Events have taken place over the past few years highlighting differences between
Canada and United States. Economic issues involving softwood lumber, the beef industry, and wheat trade have fostered
some degree of animosity between these two neighbours. Add to this Canada's decision not to send troops to Iraq in support of United
States and several disparaging remarks made by prominent Canadians regarding the United States and President Bush.
One would think it impossible for these countries to respect one another but nothing could be further from the truth.
The above issues will be resolved amicably in due time. This is because the single characteristic
that unites these nations is their firm belief in democracy. Both Canada and United States firmly support values that are
based on democratic principles. Some laws may differ in the two countries but the world can rest assured both Canadians and
Americans support the principle that each individual has basic rights and freedoms as a human being on the
face of our planet.
Nations and religious groups that foster terrorism as a means of controlling people or promoting selfish values will someday
face judgement in the eyes of the world. Terrorist cells believe their cowardly acts will disrupt or destroy the economy of the
nations and people they attack, making it easier to place their own in control of those nations. In some cases,
it is the mistaken belief that nations must be controlled by religion. Canadians and Americans support the freedom of choice
in religions and, for the most part, in the separation of religion and the government.
Canada and United States are not alone in their support for democracy. Many nations have turned to democracy to elect their
governments, make laws, and promote the worth of the individual. United States has found itself on many occasions brought into
conflicts where American lives have been lost in support of basic human values. Canada also has lost lives helping United States or
the world body government, the United Nations, in correcting wrongs that were forced on people unable to defend themselves.
When it comes to fighting for democratic values, one must give special recognition to the efforts of United States. In many ways, this
country has been the greatest friend to Canada and in consideration of the real meaning of democracy, united we stand.
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