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1940-2009 Climate of Change
Barry Artiste Op.Ed
With the Copenhagen climate conference fast approaching, it is funny those attending chastise both the US and Canada over our policies, yet a scant 60 years ago and present many forget without us, their climate of change would be so much different.
Perhaps detractors of the West should pause before pointing fingers, cause the messages below certainly point the fingers back.
Great Answers
In France, at a fairly large conference, Prime Minister Steven Harper was asked by a French cabinet minister if Canadian involvement in Afghanistan was just an example of "empire building". Mr Harper answered by saying, 'Over the years, Canada has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.' You could have heard a pin drop.
A Canadian Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the Canadian, US, English, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, North Americans generally learn only English. He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?' Without hesitating, the Canadian Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
When Robert Whiting, an elderly Canadian gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane at the French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. 'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. The official replied 'Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.' The Canadian said, 'The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.' 'Impossible, Monsieur. Canadians always have to show passports on arrival in France!' The Canadian senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.' You could have heard a pin drop.
Take that! Cause Canadians are Cool.
Recommendations (38)
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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke
Redwater, Alberta, Canada
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Rhonda J Mangus
North Tonawanda, New York, United States -
Babel-Fish
Negros Oriental, Philippines -
Hugh Askew
Omaha, Nebraska, United States -
Amy Judd
Vancouver, Canada



Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (7)
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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpokeat 17:57 on November 29th, 2009
All I can say. Lest We Forget. Thanks for this Barry.
at 18:09 on November 29th, 2009
Well constructed piece, I liked it.
This is such a great answer:
"Over the years, Canada has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return"
at 18:11 on November 29th, 2009
Apparently many conveniently forget, until shit hits the fan in their own countries.
On another topic of Thanks,
Just think........... If the Indians had given the Pilgrims a donkey instead of a turkey, we would all be having a piece of ass this Thanksgiving!!....
at 18:27 on November 29th, 2009
"Take that! Cause Canadians are Cool."
This time of year, aren't they cold?
Nice job, Barry.
at 18:43 on November 29th, 2009
Yeah, it is a tad cold, more rainy though on the West coast
at 18:39 on November 29th, 2009
I don't think the Brit's forget.. I certainly don't
at 18:43 on November 29th, 2009
Thanks all for your comments