Tag Archives: USA

That Other Election

I’ve been neglecting the Canadian federal election in this space, but there will be a few posts coming as the candidates hit the final stretch, with now less than three weeks to go. Today though, an early look at the contest that affects the world far more than the Canadian one, the 2020 US presidential […]

Rocks By Any Other Name

Who knew they had a formal name? I’ve spent my life referring to them as “the rocks.” At high tide you can just see the tips, at low tide the rocks are the boundary between Ocean Park and Old Orchard Beach, Maine. They are a meeting place, and a reference point for those giving directions. […]

The H Word

It finally happened. A German used the H word in my presence. I haven’t been all that surprised that Adolf Hitler doesn’t come up in conversation here. You could say it is because Germany and Germans prefer not to remember the Nazi era. It has been almost 75 years, that generation is dead, most of […]

American Justice

There are times when the US seems like a third-world country run by a tinpot dictator with no sense of the rule of law. The latest high-profile case from American courts has a bizarre ending that makes the justice system look silly. Mexican drug lord Joaquin Guzman has been sentenced in a  New York courtroom. […]

Making America Great Again

I meant to share this picture on July 4, American independence day, but I forgot. Now seems as good a time as any. For those who agree with the sentiment, I understand your frustration. Certainly a lot of political problems faced by Americans could be solved if they were once again part of the United […]

Voting Day

If you are an American, get out and vote today. It is important to exercise your franchise. Democracy is only strong when people participate. I doubt if today’s vote in the US is as important as some people are making it. There has been a fair amount of hysteria online about this election, more than […]

Talking Trade

When you get thrown under the bus, your first priority is to avoid the wheels. Once you have done that, you figure out your next move. These days Canada’s Prime Minister is doing his best to not get hit by the wheels. Last Monday the US and Mexico announced a trade deal to replace NAFTA, […]

Non Sequitur

I’ve seen this sign for 50 years and never understood it. I know what the words mean. But what makes it significant?  When I was younger, I studied some of the poems of Robert Frost. Every school child did. The man was an American icon, rightly celebrated for his way with words. I don’t remember though […]

The View From Abroad

German class. Seventeen students from 14 different countries. Apparently, there is one that most of us have in common, aside from our inability to communicate in German. I don’t know how we got on to the topic, but it seems most of the class is thoroughly convinced that Donald Trump is an idiot. From that […]

A Special Place in Hell

He’s recanted and repented, but it seems a bit forced and not particularly heartfelt. Memo to the US government: you might want to make sure your messaging is a little less emotionally charged. That might save you some worldwide embarrassment. The recent trade spat between the US and Canada has me wondering about the theological […]