I'm a US citizen, and a Canadian permanent resident. I work in Washington State. This has made my tax situation ridiculously hard to understand. As far as I can tell, as a US citizen living and working in Canada, I would not pay US taxes unless I went over a certain amount. However, I don't work in Canada.

What I'm looking for is someone who knows how this should be working - do I have to pay taxes both places? Or alternatively, suggestions for tax people who deal with this sort of issue in the lower mainland area of BC. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as my tax bill is mounting higher and higher.

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

the rains of British Columbia and the rest of Cascadia

2006-01-16T14:43:50Z

Rain... beautiful soggy wet cold rain

rain with rain and rain plus some more rain... nice cold grey sky and lots of soggy rain ... and we are just entering the wet winter season... I guess global climatic change might make Cascadia wetter and less "sunshine days".

By the way has anyone mentioned the HUGE earthquake that is suppose to hit Cascadia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascadia_subduction_zone
www.crew.org
http://www.crew.org/papers/CREWCascadiaFinal.pdf
www.pgc.nrcan.gc.ca/geodyn/cascadia.htm
www.pnsn.org/HAZARDS/CASCADIA/cascadia_zone.html

And ofcourse some of the most active and explosive volcanoes.

any way back rain in the news (you can depend that there will be RAIN... lots of rain .. maybe no snow for spring run off, but lots of cold rain:

Henri Moreau: Remember when winter was winter?
A letter to the editor
Dear Editor: I have just returned to Portland, Ore., after having the pleasure of watching the Badgers whip Michigan State.
During my stay in Milwaukee I chuckled at the lead story being how many consecutive cloudy days Milwaukee has had.

Here in the Pacific Northwest we are experiencing a fair amount of rain. Twenty-three out of the past 24 days it has rained and the 10-day forecast calls for more of the same.

Rob Zaleski's column on what winters used to be like made me somewhat nostalgic for those days of snow, a lot of snow with below-freezing temperatures. Those were the days!!

Those days I miss.

Oh well, in a few weeks we will start to see the spring flowers pop up and play an occasional round of golf. I might even have to think about cutting the grass by mid-February. Hmmm, now I remember why I have stayed here for the last 19 years.

I enjoyed your article.

Henri Moreau
Vancouver, Wash.

Published: January 14, 2006

found at http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/letters/index.php?ntid=68739&ntpid=2

Flood damages in Oregon hit $22 million so far

Associated Press

GRANTS PASS (AP) — Statewide flood damages from heavy rains over the past month have hit an estimated $22 million so far, with southwestern Oregon getting the worst of it.

And more rain is expected. Forecasters say a La Nina weather condition is likely to keep the storms tracking over the Northwest until spring.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who toured flood damage in Astoria, declared a state of emergency in 24 of Oregon’s 36 counties to set in motion a request for federal assistance in repairing $7 million in damages to highways around the state.

Meanwhile, the Willamette River went over flood stage at Oregon City, threatening an apartment building, but was predicted to return within its banks by Saturday morning. The Tualatin river southwest of Portland was also over its banks.

Statewide, precipitation this rainy season has been just 24 percent above normal, but it seems greater because it has been concentrated in late December and January, said Sheila Strachan, a hydrologist with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service in Portland. Statewide, the snow pack is 103 percent of normal.

“We had such fine weather last January, which was cold and dry and sunny, that the normal Oregon weather is sort of a shock to our systems,” Strachan said.

“It’s actually doing exactly what it’s supposed to do,” said state climatologist George Taylor, who had predicted a wet and mild winter for Oregon. “It’s because we had La Nina conditions develop in the tropical Pacific. Our wettest winters tend to occur during La Ninas.”

The opposite of the more infamous El Nino, La Nina occurs when temperatures cool in the Pacific Ocean off South America, and warm in the western Pacific off the Philippines, Australia and Indonesia.

Although the federal government recently reported that a weak La Nina was just starting to develop, Taylor said it is a “full-fledged” La Nina, and has been going on for months.

Despite a dry winter last year, Oregon has been in a wet cycle since the winter of 1994-1995, Taylor said. This year is very similar to the winter of 1995-96.

“I think it will keep raining well into March,” Taylor said. “I also think spring is going to be relatively mild and dry.”

The preliminary tally includes for $7.8 million spent by local and state agencies on repairs, debris removal and protective measures; $7 million in damages to homes, businesses and agriculture, and $7 million in damages to highways around the state, according to Oregon Emergency Management.

Jackson County suffered the most damage from flooding at the end of December, hitting an estimated $5.8 million so far, said Abby Kershaw, section director for financial and recovery services with Oregon Emergency Management.

Mudslides closed Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Summit south of Ashland on Dec. 30, and rising waters on Bear Creek prompted evacuation of two trailer parks in Ashland and Phoenix. The Rogue River went over its banks, flooding some homes on the outskirts of the town of Rogue River and damaging a park in Gold Hill.

Coos County has suffered $4.6 million in damages so far. A broken dike flooded about 20 homes there at the end of December. County officials have expressed frustration with the slow pace of state help.

Rain and snow have also been heaviest in the southwestern part of the state, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Klamath Basin has had precipitation 53 percent above normal, with a snow pack 37 percent above normal. The Rogue and Umpqua basins have seen precipitation 49 percent above average and have a snow pack 1 percent below average.

The Willamette Basin has had only 18 percent above normal precipitation, with the snow pack at 88 percent of normal.

In Astoria, John Toftemark showed Kulongoski and city officials where the foundation of his home has dropped 6 feet, leaving one corner suspended in the air. The governor pledged to call Toftemark’s insurance company.

Kulongoski said he was working to gain federal help with small Business Administration loans for homeowners without flood insurance who suffered damages.

The governor also toured a dike that breached, but has since been repaired.

found at http://www.eastoregonian.info/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=206&ArticleID=47896&TM=57917.56

Seattle's rain doesn't compare to Kaneohe
SEATTLE (AP) — Despite all the whining and jokes about its long-running streak of rainy days, Seattle isn't even the wettest city in Washington, let alone the rainiest city in the United States.
If Seattle exceeds its previous record of 33 consecutive days of rain, set in 1953, it won't even be a blip in the national weather record books. No place compares to the achievement of Hawaii, where Kaneohe Ranch on the island of Oahu recorded 247 consecutive days of rain from Aug. 27, 1993 through April 30, 1994.

"Hawaii has some amazing rainfall statistics," said Jim Ashby, a climatologist with the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno

Seattle had 0.57 of an inch of rain on Thursday for a total of 12.41 inches since Dec. 19, when the city started on the path toward its own record, which it could match on Jan. 20 or beat on Jan. 21. Friday, another rainy day, was the 26th successive day of rain.

Also on Friday, Gov. Christine Gregoire declared a state of emergency in 12 counties: Pacific, Grays Harbor, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Kitsap, King, Pierce, Skagit, Thurston, Lewis and Spokane. The declaration starts the process of seeking federal disaster funds to repair road and infrastructure damage, spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said. "It also puts everyone on elevated alert — that we have emergencies we might have to deal with and the governor expects you're going to be ready to address those."

Ashby noted that rainy days in Hawaii are different from precipitation in the Pacific Northwest.

"It's not quite as overcast and dismal. You get some sun between," he said.

The wettest city in Washington? Centralia, which is about halfway between Seattle and Portland, Ore., set the Washington record for consecutive days of precipitation at 55 between late 1996 and early 1997.

Snow could have contributed to the record and "some of those days were just a hundredth of an inch," Ashby said. One hundredth of an inch is the measurable threshold for rain used by the climate center and the National Weather Service in tracking these records.

Rivers around the Seattle area were still at or near flood conditions on Friday, although National Weather Service flood watches in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties were set to expire at the end of the day. No new mudslides have been reported, although officials have said ground saturation levels continue to make more slides possible.

The state Department of Transportation reported one new weather-related road closure. State Route 508 in Lewis County in Onalaska, which is a few miles south of Centralia, was closed Friday morning because of what officials are calling "severe settling," due to heavy rains. A detour was in place.

The Mount Baker Ski Area was closed Friday because of a high avalanche danger. Managers of the ski area said the combination of deep snow, warming temperatures and rain raised the avalanche danger.

Condo owners along Lake Sammamish, about 12 miles east of Seattle, have seen water lapping at their doorways this week. Lakeside property owners are used to losing their docks underwater, but this year's heavy storms have rainwater pouring into the lake from every side. The Sammamish Slough is not big enough to handle the overflow.

People around the region were reporting rain damage to their property and flooding in their fields.

But Ashby reminds Seattleites: even setting Hawaii aside, Washington is not the wettest state in the West.

Alaska had 69 days of measurable precipitation between November 1993 and January 1994, including both rain and snow.

In the Lower 48, Oregon holds the record for most consecutive wet days. From December 1997 through mid-February 1998, Otis, Ore., on the central Pacific coast, recorded 79 straight days of rain.

"That's grim," Ashby said. "Seattle has a way to go to break that one."

found at http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2006-01-15-kaneohe-rainfall_x.htm

Flooding, mudflows lead to state of emergency
By Seattle Times staff and news services

Gov. Christine Gregoire declared a state of emergency Friday after nearly a month of rainy days has left millions of dollars of destruction from flooding, mudflows and landslides.

In her proclamation, Gregoire said the rain has caused more than $7.3 million of damage to transportation infrastructure in King, Pierce, Clallam, Skagit, Pacific, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Thurston, Jefferson, Mason, Kitsap and Spokane counties.

