Dislike of Americans

[oohmercyme]

Quote: In their churches they pray (I'm serious) for Bush and Cheney.

It is a very common for Christians to pray for their elected leaders- this is not a sign of insanity. They also prayed for Clinton. Christians in England pray for their PM.

Unfortuantely Paris' jail time was big news in the UK as well.

And when I was homesick- I was very happy to go to McDonalds

[cyder45]

Health care is better here, if you can afford it. In Edmonton I couldn't find a GP that took new patients, and people were waiting months for surgeries. An MRI took six months, on average. Here, I had my pick of GPs and a wait of a week or two for a procedure is normal. Once I needed an MRI, and I got it *the next day*. I even got another one the day after that. Hospitals compete with each other for patients -- seriously. That's why rich Canadians go to the US for emergencies.

i lived in edmonton for a few years and never had any problems finding a gp, or getting a surgery on my elbow. i didn't wait longer than a few weeks, for what would relate to a minor surgery.

if you like their healthcare, stay down there. just wait until they find out you had a yeast infection in 1994, or an ankle surgery after you broke it. once you get something serious like cancer, you won't be covered, and it'll cost you thousands.

i work with a bunch of americans, and while a few see that we in canada have it just as good if not better, most think we live in igloo's year round, and have no electricity. as a society, i think its fair to say that the usa waves its flag too much, and pays too little attention to those around it.

my biggest fear, the americans foreign policy is going to step on the wrong toe, and world war 3 will break out. when it happens, i'm certainly not going to be there to back them.

[CeeJay81]

My husband and I live in AZ, and are CONSTANTLY the victims of LAME, OVERUSED Canadian jokes. Most of them are from friends, so they are all in fun, and I just dish it right back.

Other than that, we are surprised at the friendliness of most people here - there are many
a-holes in Saskatchewan too! - but we have noticed that Americans looooooooove to hear themselves talk.

[hc]

I hear all the time about doctor shortages in Canada. When I moved to Calgary from Halifax, I got a doctor no prob. When we moved to Southern Ontario from Calgary.everyone told us about the doctor shortage and I still had no problem getting one. When I hurt my knees in Calgary, I was in and out of the hospital with Xrays in 3 hours. When I hurt my knee again in Sarnia I was out of the hospital in one hour and got an MRI within a few weeks. Maybe the waits and the doctor shortages are because we as Canadians expect health care type stuff immediately and are so ready to bash it. When it came to getting a doc, I asked questions. When it comes to getting things like an MRI. Go on a waiting list and you'll shorten your waits by alot.

My tax rate right now in Colorado is 32% and I'm on a 49% per diem. So far since I've been here I have $16000 taxable income, and $5000 deducted split between Fed, State and Fica tax.

In Canada the 2007 tax rate 15.5% on first 37,178, 22% between $37,179 thru $74,357, 26% between $74,357 thru $120,887, 29% above $120,887.

In USA the 2007 tax rate is 10% on first 7,825, 15% between $7,825 thru $31,850 plus $782.50, 25% between $31,850 thru $77,100 plus $4386.25, 28% above $77,100 thru $160,850 plus $15,968.75, 33% $160,850 thru $349,700 plus $39,148.75 and finally 35% on $394,700 to no limit, plus $101,469.25.

I think your doing something wrong with your taxes. Or you know how to work the US system way better than I do. Which just reminds me how little I know about taxes.

[exsailor66]

.than in Windsor, ON.

I lived in Windsor for eight years, and most people there look at their feet and go mute when you say hello.

I have lived in Savannah, GA for 1-1/2 years and have met more people and have more friends than ever. Of course, as my childhood hero would say, "There are more horses' asses than there are horses", but that applies anywhere.

It may be the nature of Savannah that makes it different from most places in the U.S. I like to say that it is a city of one degree of seperation. Once you've been here for a year, whenever you met someone new, they are very likely to know someone you already know. Also, there are many people who are new to the south, so we are all in the same boat.

I've only met a few people who I'd like to throttle, but they are few. The overwhelming majority are very open and approachable. To add to the flavour, there are several colleges and universities. The largest and most influential with regard to making this city so beautiful is The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). They own about 70 large buildings that they have restored and are being actively used by students from all over the U.S. and worldwide. They make the city eclectic with their vigorous open-mindedness and wide-eyed belief in all things. This is contrasted by the intact historic districts, populated by old family wealth and retiring snowbirds.

I don't hear the constant Canadian-baiting like I did in Michigan, eh! I'm sure you know what I mean.

It reminds me of Victoria, B.C., where I lived for 11 years. There are large Live Oak trees with Spanish Moss hanging from the huge sinuous boughs like Angora scarves. Each time my wife and I walk around, we notice new things in a building that we have seen many times before. The architecture is stunning.

I was planning to retire to Tofino, B.C., but I ended up in a paradise of a different nature. Come visit.y'all won't be disappointed.

Cheers,
Mike

[gtoast]

i have been out of the us for about 5 monthes but did decide to return there for vacation last week. i returned back to germany saturday, and after 7 days in the states i can decidedly say i will never live or work there again.
i think the 7 years in the states did numb me. i got used to the anti-social, anti-everything non-american atmosphere. a couple of things stuck out for me for my return:
*americans do indeed love to hear themselves talk.alot
*they will not ask questions about your life
*seem to make fun and belittle everything that is foreign/strange
*they eat huge portions
*don't know that a bicycle can be used for transportation
*i wont even start about suvs and their drivers constant whine about gas prices

so im sorry to rant, but i cannot understand why i spent so long there to begin with. the world is a gloreous place, and i find it sad that many, many americans will not leave their state let along their country to see it

[KTE]

I find this a very interesting post. I have lived in the US for 3 years now, and I agree some Americans really get to me. However I need to look at the big picture; I am a Canadian living in their culture, and therefore I have to respect their customs and beliefs, as it is a choice to live here. I can return home any time I want. I have also lived in many other cultures and when it comes down to it: I am Canadian; I was born raised and believe in our customs! I find I can not fault someone for where their were raised. The question I pose is if Canadians get so frustrated with American’s why all of us on this post spend so much time in their country.

I have decided that yes I am frustrated with this culture; however I am going to do something and move back to Canada. I understand people feel there are more opportunities within the United States, and I truly feel there are great things to be learned by living in another country however the greatest thing about being Canadian is you can always go home!

It is in my nature to explore and travel therefore I am sure I will be back someday!

[RON]

Reading these posting on American bashing is really sad.I can say that if there is one thing Canadians are good at, it's how to make themselves feel better by telling everyone they are better than Americans.And you call us arrogant!