One of the great publications has an article about the Canada/U.S. softwood lumber dispute. The Weekly Standard explains it succinctly for their American readers.
Much of the first part of the article explains the situation. This last part really explains the situation.
[…] Why can’t this trade dispute between two neighbors with the longest undefended border in the world be resolved quickly and fairly? We are, after all, two great democracies, and the problem is but pine boards.
The answer is that it’s not about wood from Canada, of course. It’s about Canada.
Canadian conservative leader Stephen Harper knows it: he said the softwood standoff is due to the sour relationship between the Liberal party and Washington.
Indeed, last April Secretary Rice’s first scheduled trip to Ottawa was cancelled when Canada decided not to join the U.S. missile defense plan, deciding to accept American protection, but declining to pay for it. And then there’s Canada’s lack of support in the war against Islamist terrorists. And Prime Minister Martin’s penchant for bashing the United States in order to divert attention from his Liberal party’s scandals. The most recent demagoguery came during Martin’s October 24 dinner with Rice where the prime minister blamed America for rising Canadian crime rates. Martin said weapons were being smuggled into his country from the States. (The National Post was quick to point out that no evidence exists that gun smuggling has gotten worse.)
No, the softwood dispute won’t be settled soon. Condoleezza Rice had been secretary of State for nine months before she finally journeyed to Ottawa. Canada was the 40th country she had visited since taking office, even though Ottawa is a 90-minute hop from her office in Washington, D.C. To most Americans, 40th seems about right.
PTBC was founded by Mr. Johannesen in 2000.
Contact Mr. Johannesen about this article using this form. Please refer to article's title.
FOLLOW @JoelJohannesen ON X!
- Feeling phobic? The Libs have a phobia for you! - Friday May 17, 2024 at 6:08 pm
- CANADA GOING DOWN is now its own section - Friday May 17, 2024 at 2:47 pm
- The Once-Famous OOZING BRAIN POO AWARD is Back - Friday May 17, 2024 at 2:42 pm