Gregoire's signature means the process to get federal funding — should the state request it — would be speeded up for these counties, said spokesman Lars Erickson.

"It also puts everyone on elevated alert — that we have emergencies we might have to deal with, and the governor expects you're going to be ready to address those," spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski also made an emergency declaration Friday.

In addition to the destruction, the unrelenting water has produced a deluge of whining and renewed jokes about Seattle's dreariness. Still, Seattle isn't even Washington's wettest city, let alone the rainiest city in the country.

If Seattle's wet streak — which stood at 26 days Friday — exceeds the previous record of 33 consecutive days, set in 1953, it won't even be a blip in the national weather record books. No place compares with the achievement of Hawaii, where Kaneohe Ranch on the island of Oahu recorded 247 consecutive days of rain from Aug. 27, 1993, through April 30, 1994.

"Hawaii has some amazing rainfall statistics," said Jim Ashby, a climatologist with the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno, Nev.

Seattle had 0.57 of an inch of rain Thursday for a total of 12.41 inches since Dec. 19, when the city started on the path toward its own record, which it could match on Jan. 20 or beat on Jan. 21. Friday, another rainy day, was the 26th successive day of rain.

Ashby noted that rainy days in Hawaii are different from those with precipitation in the Pacific Northwest.

"It's not quite as overcast and dismal. You get some sun between," he said.

The wettest city in Washington? Centralia, which is about halfway between Seattle and Portland, set the Washington record for consecutive days of precipitation with 55 between late 1996 and early 1997.

Snow could have contributed to the record and "some of those days were just a hundredth of an inch," Ashby said.

Rivers around the Seattle area were still at or near flood conditions on Friday, although National Weather Service flood watches in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties were set to expire at the end of the day. No new mudslides have been reported, but officials have said ground saturation levels continue to make more slides possible.

BNSF Railway reopened its tracks to passenger trains Friday, 48 hours after a Wednesday landslide halted both Amtrak and Sound Transit's Sounder train service between Seattle and Everett.

In West Seattle, 7,500 customers lost power for a few hours early Friday morning after gusting winds and rain toppled a tree, which then knocked down a power line.

"The ground was so saturated that the tree's roots couldn't hold it in wind gusts," said Sharon Bennett, Seattle City Light spokeswoman.

The state Department of Transportation reported one new weather-related road closure. State Route 508 in Lewis County in Onalaska, which is a few miles south of Centralia, was closed Friday morning because of what officials are calling "severe settling," due to heavy rains. A detour was in place.

The Mount Baker Ski Area was closed Friday because of high avalanche danger. Ski area managers said the combination of deep snow, warming temperatures and rain raised the avalanche danger.

Condo owners along Lake Sammamish, about 12 miles east of Seattle, have seen water lapping at their doorways this week. Lakeside property owners are used to losing their docks underwater, but this year's heavy storms have rainwater pouring into the lake from every side. The Sammamish Slough is not big enough to handle the overflow.

Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company

found at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002739287_dismalweather14m.html

Seattle Reaches 26th Day Of Rain

POSTED: 1:30 pm PST January 13, 2006

SEATTLE -- Today is the 26th straight day of rain in Seattle, and the city has a chance to break the record of 33 days set in 1953.

Since Dec. 19 Seattle has had more than 12 inches of rain.

Other cities are wetter than Seattle. Centralia had a stretch of 55 straight days of rain in the winter of 1996-97. The National Weather Service says a place in Hawaii had 247 straight days of rain in 1993-94.

But it's not the wetness as much as the unrelenting dark dreary days that depress some Seattle residents.

At the Indoor Sun Shoppe in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, Monica Rochester says customers are attracted like moths to the store's light panels and grow lights.

Rochester says some customers buy the light boxes because they are cheaper than a vacation to Arizona, Mexico or Florida.

found at http://www.kirotv.com/weather/6064984/detail.html

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Taxes

2006-01-08T21:26:15Z

I am a full fledged landed immigrant and I know that the US has this quirky law that requires you to file taxes (US), even though you reside and pay taxing in another country (ie canada). However, I am not excactly sure of the best way to go about this. Could anyone offer up any advice?

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Hail to the, er, Leaf!

2006-01-08T06:03:01Z

Hey, my fellow Americans,
I first followed a raggedy bunch of draft dodgers to the Slocan Valley in 1969. I was just another little hippie flower child back then.
Now I am a slightly older hippie flower child.
It was the best thing I ever did, looking back.
Canada may live in the giant's shadow, but may she remain a beacon
of goodness in the world and avoid following in the corrupt footsteps of her
oafish, ignorant neighbour.

j

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

The Invasion of Canada

2006-01-05T07:43:37Z

found this interesting article:

The Invasion of Canada

by Michel Chossudovsky

December 31, 2005

GlobalResearch.ca

A recent Washington Post article entitled:

Raiding the Icebox; Behind Its Warm Front, the United States Made Cold Calculations to Subdue Canada, by Peter Carlson (30 December 2005),

focuses on a detailed US Plan to Invade Canada entitled "Joint Army and Navy Basic War Plan -- Red," It was formulated in the late 1920s, approved by the US War Department in 1930, updated in 1934 and 1935, withdrawn in 1939 and declassified in 1974. (See complete WP article below)

Following the publication of the WP article, which was casually presented as political humor, Canadian network TV and print media were quick to dismiss the matter outright.

It was in a bygone era. It no longer applies: the US administration would never dream of actually invading Canada.

Yet upon more careful examination, an ongoing plan to annex Canada to the US, is still (unofficially of course) on the books. The underlying procedure, however, is not straightforward as in the case of an outright military invasion (e.g. under the 1930 "Joint Army and Navy Basic War Plan -- Red"). Today, it involves what the media refer to as "Deep Integration", which constitutes a more polite term for "Annexation".

"The Icebox" in the WP article refers euphemistically to a country we call Canada, a vast territory of strategic significance for the US, with tremendous resources extending from Coast to Coast; South from the St Lawrence Valley to the North West territories and the US Alaska border.
US Northern Command
The "invasion" of Canada is in many regards a fait accompli, a done deal. In 2002, when US Northern Command (NorthCom) was launched, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stated unilaterally that the US Military could cross the border and deploy troops anywhere in Canada, in our provinces, as well station American warships in Canadian territorial waters.

More specifically, the redesign of Canada's defense system has been discussed behind closed doors at the Peterson Air Force base in Colorado, at the headquarters of US Northern Command (NORTHCOM). US Northern Command's jurisdiction as outlined by the US DoD includes, in addition to the continental US, all of Canada, Mexico, as well as portions of the Caribbean, contiguous waters in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans up to 500 miles off the Mexican, US and Canadian coastlines as well as the Canadian Arctic.

Rumsfeld is said to have boasted that "the NORTHCOM – with all of North America as its geographic command – 'is part of the greatest transformation of the Unified Command Plan [UCP] since its inception in 1947.

This "bi-national integration" of Canada has, since 2002, been the object of continuous negotiations between Washington and Ottawa. Upon the completion of these negotiations, Canada is slated to become member of NorthCom in 2006.
A year ago, in November 2004, I addressed these issues in a detailed article entitled:

Is the Annexation of Canada Part of the Bush Administration's Military Agenda

While the article was widely circulated and debated on the internet, it was never cited or quoted by Canada's mainstream media.

A shortened version of the article was submitted for publication as an Oped piece to a major Toronto daily paper, which initially expressed interest in publishing it.

Following several email exchanges, the shortened article was accepted for publication on three separate occasions. But it never appeared in print. A few months ago, the article, received a 2006 Project Censored Award by the University of California, Sonoma, School of Journalism.

With a view to promoting debate as well as media awareness prior to the January 2006 federal elections, we reproduce the following documents:

1. The article in the Washington Post entitled: Raiding the Icebox; Behind Its Warm Front, the United States Made Cold Calculations to Subdue Canada, by Peter Carlson, 30 December 2005.

2. Is the Annexation of Canada Part of the Bush Administration's Military Agenda, by Michel Chossudovsky, Global Research, November 2004

3. US, Canada and Mexico rollout border plans, by Shaun Waterman, UPI, July 2005

4. "Securing the North American Security Perimeter" Dismantling the US Border, Bringing Canada and Mexico into Fortress America, June 10, 2005 CNN

5. Mexico and U.S. put "Security Perimeter" on fast-track, Mexidata, by José Carreño, May 20, 2005.

6. The Bill to Annex Canada into the US (1866). [Text of Bill approved by the US Congress in 1866. The latter preceded the 1867 Alaska Purchase from Russia and the subsequent establishment of the Canadian Confederation under The British North America Act of 1867. Read the text of this Bill carefully. It is still relevant. Incidentally the term "Icebox" was first used in relation to the Alaska Purchase.]
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Raiding the Icebox; Behind Its Warm Front, the United States Made Cold Calculations to Subdue Canada

by Peter Carlson, Washington Post, 30 December 2005

Invading Canada won't be like invading Iraq: When we invade Canada, nobody will be able to grumble that we didn't have a plan.

The United States government does have a plan to invade Canada. It's a 94-page document called "Joint Army and Navy Basic War Plan -- Red," with the word SECRET stamped on the cover. It's a bold plan, a bodacious plan, a step-by-step plan to invade, seize and annex our neighbor to the north. It goes like this:

First, we send a joint Army-Navy overseas force to capture the port city of Halifax, cutting the Canadians off from their British allies.

Then we seize Canadian power plants near Niagara Falls, so they freeze in the dark.

