I was debating where to post this reply, in this topic, or in h22bubbleback's other post about Why Canada sucks. This thread seemed to have a few original ideas in it though, so this seems more appropriate.
First of all, I don't think JimJewy's experience is an accurate reflection of the views of Canadians as a whole. I spent quite a few years in Canada, and I never encountered this kind of asinine behavior being directed towards everyone. I found most Canadians to be sympathetic towards the plight of their military and the lack of support they recieve from the government.
As to this issue of culture, addressed by B16 and sisteve, I hope you were being sarcastic. You both claim that the United States is far more culturally diverse than Canada, then sisteve claims that if you live in the US you should be required to speak english. The United States is a melting pot society, numerous cultures from around the world come here, and are required to conform to this way of life. Often forfeiting many of their traditional ways of life. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it is just a policy issue. In Canada, public policy is geared towards multi-culturalism. That is, all of these cultures exist in the country without homologation.
In regards to Canada's support of the United States in foreign military campaigns. Canada's specialty in the realm of foreign affairs is diplomacy and peace keeping. By even condoning the United States' unilateral military action in the middle east Canada's ability to act as a mediator would be severely compromised.
I believe the issue of marijuana was raised by h22bubbleback, and no, Canada is not legalizing marijuana. Canada decriminalized it. For those of you who have trouble with this distinction, in essence it means that under law possession of marijuana is still not permitted, but it also can not result in jail time. Trafficking is still a criminal offense, and possession results in a fine. Regardless of your stance on marijuana, surely you can appreciate the value sending less people to jail. Even from a purely economic standpoint.
I'm trying not to be antagonistic, and to simply state the facts. However, anybody who believes that you are better off living in the United States than in Canada while making under $100K/year is simply delusional. Under the current Republican government the economic disparity in the United States will only continue to grow. Public services will continue to be slashed, and even the poor here applaud that because they see a marginal decrase in taxation. Believeing that the current system of government in the United States works is on par with hoping to win the lottery. If you can get rich you'll stay that way, but otherwise you're out of luck. And despite Republican rhetoric, not everyone can be rich, someone has to make the hamburgers.
Hmmm...that was probably too much..oh well.
-Steve