Reviews from

Primer on Canadian Politics

contest entry

39 total reviews 
Comment from Lois Delaney
Excellent
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Wow! I am proud to be Canadian. Yaah!!

What a wonderful essay on the difference between Canadians and Americans. You did a great job writing this. One nit:

Canada,is the - space between comma and is

Poutine is on our menu in Manitoba as well. Yummm!
Hugs, Lois xoxo

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2011




    eyes like an eagle....thanks.
Comment from Changeisgood
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Spiritual Echo, I learned so much I never knew before. When I visit my younger brothere in upper state New York, I listen to Canadian radio stations. When we visited Niagra Falls it was remarkable how much nicer the Canadian side of the falls were kept. Everything was clean, restaurants were good, Ripley's was there, also an Imax theater. The difference is astronomical. It made me wonder if all the cities and towns were so well kept.
I hope your conservative party is not like the Republcans, but enjoyed learning of your country's ability to have third (fourth, etc) parties. We're stuck with a duopoly. Good luck on the contest.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 18-Nov-2011
    Never mind...should you to decide to run for the hills, there will always be a pair of arms and a safe refuge.
reply by Changeisgood on 20-Nov-2011
    Thank you, Spirit, I'm glad to know you're there in a good place. I hope things improve "down here."
Comment from Roberta Joan Jensen
Excellent
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this was very interesting. I think there's two reasons why we're not much interested in Canada. First, we don't have any problems with you like we do with the drug lords down south and the illegal immigrants. secondly, most of us move south into warmer climes. I grew up in Minnesota, and I always figured whoever wanted to live in Canada or Alaska had to be crazy. It was way too cold in Minnesota, and to go north from there ...

Aside from our quirky differences[,] our political system may baffle many Americans.

Federal election[,] their power was reduced to two seats in Parliament.

Roberta

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011












    in spite of your very sharp eye, I have decided not to edit. I was a point I chose to make. but thanks for listeninh.
Comment from G L Bertin
Good
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I was interested in this piece because I'm that American! Also, I have an international student staying with me who's been studying in Montreal for the past two years, and he related to your comments. You brought some amazing differences to the table: like the Canadian Senate is not elected!

The flow of the piece feels like you didn't write this all at the same time, but maybe combined several pieces? I think I felt this because sometimes the style seems a bit repetitive (e.g. commonality). Also, I didn't "get" the last paragraph??

Spell check? (Celcious [sic], and I might not spell "honourable" with a "u" in paragraph #17 given paragraph #4!).

A reference to Canada's "socialized" medicine (a big topic in America right now) would be apropos in my favorite sections where you wrote about social references: slaves and draft dodgers welcomed, and the differences in TV programming and gravy!

Well done.

~Georgia Lee
Day Two - Free First Week New Member

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 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    It amy not be polite, but seriously, piss off. Are you suggesting that once I identify my nationality and spelling I should conform? Get a drip or douse youself in some flamable fluid. And, don't idemtofy you8rself as a newbie, then expect respect. or tolerance
Comment from womanwriter
Excellent
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Dear SE;
I am a Canadian, living 12 years in USA, and you are so right! especially about our Canadian education. The kids here have NO idea of what their neighbors are like (yes I have learned to drop the 'u' at least for while i am here - I abhor thos little red squiggly lines LOL), mainly because they are not EDUCATED in the matter. i could go on and on - but it seems you are already more than aware of the short comings.
Thanks for the refresher course I totally enjoyed it.
And Yes, God Bless us ALL!
Thank for sharing.
Blessings & Hugs,
womanwriter

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    Don't take these prompts too seriously!
Comment from Larrypic11
Excellent
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Well, Echo, that was a long overdue lesson for me. I actually worked for RBC in the states for 5 years, but never made it to Toronto. I was based in NY/NJ. I do think Americans have a self-righteous, self-centered smugness in many ways, but I also believe they are very affectionately positive to our Canadian neighbors. At the end of the day it is the artificiality of our borders that creates separation and misunderstanding when we lack respect. Pluralism has its place as a method to provide choices. But when we forget we are all humans, we get ourselves into trouble. Thanks for shedding light on such a good neighbor. Be well. Larry

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    I loved your post on JFK and the coincidental overlap of our passion for righteousness was not lost on me.

    I am assuming that regardless of my nationality, my praise is still worthy.

    My name is Ingrid and one of my finest moments was to tell my RBC advisor to crash my portfolio and send me the cash. I think the video of the jaw slagging shock was worth his annual commission.

    I have friends all over the world and borders don't seem to interrupt the flow of compassion and gentle accepatance of our shared humanity, but in my travels I have met far too many who take comfort in labels and symbols. I'm glad you are not one of 'them.'
Comment from robyn corum
Excellent
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Wonderful essay! I learned so many new things! And in such an enjoyable fashion. The writing style was interesting and entertaining; the contents were clear and conscise and pertinent. Well-done!

There were a couple of things I thought you might want to look at?

1.)Celcious -> Celsius

2.) (and yes, we sometimes also call them chips, not to be confused with Lay's Potato Chips)
-> change to:
->(and yes, we sometimes call them chips)
-> that's deleting the 'also', and the second statement, which makes things MORE confusing rather than less so, I think.

3.) then covered with cheese curds and finally smothered in gravy; that's brown gravy
-> change to:
-> covered with cheese curds and smothered in brown gravy.

4.)The thing that continues to separate us both is that which we
->drop 'both'

Thanks again!!

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    Man, I hope you are right. Made the edit with no google search, but your confidence in the points was inspiring. Thanks,
reply by robyn corum on 17-Nov-2011
    I did the google search. I wouldn't have told you unless I was SURE. heehee - I don't trust my old memory anymore!! Great job!
Comment from G.B. Smith
Excellent
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What an excellent essay. I admire the pride of Canadians. It echoes that of the USA. We are freedom loving peoples who will go to the ends of the earth to support human rights. Your country's service to the US is wonderful and I thank you for it
Bear

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    Behind closed doors in the underbelly of public knowledge, the relationship between out two countries is of such an intimate basis that it would make the average
    American blush. Yet, it would not surprise a Canadian. Aside from our mutual co-dependence on our nation's resources, currently the pipe line, but historically our need to protect there exists a solid respect for both our strengths and our vulnerability.

    Thanks for reading.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Excellent
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Ingrid, this is a lovely, easily understood description of the Canadian legal system and some of the historical influences on your system of government. You aren't ignored. We study your country in 5th grade. :) Nancy

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    Oh darling woman, while you remember your 5th grade lessons, some don't. Thanks for reading.
Comment from jfmorgan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Very well said, Spiritual Echo. It was refreshing to read your nicely written essay on Canada and its role and functions. It is clear you have a sincere affection and fondness for the United States. Let me say, the feelings are mutual. I have visited Canada on occasion and can say, proudly, that I'm very glad you and your fine people are there. You are a people with a deep and vital history and it is good that you have shared it with us here. Excellently done. 6 stars.

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2011


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2011
    What an immense compliment with your 6 star review...thank you.