Then the U.S. Army invades on three fronts -- marching from Vermont to take Montreal and Quebec, charging out of North Dakota to grab the railroad center at Winnipeg, and storming out of the Midwest to capture the strategic nickel mines of Ontario.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy seizes the Great Lakes and blockades Canada's Atlantic and Pacific ports.

At that point, it's only a matter of time before we bring these Molson-swigging, maple-mongering Zamboni drivers to their knees! Or, as the official planners wrote, stating their objective in bold capital letters: "ULTIMATELY TO GAIN COMPLETE CONTROL."

It sounds like a joke but it's not. War Plan Red is real. It was drawn up and approved by the War Department in 1930, then updated in 1934 and 1935. It was declassified in 1974 and the word "SECRET" crossed out with a heavy pencil. Now it sits in a little gray box in the National Archives in College Park, available to anybody, even Canadian spies. They can photocopy it for 15 cents a page.

War Plan Red was actually designed for a war with England. In the late 1920s, American military strategists developed plans for a war with Japan (code name Orange), Germany (Black), Mexico (Green) and England (Red). The Americans imagined a conflict between the United States (Blue) and England over international trade: "The war aim of RED in a war with BLUE is conceived to be the definite elimination of BLUE as an important economic and commercial rival."

In the event of war, the American planners figured that England would use Canada (Crimson) -- then a quasi-pseudo-semi-independent British dominion -- as a launching pad for "a direct invasion of BLUE territory." That invasion might come overland, with British and Canadian troops attacking Buffalo, Detroit and Albany. Or it might come by sea, with amphibious landings on various American beaches -- including Rehoboth and Ocean City, both of which were identified by the planners as "excellent" sites for a Brit beachhead.

The planners anticipated a war "of long duration" because "the RED race" is "more or less phlegmatic" but "noted for its ability to fight to a finish." Also, the Brits could be reinforced by "colored" troops from their colonies: "Some of the colored races however come of good fighting stock, and, under white leadership, can be made into very efficient troops."

The stakes were high: If the British and Canadians won the war, the planners predicted, "CRIMSON will demand that Alaska be awarded to her."

Imagine that! Canada demanding a huge chunk of U.S. territory! Them's fightin' words! And so the American strategists planned to fight England by seizing Canada. (Also Jamaica, Barbados and Bermuda.) And they didn't plan to give them back.

"Blue intentions are to hold in perpetuity all CRIMSON and RED territory gained," Army planners wrote in an appendix to the war plan. "The policy will be to prepare the provinces and territories of CRIMSON and RED to become states and territories of the BLUE union upon the declaration of peace."

None of this information is new. After the plan was declassified in 1974, several historians and journalists wrote about War Plan Red. But still it remains virtually unknown on both sides of the world's largest undefended border.

"I've never heard of it," said David Biette, director of the Canada Institute in Washington, which thinks about Canada.

"I remember sort of hearing about this," said Bernard Etzinger, spokesman for the Canadian Embassy in Washington.

"It's the first I've heard of it," said David Courtemanche, mayor of Sudbury, Ontario, whose nickel mines were targeted in the war plan.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said he'd never heard of the plan. He also said he wouldn't admit to knowing about such a plan if he did.

"We don't talk about any of our contingency plans," he said.

Has the Pentagon updated War Plan Red since the '30s?

"The Defense Department never talks about its contingency plans for any countries," Whitman said. "We don't acknowledge which countries we have contingency plans for."

Out in Winnipeg -- the Manitoba capital, whose rail yards were slated to be seized in the plan -- Brad Salyn, the city's director of communications, said he didn't think Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz knew anything about War Plan Red: "You know he would have no clue about what you're talking about, eh?"

"I'm sure Winnipeggers will stand up tall in defense of our country," Mayor Katz said later. "We have many, many weapons."

What kind of weapons?

"We have peashooters, slingshots and snowballs," he said, laughing.

But the Canadians' best weapon, Katz added, is their weather. "It gets to about minus-50 Celsius with a wind chill," he said. "It will be like Napoleon's invasion of Russia. I'm quite convinced that you'll meet your Waterloo on the banks of the Assiniboine River."

As it turns out, Katz isn't the first Canadian to speculate on how to fight the U.S.A. In fact, Canadian military strategists developed a plan to invade the United States in 1921 -- nine years before their American counterparts created War Plan Red.

The Canadian plan was developed by the country's director of military operations and intelligence, a World War I hero named James Sutherland "Buster" Brown. Apparently Buster believed that the best defense was a good offense: His "Defence Scheme No. 1" called for Canadian soldiers to invade the United States, charging toward Albany, Minneapolis, Seattle and Great Falls, Mont., at the first signs of a possible U.S. invasion.

"His plan was to start sending people south quickly because surprise would be more important than preparation," said Floyd Rudmin, a Canadian psychology professor and author of "Bordering on Aggression: Evidence of U.S. Military Preparations Against Canada," a 1993 book about both nations' war plans. "At a certain point, he figured they'd be stopped and then retreat, blowing up bridges and tearing up railroad tracks to slow the Americans down."

Brown's idea was to buy time for the British to come to Canada's rescue. Buster even entered the United States in civilian clothing to do some reconnaissance.

"He had a total annual budget of $1,200," said Rudmin, "so he himself would drive to the areas where they were going to invade and take pictures and pick up free maps at gas stations."

Rudmin got interested in these war plans in the 1980s when he was living in Kingston, Ontario, just across the St. Lawrence River from Fort Drum, the huge Army base in Upstate New York. Why would the Americans put an Army base in such a wretched, frigid wilderness? he wondered. Could it be there to . . . fight Canada?

He did some digging. He found "War Plan Red" and "Defence Scheme No. 1." At the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., he found a 1935 update of War Plan Red, which specified which roads to use in the invasion ("The best practicable route to Vancouver is via Route 99").

Rudmin also learned about an American plan from 1935 to build three military airfields near the Canadian border and disguise them as civilian airports. The secret scheme was revealed after the testimony of two generals in a closed-door session of the House Military Affairs Committee was published by mistake. When the Canadian government protested the plan, President Franklin Roosevelt reassured it that he wasn't contemplating war. The whole brouhaha made the front page of the New York Times on May 1, 1935.

That summer, however, the Army held what were the biggest war games in American history on the site of what is now Fort Drum, Rudmin said.

Is he worried that the Yanks will invade his country from Fort Drum?

"Not now," he said. "Now the U.S. is kind of busy in Iraq. But I wouldn't put it past them."

He's not paranoid, he hastened to add, and he doesn't think the States will simply invade Canada the way Hitler invaded Russia.

But if some kind of crisis -- perhaps something involving the perennially grumpy French Canadians -- destabilized Canada, then . . . well, Fort Drum is just across the river.

"We most certainly are not preparing to invade Canada," said Ben Abel, the official spokesman for Fort Drum.

The fort, he added, is home to the legendary 10th Mountain Division, which is training for its third deployment in Afghanistan. There are also 1,200 Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

"I find it very hard to believe that we'd be planning to invade Canada," Abel said. "We have a lot of Canadian soldiers training here. I bumped into a Canadian officer in the bathroom the other day."

Invading Canada is an old American tradition. Invading Canada successfully is not.

During the American Revolution, Benedict Arnold -- then in his pre-traitor days -- led an invasion of Canada from Maine. It failed.

During the War of 1812, American troops invaded Canada several times. They were driven back.

In 1839, Americans from Maine confronted Canadians in a border dispute known as the Aroostook War.

"There were never any shots fired," said Etzinger, the Canadian Embassy spokesman, "but I think an American cow was injured -- and a Canadian pig."

In 1866, about 800 Irish Americans in the Fenian Brotherhood decided to strike a blow for Irish independence by invading Canada. They crossed the Niagara River into Ontario, where they defeated a Canadian militia. But when British troops approached, the Fenians fled back to the United States, where many were arrested.

After that, Americans stopped invading Canada and took up other hobbies, such as invading Mexico, Haiti, Nicaragua, Grenada and, of course, Iraq.

But the dream of invading Canada lives on in the American psyche, occasionally manifesting itself in bizarre ways. Movies, for instance.

In the 1995 movie "Canadian Bacon," the U.S. president, played by Alan Alda, decides to jump-start the economy by picking a fight with Canada. His battle cry: "Surrender pronto or we'll level Toronto."

In the 1999 movie "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut," Americans, angered that their kids have been corrupted by a pair of foulmouthed, flatulent Canadian comedians, go to war. Canada responds by sending its air force to bomb the Hollywood home of the Baldwin brothers -- a far more popular defensive strategy than anything Buster Brown devised. Moviegoers left theaters humming the film's theme:

Blame Canada! Blame Canada!

With all their hockey hullabaloo

And that bitch Anne Murray too!

Blame Canada! Shame on Canada!

But it's not just movies. The urge to invade Canada comes in myriad forms.

In 2002, the conservative magazine National Review published an essay called "Bomb Canada: The Case for War." The author, Jonah Goldberg, suggested that the United States "launch a quick raid into Canada" and blow something up -- "perhaps an empty hockey stadium." That would cause Canada to stop wasting its money on universal health insurance and instead fund a military worthy of the name, so that "Canada's neurotic anti-Americanism would be transformed into manly resolve."

And let's not forget the Web site InvadeCanada.US, which lists many compelling reasons for doing do: "let's make Alaska actually connected to the U.S. again!" and "they're just a little too proud" and "the surrender will come quickly, they're French after all."

The site also sells T-shirts, buttons, teddy bears and thong underwear, all of them decorated with the classic picture of Uncle Sam atop the slogan "I WANT YOU to Invade Canada."

