Low Expectations

Remember when Obama was elected and everyone (and by everyone I mean only the people naive enough to believe he had the qualifications to lead the free world) thought things were going to be okay?

Then- slowly- people began to realise that character and experience do count when electing a leader.

And now: Obama love-in has little impact on how Canadians view Americans, poll finds

Join with me now: aaaaawwwww......

First of all, let me point that I never thought he would even be appropriate as one of those page-boys that adjusted Ted Kennedy's foot-stool the second he promised to meet Iran- the same Iran that threatened to wipe Israel off the map- without pre-conditions. Anyone who thinks they can just talk to dictators who starve and threaten their own people is either naive or just evil. Yes- evil. There is sufficient moral reason not to trade, bargain or coddle with totalitarian regimes no matter how sunny their vacation spots or cheap their goods.

Secondly, how many Canadians actually like Obama? I don't. Many other Canadians don't. What's to like? Obama's protectionist policies (Buy American and the carbon tax) could dry up Canada's economy. Why would our neighbour and trading partner put enormous financial strain on us? No doubt, he- like other American celebrities- like the idea of Canada but won't tolerate its standing up for itself.

The disconnect from the previous administration and the relentless campaigning of the current one hasn't even mollified the most virulent anti-Americanists. I don't mean Canadians whose experiences with Americans has been poor but those who haven't even set foot in the US or met any Americans. Envy, nationalism, righteous indignation- whatever the reason for some Canadians to hate America and define our national identity on it cannot be assuaged by the election of an empty suit. People should be judged by what they hate and not by what they love. If someone loved peace more than war, we would see peace. Instead, we see discord and irrational hatred of a more powerful nation, one that has the guts to be a republic.

I argue it wouldn't matter who was elected. Those who are determined to hate the US will hate it no matter how socialist or naive (or how conservative and cautious) the candidate is.

Just note that this is yet another fallacy in the Obama myth.