I guess these things tend to turn in to pissin' contests after a while, but really I meant no offense to you. And you have the good sense to think:

"Unfortunately our country has suffered from very poor leadership in the recent past. We would certainly vote for a better choice if their was one" Some of our choices here are pretty sad sometimes too, ha, ha.

But then you go and set up a "false" thesis as supposedly being what I said:
You wrote "Just because a government likes to spend money it doesn't have, that doesn't mean it is a socialist government." That is true, BUT you over looked the FACT that I SAID NO SUCH THING in any way in what I actually said. Sure that would be a dumb statement, but why do you atribute it to me to try and refute my real statements?? You can win any game if you don't play fair. I could ask you now, just as well something like why should I listen to you when you're too "cheap" to buy American ? It would be just as unfair and untrue, becuase that was not at all your point and what you said above has NOTHING to do with what my point was or anything I said.

Then you say: "If it makes you happy to call Canada a socialist state hey, be my guest. I beg to differ."

What I actually said on the subject: "It {meaning Canada} may not be an absolute socialist state, but it is pretty close and there is no real question of that." That is true and I stand by that. It is clear however that you think it is not true. We will have to as my father always used to say: agree to disagree on that point. I am happy to hear you got good care and I hope you are feeling well. By the way my term was "free" health care, and the quotes can leave no doubt that I specifically did NOT mean it was FREE. Another "little" twisting of what I actually said.

I really had never thought of the differences in national consciousness that you brought up. They are interesting and make some sense. I think you see some of the problems Canada has and are honest to admit Canada has had bad leadership and needs better. I hope you get it. Yes "hunger" is a motivator. Sometimes I see all the lationo immigrants we have here and how some cannot even speak the language and live all together in a small place (some how not having the where with all to shower enough even). But they are full of hussle and work and work and are so happy for any opportunity. I think we all could appreciate what we have more and maybe strive a little more to make things better. All the best,

Joe