What's going on here? Why do Americans love to joke about invading Canada?

Because Americans see Canadians as goody-goodies, said Biette, the Canada Institute director. Canadians didn't rebel against the British, remaining loyal colonial subjects. They didn't have a Wild West, settling their land without the kind of theatrical gunfights that make for good movies. And they like to hector us about our misbehavior.

"We're 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' and they're 'peace, order and good government,' " Biette said. "So if you're a wild American, you look at them and say, 'They're just a bunch of Boy Scouts.' "

Canadians are well aware of our invasion talk. Not surprisingly, they take it a bit more seriously than we do.

When "The West Wing" had a subplot last winter about a U.S.-Canada border incident, Canadian newspapers took note.

When Jon Stewart joked about invading Canada on "The Daily Show" last March, Canadian newspapers covered the story.

When the Toronto Star interviewed comedian Jimmy Kimmel last year, the reporter asked him: "Is it only a matter of time before America invades Canada?"

"I'm not sure," Kimmel replied.

In 2003, the Canadian army set up an Internet chat room where soldiers and civilians could discuss defense issues. "One of the hottest topics on the site discusses whether the U.S. will invade Canada to seize its natural resources," the Ottawa Citizen reported. "If the attack did come, Canada could rely on a scorched-earth policy similar to what Russia did when invaded by Nazi Germany, one participant recommends. 'With such emmense [sic] land, and with our cold climates, we may be able to hold them off, even though we have the much weaker military,' the individual concludes."

Etzinger, the Canadian Embassy spokesman, isn't worried about an American invasion because Canada has a secret weapon -- actually thousands of secret weapons.

"We've got thousands of Canadians in the U.S. right now, in place secretly," he said. "They could be on your street. We've sent people like Celine Dion and Mike Myers to secretly infiltrate American society."

Pretty funny, Mr. Etzinger. But the strategists who wrote War Plan Red were prepared for that problem. They noted that "it would be necessary to deal internally" with the "large number" of Brits and Canadians living in the United States -- and also with "a small number of professional pacifists and communists."

The planners did not specify exactly what would be done with those undesirables. But it would be kinda fun to see Celine Dion and Mike Myers wearing orange jumpsuits down in Guantanamo.

Copyright, Washington Post 2005

Is the Annexation of Canada part of Bush's Military Agenda?
By Michel Chossudovsky

June 20, 2005 Global Research, originally published in November 2004 - 2004-11-23

SUMMARY [For the complete article published by Global Research click here ]

Territorial control over Canada is part of Washington's geopolitical and military agenda as formulated in April 2002 by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. "Binational integration" of military command structures is also contemplated alongside a major revamping in the areas of immigration, law enforcement and intelligence.

At this critical juncture in our history and in anticipation of the visit of George W. Bush to Canada on November 30th, an understanding of these issues is central to the articulation of a coherent anti-war and civil rights movement.

For nearly two years now, Ottawa has been quietly negotiating a far-reaching military cooperation agreement, which allows the US Military to cross the border and deploy troops anywhere in Canada, in our provinces, as well station American warships in Canadian territorial waters. This redesign of Canada's defense system is being discussed behind closed doors, not in Canada, but at the Peterson Air Force base in Colorado, at the headquarters of US Northern Command (NORTHCOM).

The creation of NORTHCOM announced in April 2002, constitutes a blatant violation of both Canadian and Mexican territorial sovereignty. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced unilaterally that US Northern Command would have jurisdiction over the entire North American region. Canada and Mexico were presented with a fait accompli. US Northern Command's jurisdiction as outlined by the US DoD includes, in addition to the continental US, all of Canada, Mexico, as well as portions of the Caribbean, contiguous waters in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans up to 500 miles off the Mexican, US and Canadian coastlines as well as the Canadian Arctic.

NorthCom's stated mandate is to "provide a necessary focus for [continental] aerospace, land and sea defenses, and critical support for [the] nation’s civil authorities in times of national need."

(Canada-US Relations - Defense Partnership – July 2003, Canadian American Strategic Review (CASR), http://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-lagasse1.htm

Rumsfeld is said to have boasted that "the NORTHCOM – with all of North America as its geographic command – 'is part of the greatest transformation of the Unified Command Plan [UCP] since its inception in 1947.'" (Ibid)

Following Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's refusal to join NORTHCOM, a high-level so-called "consultative" Binational Planning Group (BPG), operating out of the Peterson Air Force base, was set up in late 2002, with a mandate to "prepare contingency plans to respond to [land and sea] threats and attacks, and other major emergencies in Canada or the United States".

The BPG's mandate goes far beyond the jurisdiction of a consultative military body making "recommendations" to government. In practice, it is neither accountable to the US Congress nor to the Canadian House of Commons.

The BPG has a staff of fifty US and Canadian "military planners", who have been working diligently for the last two years in laying the groundwork for the integration of Canada-US military command structures. The BPG works in close coordination with the Canada-U.S. Military Cooperation Committee at the Pentagon, a so-called " panel responsible for detailed joint military planning".

Broadly speaking, its activities consist of two main building blocks: the Combined Defense Plan (CDP) and The Civil Assistance Plan (CAP).

The Militarisation of Civilian Institutions

As part of its Civil Assistance Plan (CAP), the BPG is involved in supporting the ongoing militarisation of civilian law enforcement and judicial functions in both the US and Canada. The BPG has established "military contingency plans" which would be activated "on both sides of the Canada-US border" in the case of a terror attack or "threat". Under the BPG's Civil Assistance Plan (CAP), these so-called "threat scenarios" would involve:

"coordinated response to national requests for military assistance [from civil authorities] in the event of a threat, attack, or civil emergency in the US or Canada."

In December 2001, in response to the 9/11 attacks, the Canadian government reached an agreement with the Head of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, entitled the "Canada-US Smart Border Declaration." Shrouded in secrecy, this agreement essentially hands over to the Homeland Security Department, confidential information on Canadian citizens and residents. It also provides US authorities with access to the tax records of Canadians.

What these developments suggest is that the process of "binational integration" is not only occurring in the military command structures but also in the areas of immigration, police and intelligence. The question is what will be left over within Canada's jurisdiction as a sovereign nation, once this ongoing process of binational integration, including the sharing and/or merger of data banks, is completed?

Canada and NORTHCOM

Canada is slated to become a member of NORTHCOM at the end of the BPG's two years mandate.

No doubt, the issue will be presented in Parliament as being "in the national interest". It "will create jobs for Canadians" and "will make Canada more secure".

Meanwhile, the important debate on Canada's participation in the US Ballistic Missile Shield, when viewed out of the broader context, may serve to divert public attention away from the more fundamental issue of North American military integration which implies Canada's acceptance not only of the Ballistic Missile Shield, but of the entire US war agenda, including significant hikes in defense spending which will be allocated to a North American defense program controlled by the Pentagon.

And ultimately what is at stake is that beneath the rhetoric, Canada will cease to function as a Nation:

Its borders will be controlled by US officials and confidential information on Canadians will be shared with Homeland Security. US troops and Special Forces will be able to enter Canada as a result of a binational arrangement. Canadian citizens can be arrested by US officials, acting on behalf of their Canadian counterparts and vice versa. But there is something perhaps even more fundamental in defining and understanding where Canada and Canadians stand as a Nation.

The World is at the crossroads of the most serious crisis in modern history. The US has launched a military adventure which threatens the future of humanity. It has formulated the contours of an imperial project of World domination. Canada is contiguous to "the center of the empire". Territorial control over Canada is part of the US geopolitical and military agenda.

The Liberals as well as the opposition Conservative party have embraced the US war agenda.
By endorsing a Canada-US "integration" in the spheres of defense, homeland security, police and intelligence, Canada not only becomes a full fledged member of George W. Bush's "Coalition of the Willing", it will directly participate, through integrated military command structures, in the US war agenda in Central Asia and the Middle East, including the massacre of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, the torture of POWs, the establishment of concentration camps, etc.

Under an integrated North American Command, a North American national security doctrine would be formulated. Canada would be obliged to embrace Washington's pre-emptive military doctrine, including the use of nuclear warheads as a means of self defense, which was ratified by the US Senate in December 2003. (See Michel Chossudovsky, The US Nuclear Option and the "War on Terrorism" http://globalresearch.ca/articles/CHO405A.html May 2004)

Moreover, binational integration in the areas of Homeland security, immigration, policing of the US-Canada border, not to mention the anti-terrorist legislation, would imply pari passu acceptance of the US sponsored police State, its racist policies, its "ethnic profiling" directed against Muslims, the arbitrary arrest of anti-war activists.

For text of complete Article by Michel Chossudovsky click here

US, Canada and Mexico rollout border plans

by Shaun Waterman, UPI, June 28, 2005

WASHINGTON -- The United States and its North American neighbors say they will set up a trusted traveler scheme for the whole continent by 2008, and will this year develop a plan to respond together to major terror attacks and other incidents.

Trusted traveler programs enable people who provide biometric personal data -- like fingerprints or iris scans -- pay a fee and submit to background checks to use special travel lanes at border crossings.

The idea is to speed processing for those travelers not thought security risks, and whose identity can be verified biometrically.

A Department of Homeland Security statement Monday said that air and sea ports would also be included.

The program, first unveiled last week at a House panel by homeland security official Elaine Dezenski, would incorporate both NEXUS and SENTRI -- the two trusted traveler programs currently run at the U.S. border.

