Harper says accept ‘any level of damage’ for independence

[blackpowder]

All of the current Canadian political parties would cease to exist if we became an American state?

Most of us have patriotic attachment to Canada.

But it only takes a 5 minute glance to see the long and short term economic advantages of being a part of a much stronger and more attractive to business economy.

More importantly, the benefits of becoming a republic.

[shtferbrains]

If you were investing your retirement savings with no emotions do you chose a Canadian Equitys fund or a US Equitys fund under the current economic conditions?

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Irrelevant, who do you see us fighting and what for. Therein the answer.

I look at the long-standing civil war in The Ukraine as a proxy(no pun intended) for where Canada could be headed. Where citizens with no dog in the fight, or who already voted to separate from the nationalists are being forcefully conscripted to fight a war against their own people against their will.
The extractive state with the higher population can't afford to let the resource-rich regions pursue their own autonomy. So just like Harper said, they would rather destroy the nation and the people and the economy then let that happen.

And just like in the Ukraine, a few oligarchs and foreign corporations will be the only winners. The citizenry will all be losers.

[blackpowder]

Okay.
But for now I think you're giving Canadians too much credit.
The most any of us would feel strongly enough to go beyond words over would be a Tim Horton's cup rim.

A Canadian Fort Sumter is a fantasy.

[GALAXIE500]

Guilty of being old but.
I remember being taught the cultural mosaic theory.
I recall interprovincial trade barriers my whole career.
We are selfish patriots...

Everything I hear today has been heard my whole life.
Elections are over before I even vote.

Change the Constitution to encourage one nation.
Or to facilitate regional identities working together equally.
We have neither.

This latest squall will change nothing. Nor will the next election.

A republic or EU like alliance or a melting pot.
None will occur.
Too late for the melting pot and power too entrenched for a republic.
There is no thirst for an economic civil war.
So we have what we have, until we don't...
Deja vu all over again.

Quebec has always been an entity that we have to pacify in this country. They are the main stumbling block that won't permit a east west pipeline.

[fjlip]

PACIFY....or bribe?

If this is accurate...not a confederation at all!

Quebec never signed so it's never happened.

They know it and are getting equalization to STFU!

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Okay.
But for now I think you're giving Canadians too much credit.
The most any of us would feel strongly enough to go beyond words over would be a Tim Horton's cup rim.

A Canadian Fort Sumter is a fantasy.

I'm not giving Canadians citizens any credit. I'm looking at the title of this thread. Those in positions of power who have everything to lose are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to maintain that status. That everything just happens to include the lives and livelihoods of the citizens.

Just look at what is happening in the Ukraine. With a few notable exceptions such as the azov battalion, the citizens wanted nothing to do with the civil war or the war with their largest trading partner. The same thing would happen here. We would be forcibly conscripted against our will to defend the concept of a country which we don't support. And have nothing to gain by remaining a part of it.

[sumdumguy]

Exactly AF5. Great comparison, both Canada and Ukraine with nutty heads of state, fighting and sacrificing their young men for their own benefit.

[newguy]

Exactly AF5. Great comparison, both Canada and Ukraine with nutty heads of state, fighting and sacrificing their young men for their own benefit.

If someone breaks into their neighbors house does it really matter the personality of the victim? Your saying if the victim is nutty then it is his fault.

[TSIPP]

Harper is a globalist, he did give away the farmer owned wheat board, why is he concerned about Canadian unity now?