DHS spokesman Russ Knocke told United Press International that details of the scheme -- including whether it would employ biometrics -- have yet to be finalized, but added that biometrics was "the direction everything's moving in, identity-wise."

Answering reporters' questions about the scheme in Ottawa Monday, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said "the way forward ultimately, not just with respect to North America, but with respect to the world, is biometrics."

The program is part of a hugely ambitious initiative launched by President Bush, Mexican President Vincente Fox and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin on March 23 this year, following their summit at the president's Crawford, Texas ranch.

Ultimately, the Security and Prosperity Partnership for North America, as it is called, aims to standardize border admissions procedures -- watchlist checks, visa processing and document standards -- to the point where "all travelers arriving in North America will experience a comparable level of screening," according to a homeland security fact sheet.

The program was announced Monday following a meeting in Ottawa, Canada, between Chertoff and his opposite numbers -- Mexican Interior Secretary Carlos Abascal and Canadian Deputy Prime Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan.

The three were joined by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Canadian Minister of Industry David Emerson and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Fernando Canales.

The meeting, the first in a series of planned follow-ons to the March summit, also agreed that the three nations would work towards "compatible biometric border and immigration systems," announced the elimination of a series of regulatory barriers and other impediments to cross-border commerce, and committed to a comprehensive plan for responding together to major terror attacks and other incidents.

Within 12 months, the fact sheet says, the three nations will have established "protocols for incident management that impact border operations (and for) maritime incidents, cross-border public health emergencies and cross-border law enforcement response."

Co-operation on incident response will also include "interoperable communications systems" and joint preparedness exercises, including one ahead of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The United States and Mexico also agreed to form joint intelligence-sharing task forces along their border "to target criminal gang and trafficking organizations."

The three countries also committed to work towards "compatible criteria for the posting of lookouts of suspected terrorists and criminals" and "real time information sharing on high risk individuals and cargos."

This last element of the plans may prove controversial in Canada, where public opinion seems concerned that a closer security relationship with the United States might jeopardize Canada's traditionally welcoming attitude toward asylum seekers or require an unnerving degree of information sharing.

The case of Maher Arar has dramatized Canadian concerns about counter-terror cooperation. Arar is a Syrian-born Canadian citizen who was shipped to Syria -- where he was tortured -- by U.S. authorities after Canadian intelligence identified him to them as a suspected associate of a suspected terrorist.

"The real time sharing of information with U.S. security agencies about a foreigner visiting Vancouver with no intention of entering the United States seems certain to cause a stir," opined the Toronto Globe and Mail earlier this year, adding that just such transparency would be necessary to the most ambitious visions of a common U.S.-Canadian security frontier.

In Mexico, attention is fixed on different questions about the partnership -- which Mexican officials refer to as the Security, Prosperity and Quality of Life Partnership.

"Why has the initiative not included funding provisions for reducing the economic gap between Mexico and the United States and Canada?" asked a Mexican reporter of Chertoff and Gutierrez.

Copyright UPI, 2005
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"Securing the North American Security Perimeter" Dismantling the US Border, Bringing Canada and Mexico into Fortress America

CNN, June 10, 2005
Excerpt

DOBBS: Border security is arguably the critical issue in this country's fight against radical Islamist terrorism. But our borders remain porous. So porous that three million illegal aliens entered this country last year, nearly all of them from Mexico.

Now, incredibly, a panel sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations wants the United States to focus not on the defense of our own borders, but rather create what effectively would be a common border that includes Mexico and Canada.

Christine Romans has the report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) RELATED: Internationalizing US Roads

Task force urges creation of 'Fortress America'

New PNAC/neocon front group pushing tri-national ID on 9/11 corpse

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On Capitol Hill, testimony calling for Americans to start thinking like citizens of North America and treat the U.S., Mexico and Canada like one big country.

ROBERT PASTOR, IND. TASK FORCE ON NORTH AMERICA: The best way to secure the United States today is not at our two borders with Mexico and Canada, but at the borders of North America as a whole.

ROMANS: That's the view in a report called "Building a North American Community." It envisions a common border around the U.S., Mexico and Canada in just five years, a border pass for residents of the three countries, and a freer flow of goods and people.

Task force member Robert Pastor.

PASTOR: What we hope to accomplish by 2010 is a common external tariff which will mean that goods can move easily across the border. We want a common security perimeter around all of North America, so as to ease the travel of people within North America.

ROMANS: Buried in 49 pages of recommendations from the task force, the brief mention, "We must maintain respect for each other's sovereignty." But security experts say folding Mexico and Canada into the U.S. is a grave breach of that sovereignty.

FRANK GAFFNEY, CENTER FOR SECURITY POLICY: That's what would happen if anybody serious were to embrace this strategy for homogenizing the United States and its sovereignty with the very different systems existing today in Canada and Mexico. RESOURCES: AZTLAN - the plan for 'reconquista'.

ROMANS: Especially considering Mexico's problems with drug trafficking, human smuggling and poverty. Critics say the country is just too far behind the U.S. and Canada to be included in a so-called common community. But the task force wants military and law enforcement cooperation between all three countries.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Indeed, an exchange of personnel that bring Canadians and Mexicans into the Department of Homeland Security.

ROMANS: And it wants temporary migrant worker programs expanded with full mobility of labor between the three countries in the next five years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: The idea here is to make North America more like the European Union. Yet, just this week, voters in two major countries in the European Union voted against upgrading -- updating the European constitution. So clearly, this is not the best week to be trying to sell that idea.

DOBBS: Americans must think that our political and academic elites have gone utterly mad at a time when three-and-a-half years, approaching four years after September 11, we still don't have border security. And this group of elites is talking about not defending our borders, finally, but rather creating new ones. It's astonishing.

ROMANS: The theory here is that we are stronger together, three countries in one, rather than alone.

DOBBS: Well, it's a -- it's a mind-boggling concept. Christine Romans, thank you, as always.

There is no greater example than our next story as to why the United States must maintain its border security with Mexico, and importantly, secure that border absolutely. The police chief of the violent Mexican border town, Nuevo Laredo, was today executed. It was his first day on the job.

Alejandro Dominguez, seen here at his swearing-in ceremony, was ambushed by a number of gunmen several hours just after that ceremony as he left his office. The assassins fired more than three dozen rounds that struck Dominguez.

He was the only person who volunteered to become Nuevo Laredo's police chief. The position has been vacant for weeks after the previous chief of police resigned. The town is at the center of what is a violent war between Mexican drug lords. The State Department has issued two travel warnings for Americans about that area just this year. And amazingly, the Mexican government calls those State Department warnings unnecessary.

Still ahead, the military recruiting crisis is escalating. New questions tonight about the viability of the all-volunteer military. General David Grange is our guest.

And "Living Dangerously," our special report. Rising population growth in the West, dangerous water shortages, the worst drought arguably ever. We'll have that report for you next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

RECOGNIZING the contributions of the OAS and other regional and sub-regional mechanisms to the promotion and consolidation of democracy in the Americas;...

Copyright CNN 2005
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Mexico and U.S. put "Security Perimeter" on fast-track

by José Carreño, Mexidata, May 20, 2005

Washington, D.C.- Task force groups from the U.S. and Mexico are working together, on a fast-track basis, on in-depth reforms to national security relations between the two countries.

The delegations are working on the creation of a "North American Security Perimeter," that among other factors includes the identification of targets vulnerable to terrorism along the common border.

Gerónimo Gutiérrez, Mexico’s Undersecretary of Foreign Relations, said that the negotiations are going well, with an initial session for proposals scheduled for June.

The border area security plan is being discussed at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Mexican National Security and Investigation/Research Center (Cisen) levels.

National security officials and analysts noted that authorities in both countries have suggested the possibility of terrorist attacks on tourist destinations frequented by U.S. citizens

Copyright Mexidata 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bill to Annex Canada into the US (1866)

A Bill for the admission of the States of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada East, and Canada West, and for the organization of the Territories of Selkirk, Saskatchewan, and Columbia. (Annexation Bill)

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and directed, whenever notice shall be deposited in the Department of State that the governments of Great Britain and the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Canada, British Columbia, and Vancouver's Island have accepted the proposition hereinafter made by the United States, to publish by proclamation that, from the date thereof, the States of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada East, and Canada West, and the Territories of Selkirk, Saskatchewan, and Columbia, with limits and rights as by the act defined, are constituted and admitted as States and Territories of the United States of America. SEC. 2 And be it further enacted, That the following articles are hereby proposed, and from the date of the proclamation of the President of the United States shall take effect, as irrevocable conditions of the admission of the States of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada East, and Canada West, and the future States of Selkirk, Saskatchewan, and Columbia, to wit:

ARTICLE I.

All public lands not sold or granted; canals, public harbors, light-houses, and piers; river and lake improvements; railway stocks, mortgages, and other debts due by railway companies to the provinces; custom-houses and post offices, shall vest in the United States; but all other public works and property shall belong to the State governments respectively, hereby constituted, together with all sums due from purchasers or lessees of lands, mines, or minerals at the time of the union.

ARTICLE II.

In consideration of the public lands, works, and property vested as aforesaid in the United States, the United States will assume and discharge the funded debt and contingent liabilities of the late provinces, at rates of interest not exceeding five per centum, to the amount of eighty-five million seven hundred thousand dollars, apportioned as follows: To Canada West, thirty-six million five hundred thousand dollars; to Canada East, twenty-nine million dollars; to Nova Scotia, eight million dollars; to New Brunswick, seven million dollars; to Newfoundland, three million two hundred thousand dollars; and to Prince Edward Island, two million dollars; and in further consideration of the transfer by said provinces to the United States of the power to levy import and export duties, the United States will make an annual grant of one million six hundred and forty-six thousand dollars in aid of local expenditures, to be apportioned as follows: To Canada West, seven hundred thousand dollars; to Canada East, five hundred and fifty thousand dollars; to Nova Scotia, one hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars; to New Brunswick, one hundred and twenty-six thousand dollars; to Newfoundland, sixty-five thousand dollars; to Prince Edward Island, forty thousand dollars.

ARTICLE III.

For all purposes of State organization and representation in the Congress of the United States, Newfoundland shall be part of Canada East, and Prince Edward Island shall be part of Nova Scotia, except that each shall always be a separate representative district, and entitled to elect at least one member of the House of Representatives, and except, also, that the municipal authorities of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island shall receive the indemnities agreed to be paid by the United States in Article II.

ARTICLE IV.

Territorial divisions are established as follows: (1) New Brunswick, with its present limits; (2) Nova Scotia, with the addition of Prince Edward Island; (3) Canada East, with the addition of Newfoundland and all territory east of longitude eighty degrees and south of Hudson's strait; (4) Canada West, with the addition of territory south of Hudson's bay and between longitude eighty degrees longitude ninety degrees; (5) Selkirk Territory, bounded east by longitude ninety degrees, south by the late boundary of the United States, west by longitude one hundred and five degrees, and north by the Arctic circle; (6) Saskatchewan Territory, bounded east by longitude one hundred and five degrees, south by latitude forty-nine degrees, west by the Rocky mountains, and north by latitude seventy degrees; (7) Columbia Territory, including Vancouver's Island, and Queen Charlotte's island, and bounded east and north by the Rocky mountains, south by latitude forty-nine degrees, and west by the Pacific ocean and Russian America. But Congress reserves the right of changing the limits and subdividing the areas of the western territories at discretion.

ARTICLE V.

Until the next decennial revision, representation in the House of Representatives shall be as follows: Canada West, twelve members; Canada East, including Newfoundland, eleven members; New Brunswick, two members; Nova Scotia, including Prince Edward Island, four members.

ARTICLE VI.

The Congress of the United States shall enact, in favor of the proposed Territories of Selkirk, Saskatchewan, and Columbia, all the provisions of the act organizing the Territory of Montana, so far as they can be made applicable.

ARTICLE VII.

The United States, by the construction of new canals, or the enlargement of existing canals, and by the improvement of shoals, will so aid the navigation of the Saint Lawrence river and the great lakes that vessels of fifteen hundred tons burden shall pass from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to Lakes Superior and Michigan: Provided, That the expenditure under this article shall not exceed fifty millions of dollars.

ARTICLE VIII.

The United States will appropriate and pay to "The European and North American Railway Company of Maine" the sum of two millions of dollars upon the construction of a continuous line of railroad from Bangor, in Maine, to Saint John's, in New Brunswick: Provided, That said "The European and North American Railway Company of Maine" shall release the government of the United States from all claims held by it as assignee of the States of Maine and Massachusetts.

ARTICLE IX.

To aid the construction of a railway from Truro, in Nova Scotia, to Riviere du Loup, in Canada East, and a railway from the city of Ottawa, by way of Sault Ste. Marie, Bayfield, and Superior, in Wisconsin, Pembina, and Fort Garry, on the Red River of the North, and the valley of the North Saskatchewan river to some point on the Pacific ocean north of latitude forty-nine degrees, the United States will grant lands along the lines of said roads to the amount of twenty sections, or twelve thousand eight hundred acres, per mile, to be selected and sold in the manner prescribed in the act to aid the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, approved July two, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and acts amendatory thereof; and in addition to said grants of lands, the United States will further guarantee dividends of five per centum upon the stock of the company or companies which may be authorized by Congress to undertake the construction of said railways: Provided, That such guarantee of stock shall not exceed the sum of thirty thousand dollars per mile, and Congress shall regulate the securities for advances on account thereof.

ARTICLE X.

The public lands in the late provinces, as far as practicable, shall be surveyed according to the rectangular system of the General Land office of the United States; and in the Territories west of longitude ninety degrees, or the western boundary of Canada West, sections sixteen and thirty-six shall be granted for the encouragement of schools, and after the organization of the Territories into States, five per centum of the net proceeds of sales of public lands shall be paid into their treasuries as a fund for the improvement of roads and rivers.

ARTICLE XI.

The United States will pay ten millions of dollars to the Hudson Bay Company in full discharge of all claims to territory or jurisdiction in North America, whether founded on the charter of the company or any treaty, law, or usage.

ARTICLE XII.

It shall be devolved upon the legislatures of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada East, and Canada West, to conform the tenure of office and the local institutions of said States to the Constitution and laws of the United States, subject to revision by Congress.

SEC 3. And be it further enacted, That if Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, or either of those provinces, shall decline union with the United States, and the remaining provinces, with the consent of Great Britain, shall accept the proposition of the United States, the foregoing stipulations in favor of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, or either of them, will be omitted; but in all other respects the United States will give full effect to the plan of union. If Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick shall decline the proposition, but Canada, British Columbia, and Vancouver island shall, with the consent of Great Britain, accept the same, the construction of a railway from Truro to Riviere du Loup, with all stipulations relating to the maritime provinces, will form no part of the proposed plan of union, but the same will be consummated in all other respects. If Canada shall decline the proposition, then the stipulations in regard to the Saint Lawrence canals and a railway from Ottawa to Sault Ste. Marie, with the Canadian clause of debt and revenue indemnity, will be relinquished. If the plan of union shall only be accepted in regard to the northwestern territory and the Pacific provinces, the United States will aid the construction, on the terms named, of a railway from the western extremity of Lake Superior, in the State of Minnesota, by way of Pembina, Fort Garry, and the valley of the Saskatchewan, to the Pacific coast, north of latitude forty-nine degrees, besides securing all the rights and privileges of an American territory to the proposed Territories of Selkirk, Saskatchewan, and Columbia.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

citizenship test is ez

2005-12-31T23:29:57Z

I just took my citizenship test and I am happy to report it's super-easy if you study the booklet :)

posted in Americans in Canada - 6 replies

don't cross the canadian border at night...

2005-09-20T00:47:11Z

so my family and i made the trek from LA to Vancouver the other night. we had stuff in storage in LA, and my parents, bless them, drove all the way from PA to help up pack up and move. they drove their pickup out to LA, so they could tow the uhaul trailer we rented.

after three grueling days of driving with two kids under the age of two, we finally reach the border at about 11pm. my husband and i pull up to the border official first, with my parents behind us. he starts giving us hell for not declaring goods to follow when i became a permanent resident a year ago (my husband is a canadian citizen). at the time, we weren't sure what we were going to do about our things, which didn't amount to much anyway. and we weren't trying to get our car in on an exemption--we knew we were going to have to pay duty. but he wasn't listening to us anyway. so he told us to go into the customs office, which i figured we had to do in the first place. when my dad pulled up after us, he heard the guy say to his coworker, "you have to take over for me now, i'm so goddamn mad i can't handle it." what???? what did we do to personally offend him?

anyway, so my husband, kids, and i went into the office, where we were rightfully harassed for a while. but in the end, the official probably didn't feel like doing any paperwork, so he just let us go.

when we came out, my parents were no where to be found. my husband went to look for them in the immigration office, which is where they happened to be.

after waiting for 20 minutes in the car with my kids, the rest of my family emerged. my dad was denied entry into canada because of a DUI charge in the U.S. 3 years ago! even though it's not a criminal offense in the U.S., it is in Canada, and because of it, he's supposedly not allowed into the country for 10 years.

however, it does state on the form that it is up to the discretion of the immigration official to let him in or not. but this woman was being a total bitch, and decided to deny him.

even though my dad had a DUI, i believe this woman had performed a human rights violation--not allowing a man to see his grandkids. she really put us in a bind, and for what purpose on her end? my dad is rehabilitated, and he did not demonstrate any reason at that moment why he should not be let into the country.

point is--the behavior at the canadian border at night was, well, very un-Canadian. my husband believes that it could be due to the pressure the U.S. has been exerting on canada to toughen up their border. or perhaps it's just because they're the night staff, and resent having to deal with people late at night. whatever the reason, it was pretty hellish. and on a personal note, my poor parents, who are in their 60s, not only didn't get to spend time with their grandkids, but had to turn around and go back to PA after all that driving, without a rest. they both got very sick (and my dad, depressed) because of it.

anyway, for those of you crossing the canadian border at blaine, don't go at night, and go through the truck crossing side. they seem to be way friendlier on that side.

posted in Americans in Canada - 11 replies

KATRINA FUNDRAISERS IN MTL?

2005-09-17T13:35:24Z

anyone know of any auctions or fundraising events? unfortunately cant give money but i DO have art...and would like to help...thanks for any leads or connections you may have...vCasey

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

National health insurance in Canada

2005-09-09T03:18:38Z

To those Americans who are members of this tribe who have become naturalized Canadian citizens:

What are your reactions and views about the national health insurance program in Canada?

posted in Americans in Canada - 4 replies

Sovereign Citizens

2005-08-24T20:12:36Z

Here is a quote from a website ( http://www.buildfreedom.com/tl/tl04.shtml ) about sovereign citizens and the sovereign citizen movement:

"The American Declaration of Independence of 1776 essentially broke the ties to the King of England. Individuals in North America became free sovereigns in their own right. Individuals became their own masters. We could call this the sovereign individual paradigm.

During the past 200 years there has been a gradual regression in America back to the feudal paradigm. Today most Americans believe that they are owned by the government. The government can draft them (or at least force them to register for the draft) and send them off to a foreign war. Workers and companies pay taxes to the government that are far higher than those just before the Declaration of Independence. The government makes the laws and the people must obey. The government owns children and can therefore force parents to send their children to school. The government owns people's bodies, therefore suicide is a crime. The government owns people's bodies, therefore tells people what they may or may not put into their bodies.

So what we have in America today is essentially a feudal system. Individuals stand in relation to the government as peasants stood in relation to the King in the Middle Ages. Today most individuals are as much "underlings" as the peasants were at the time of Shakespeare.

The sovereign individual paradigm states:
(a) I am the master of my life.
(b) I own my life, mind, and body - and the fruit of my labor.
(c) I am free to do anything provided I do not violate the rights of others or harm them.

To get a better understanding of the sovereign individual paradigm, compare the free-wild horse to the broken-domesticated horse. A horse is born free and wild. Try and ride a free-wild horse and it will do its utmost to throw you off. A free-wild horse doesn't like to be broken - enslaved - ridden by a master. "

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Cellphone Carriers in Canada

2005-08-19T04:49:06Z

I need to know about cellular carriers in Canada
I understand that Canada has CDMA and GSM
What is the best carrier for seamless communications without dropped calls
I will not be using a land line so VOIP is not an option
What Cellular carrier do you recommend I will be in the north for 1 to 2 years so I need mobil communication only

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Burst my bubble

2005-08-01T14:22:09Z

Now that we are well on our way I wanted to ask all of you what has been a disappointment in canada. I think I am so thrilled about getting out of the US that I need to come down a bit so I do not set myself up for disappointment in Canada. So tell me the pitfalls, the drags, what you would most like to see change in Canada. Then I will be more prepared for the move and adjustment. Feel free to add the wonders as well.

Bleu

posted in Americans in Canada - 18 replies

Internet-based work for American Ex-pats?

2005-07-28T04:43:00Z

So, I've met an englishman who programs for an english company from his Vancouver West End apartment (often in his PJs, I suspect). He's earning Pounds Sterling and paying rent in Canadian dollars (you do the math) while dating a Canadian woman. Frankly, he's got it made!

So here's my question. Does anyone have any info on how an American geologist (California Registered) with 14 years in environmental consulting management could land an internet-based job for a US company and work from home in Vancouver in his PJs?

Please?

posted in Americans in Canada - 4 replies

Happy Canada Day!

2005-07-27T03:27:40Z

Like most Canadians, I'm just staying home and enjoying my paid holiday.

Have a great day, peeps!

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Thinking of moving to Canada...

2005-07-15T15:40:52Z

before things get too crazy here.

We've looked at all the websites and basically they're not very imformative. Can we cross the border and rent a place? Will they ask for any type of papers? I'm separated from my husband and have no idea where he is and what he's doing, so would I be able to take my children?

Any help would be appreciated!

posted in Americans in Canada - 22 replies

Off the Grid Tribe

2005-07-03T05:58:09Z

I thought this might be of relevance to some of the Americans in Canada who might not be able to do the BC Hydro utilities things and such:

http://tribes.tribe.net/offthegrid

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Personal Transportation in Vancouver

2005-06-20T04:08:48Z

Hi all,

I just read the thread about bringing a car into Canada.

I have two old cars that may not make inspection, I assume there is inspection at customs/the border?

They are both over 12 years old (they run fine) but they have rust and old car issues. Ae there grandfather clauses on cars (I also have 30 year old classic). In Ohio you don't need emmission test on grandfather cars.

I saw in the car thread that it may be easier to simply buy a car when I get there. I have limited funds, what are the prices say on a typical 10 year old car?

I am also considering motorcycle or moped as transportation. In Ohio you need a license and insurance to ride a motorcycle, but for a moped, you don't. Anyone know the rules on that? I know weather is a consideration when you are on bikes. Supposedly Seattle is a rainy city, but when I compared rainfall to Columbus, we actually get more here. Does anyone have friends in Vancouver who use motorcycles for regular transportation?

Thanks

posted in Americans in Canada - 4 replies

new gun laws in canada and PAL licences

2005-06-19T22:03:17Z

so what's the skinny on the new gun law? I heard since jan 1 2001 there are new laws to go by. and what's a PAL? where do I get it? and do I have to wait until I'm in canada or can I take the test/course while in the u.s. ? anyone else know about this?

posted in Americans in Canada - 4 replies

How's it goin up north?

2005-06-14T20:29:32Z

Hi I'm an american interested in moving to canada. any pointers or info for me? thanx.

posted in Americans in Canada - 7 replies

Bringing a car into Canada

2005-06-14T01:37:30Z

I wrote this up in case it is helpful to someone...these details are based on my experience of bringing a car from WA state US to BC...your experience may vary, but you can get a general idea from this as to what is involved.

If possible, bring with you "letters of experience" from whatever insurance company or companies you might have insured your cars with in the past 8 years. If you can demonstrate, with these letters of experience, that you have been claim free (no at-fault accidents) for 8 years, you can get a substantial discount on the insurance. Even if you don't have 8 years claim free, bring as much as you can of your claims history (provided that it is
good!) and you should get at least some kind of discount.

What you can do with the car will depend on what kind of immigration status you will have in Canada. For example, because my husband and I are on 3 year work permits, our cars are considered as "visitor" cars, not "imported"
cars. This means that we didn't have to pay the various fees for importation (which we would have to do if we become permanent residents), but we cannot sell or dispose of the cars (were they totaled in a wreck for example) in Canada.

In a nutshell, we had to take the following steps to get our cars into Canada:
1) Obtain the titles to both cars by paying off the loans, so we could prove we own the cars, not the bank.
2) Contact US Customs and have them fax you the Car Export Forms (the US considers the car as being Exported if it leaves the country, regardless of whether Canada customs considers it Imported or not).
3) At least 72 hours prior to arriving at the US/Canada, fax your filled out Car Export Forms, along with the car title and bill of sale, to the fax number customs gives you.
4) After 72 hours, call US Customs and make sure they have completed processing your form.
5) Arrive at US Customs with your car and its title and your passport and immigration documentation (i.e. work permit). They will stamp your title and you're on your way.
6) Cross the border to Canadian customs and show them your car, title, passport and immigration docs. They make a judgment as to whether your car is visiting or immigrating and fill out Form 1 (I think that was its name) appropriately. You keep part of Form 1 in your car glovebox.
7) Get insurance, title and registration for your car (in BC this is done at ICBC and should be done within 30 days of arrival). They took our car titles, WA state registration and WA state plates when we did this.

Afterward, get your BC driver's license (you have 90 days to do this). You'll need to prove you've been driving at least 2 years (you can do that by showing one or more driver's licences). If you can't prove 2 years experience, you get a big "N" sticker for your car (for New driver).

posted in Americans in Canada - 9 replies

General tips on making your move to Canada easier

2005-06-11T02:58:07Z

Our move to Canada from the US was hard. The factors that made it more difficult:

1) there were two of us (it's easier to move if you're single...less paperwork, etc)

2) we have a LOT of material possessions (if you can scale back your cr*p before you come, do it)

3) we own a house in the states and wanted to keep it (hence, we had to learn how to be landlords and all that in the middle of trying to move. )

4) we have two cars, and did not do our research fully in advance on what to do to get them into Canada. So we ended up using a rental car for a week, while we waited for various paper work to clear, then had to make two separate trips back to the states to pick up the cars.

5) we have two cats (a minor point really, but they need to have had their rabies shot betwen 30 days and 6 months of the time you bring them up to BC, and for customs you are supposed to have a certificate signed by the vet proving the cat had the shot).

6) we thought we needed a detailed inventory of everything we were bringing up (my husband and I spent hours doing this), but found out later that's really only necessary for those getting Permanent Residency.

7) I was 5 months pregnant at the time of the move, and couldn't lift heavy stuff, and we didn't know anyone in Vancouver who could help us with furniture positioning. (lesson...moving to a city where you don't know anyone while you're pregnant is not a great idea)

8) We arrived the day before a big snow storm hit. Our rental car got hit by a Canada Post truck which lost control on the icey road. And our moving truck was a day late due to the weather. (lesson...try to avoid moving in winter)

9) car insurance ended up being 4x the price it was in the states (we later accrued some additional "letters of experience" and were able to reduce the rate considerable, but it is still double what we paid in the states)

10) I didn't realize how much I missed Seattle until I looked at a receipt of a grocery store I used to go to and got teary-eyed.

Somethings that helped make it easier:

My husband got a job with a company that sponsored him and hired a relocation firm to help us with the move. They helped with the immigration papers, finding a place to live (set up appts at 7 different rentals and drove us around to them), and even drove us to the place to get the SIN numbers (SSN # equivalent) and the bank accounts. And they arranged for a moving company to help move our stuff. The moving company was licensed and bonded so they basically trusted the moving company and we didn't get hassled about any of our stuff, nor was our stuff searched at the border.

I can't imagine doing a move like this without a job lined up and a company willing to help as much as this one did. But if your circumstances are less complex (i.e. you are single, don't own a car, a house, pets or much stuff) you will probably have an easier time of it.

Anyone else want to share their moving to Canada experience?

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

teaching in canada

2005-06-11T02:55:59Z

I've been a public school teacher in texas for 7 years so far.
Does anyone know anything about canadian public school certification?

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Is TAX really 55% of your income?

2005-06-06T00:09:49Z

Just wondering is tax in Canada higher? I heard it was...

posted in Americans in Canada - 4 replies

immigration lawyer

2005-06-05T03:25:42Z

i'm wondering if anyone has any experience with immigration lawyers. at first, my husband and i didn't use one, but we just recently spoke with one and realized after the fact that it probably would have made our lives easier in dealing with the bureaucracies (though more costly)...

posted in Americans in Canada - 10 replies

pdx

2005-05-13T05:17:47Z

hey is anyone on here from pdx? and happens to live in vancouver?

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

cell phone service

2005-04-03T16:53:34Z

What's the deal with cell phone service? Any chance of making a Canada to USA call without getting charged excessive international charges? Who are the major carriers in Canada? Links?

posted in Americans in Canada - 3 replies

Relocating To Vancouver

2005-03-14T14:09:45Z

Hi All,

I live in Ohio and have been tanking for about a year in the job market. I see all kinds of posts in the video/film industry (my job market target) and wonder how I can get there.

I have been to lots of those web sites to help you immigrate, I have taken the online test and I am short on points (I think I have around 50) with out a job offer. I have had some reposnses from reputable firms in Vancouver, but they don't want the hassle of hiring someone abroad.

Is there a way to immigrate to Canada even if I don't have enough points?

posted in Americans in Canada - 9 replies

Somebody Marry Me

2005-03-10T07:35:18Z

I'm really a nice guy. I heard they ask questions about what color the spouse to be's toothbrush is.

If I put my picture on here and do find someone through the site, what are some ways to tell a sting operation? Or am I still immersed in American paranoia?

"They're gonna kick my door down for having this bag of weed!"
"Everybody get down!"

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Underground American Network

2005-03-06T15:40:59Z

Hey,

Is there some kind of network like other nationalities have? Work and business opportunities? I'm almost afraid to meet under those conditions, because there might be a shuttle waiting there going back to the homeland. :-)

Then I'd have to search every inch of my physical being and belongings to make sure there were no old 10 bags I might have forgotten so I don't get issued an orange jumpsuit on the way through the checkpoint (border crossing).

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

A stop along the way

2005-03-05T06:58:56Z

Hey the way the world at least the usa is going I think it makes sense to split, I will not leave tho just stubborn and besides I have a "safe" place...speaking of which any canada bound folks should consider stopping by as I am sort of on the way and friends across borders are really really good friends to have....

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Fleeing the states with American girlfriend

2005-03-04T23:45:58Z

Hi folks, cool tribe thats gonna get alot of members, Our situation is like this, basically we are both brits, Ashley has an American passport due to an American father, and I have a Canadian passport due to being born in Montreal nearly forty years ago, I left when I was eight and have not lived in Canada since.
We were planning to be in Vancouver by now, but due to circumstance, life and the stuff that goes on in it, we aren't going to be arriving till spring, I came here via a long route some six years ago and have been getting by under the radar, working under the table. We wil be getting married but we are not sure weather to do that before or after crossing the boarder into Canada, and if that makes a difference( it does in other countries) We will be arriving in our shared 1955 skoolie which I gather we will have to import on arrival, it's only some 900 miles to Vancouver but it feels like a million miles away when you throw in a boarder crossing, also, I have no idea what the work situation is in BC, we just know that we have to get the fuck outa here for reasons need no explanation, any tips will be much appreciated, Oh! and Merry Xmas, Garyth Don't ask

posted in Americans in Canada - 8 replies

Students?

2005-02-12T21:19:36Z

Are there any other Americans here on a student visa?

posted in Americans in Canada - 11 replies

Health certification question

2004-12-28T19:03:48Z

Does anyone know exactly that the wording is of the health certification question and how the examination/certification process works?

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

timeline for skilled worker permit?

2004-12-21T14:35:52Z

I'm an American wanting to move to Canada (hopefully Toronto). I'm filling out the forms for a skilled worker permit. I noticed people on this tribe implied that it took a long time to get that. How long does it take? Any advice when it comes to completing the application?

PJ

posted in Americans in Canada - 6 replies

GST

2004-12-07T23:56:22Z

For those who do not have a SIN number but have a student visa or residency or live here for extended periods, is there a way to get a refund on GST.

I know there is a way if you are a tourist and leave with in 30 days, but as I have made many purchases and will be here till at least Sep 2005 I'd like to know if I can any of that GST back...

posted in Americans in Canada - 2 replies

Registering a birth abroad

2004-11-28T21:02:34Z

Just thought I'd share my recent experiences with the U.S. embassy here in Vancouver in trying to get my newborn's birth registered for his U.S. citizenship...

When I first went the embassy, per the instructions on their website, which stated that their walk-in hours for services were from 8:00-noon, I got scolded for not getting specific instructions from their office, which would have told me that hours for registering births were 8:00-10:00 am--EVEN THOUGH their website states that they do not take phone inquiries. (silly me--I guess I could have emailed them, but I had no inquiries, since their website seemed to have all the info I needed). But the officer found it within the goodness of his heart to give me further instructions, even though he had no obligation to do so and could have just continued his very important conversation with his buddy in the cubicle next to him. I was grateful that he looked past my gross offense and informed me of what I was supposed to do.

Second time we went in--turned away...Why? Because we didn't have the correct official documents to prove my physical presence in the U.S. of at least 5 years (even though I was born and raised there). Such documents include high school transcripts (I don't even think they know what a transcript is at my high school), college transcripts, and employment records (though when I called in just how to find exactly what was defined as an "employment record," I was told that if my W-2 didn't reflect "enough money," that that wouldn't count because it would be interpreted as not working a full year. When I asked how much would be "enough," I didn't get an answer).

As for getting my son's social security number (this is my favorite part), government-issued birth certificates are not accepted, but baptismal records are. (And what other "official" document could a newborn possibly have?) What???

I just don't get why this is so freakin' difficult! When my daughter was born in the U.S. and we applied for her Canadian citizenship (my husband's Canadian), it was so easy! All they needed to see was my husband's birth certificate and care card, and her birth certificate, and that was it! It angers me that these rules are so anal and arbitrary, that U.S. citizenship is soooo precious. And I basically can't make any travel plans for the holidays til we know that we're going to get that card (which you also need for a passport).

So any of you planning on having your babies in Canada--be aware of all this bureaucracy. I should have known it wasn't going to be just that easy...

posted in Americans in Canada - 1 reply

Thanksgiving

2004-11-23T23:06:38Z

Just wanted to wish everyone a nice American Thanksgiving (also my 29th birthday this year)! I almost forgot about it (and my bday) until my mom called me and guilted me from Pennsylvania for not making the trip out there this year (c'mon, Ma, I just gave birth not two weeks ago!)...

And all you Vancouverite Americans out there--would any be interested in getting together for a Thanksgiving beer or two sometime in the afternoon?

Brandy

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

Residence application moves forward

2004-11-19T14:05:32Z

I just got word that my application for Permanent Residence has finally been received (after having sent it back in frickin' May) and is in process! It'll still take about six months, sadly, but they say they don't expect any problems with it. Just thought I'd share the good news with y'all.

posted in Americans in Canada - 9 replies

"open" work permit?

2004-11-17T18:53:03Z

So, I just got the letter confirming that my application is in process, so far so good...

One thing they mentioned in the letter was that I may now apply for what they referred to as an "open work permit," which they say would allow me to work in the occupation and location of my choosing.

However, I couldn't find any mention of such a thing on the CIC website. Is this different from a standard work permit--meaning, would I have to have a job lined up BEFORE I apply for the permit? If anyone who's been here a while can help, that would be awesome.

posted in Americans in Canada - 0 replies

How long does it take to get a visa after you're hired?

2004-11-03T18:27:31Z

I am applying for a job in Toronto, which I have a better than average chance for. I was wondering if anybody knows an average time frame of getting a visa to go work there? I understand that my employer would be doing most of the paperwork, but I'm still curious about the process.

posted in Americans in Canada - 5 replies

Wanting Info and Hello

2004-11-03T14:40:04Z

Hello all. I am a single queer mama with a 23 month old baby boy living in Sacramento California. I live with my son, my two dogs and my roomie who is like family, chosen family. On to the point. I am not comfortable raising a male child in the sick ol Empire we call the USA and am planning a move to the Toronto area when my roomie retires in 4-5 years. If my roomie gets offered early retirement we would move sooner which is what I am hoping for. We plan to sell the house we have and buy one up there. I hope to gain citizenship for myself and my son. My roomie is not so sure for reasons of her pension and social security if she wants to give up US citizenship. I have found much info on my moving but I can find no info on someone wanting to simply retire there from the US. She doesn't plan on working when she gets up there, yet I cannot find anything on that specific topic. On the whole points system I have fine points on the skilled worker end. I also hope to one day have a social life again and would like to live within an hour of the city for that reason as well as cultural events for my son. I have spent some time in Toronto but I do not know the outlying areas. I would love to also get info on neighborhoods or areas that might be good. I would live to find a diverse neighborhood that is family oriented, queer friendly, and community based. Any thoughts on this or the retirment issue would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks,

~Bleu

posted in Americans in Canada - 7 replies

absentee ballots

2004-10-28T23:53:46Z

have any of you sent in your absentee ballot for the election? mine was mysteriously opened when it was sitting in my mailbox....on another note, my husband went to los angeles this weekend and said that he'd forgotten the sort of blind patriotism that runs rampant in the U.S., even in L.A. i guess we're kinda shielded from that here in canada...

posted in Americans in Canada - 7 replies