There was a war between the US and Canada and the border was defined. Let's move on.

Canadians and Americans are not feuding or at war. They are two distinct cultures and societies. They have different ideas and focus on life and living. But there is a lot of respect for one another despite the differences.

Consider that two distinct countries, with different methods of government live along the world's longest undefended border. Now this was always true in my youth and I am finding with current events that each is seeking to restrict the other because of the difference. This, perhaps is what brought on the title longstanding feud.

Yes, I think Canadians view their neighbours to the south with some distinct differences. But if we all buy into a common negativity, we all live in that negativity. We have the same language, even if it sounds different out of the various mouths. We even spell some of our words differently. But some of these differences are being adopted across borders that do not separate so much as define us for our particular lifestyles.

Sometimes in world events it is convenient to step back and allow the Americans to lead the way. But when the going gets tough, Canadians have an opinion and the world stage hears it. It was the Canadians who came to the plate first to disagree with an unwarranted war in Iraq. They stood alone until it was discovered how they were insightful.

Unfortunately the economic factors that surface in the US are a forerunner of the economic turns in Canada. We see the handwriting on the wall and most times do not consider our options any faster than the economic forecasting in the US.

At one time when jobs were scarce in Canada, many people were welcomed to travel across the border and find work in the US. It happened at another in reverse. The Canadian dollar taking an upturn in relation to the US dollar has been a long time coming. But spending money on either side of the border has been a lifetime habit for many on both sides.

Are we so different? Do we need to outline difference? Would it be more beneficial to see the compatibility?

With friends on both sides of this border we call home, it is difficult to think in terms of a feud. Differences there are and that is what allows that we each have our own path to find to the source of all life.

One of the most important factors we find is a distinct love of country, God and our families. We honor these things and even share our many benefits with one another.

Because of the form of government in each country we try to understand how we fit in. But when the issues arise on the world stage both come to the table with their own ideas as well as respect for each other as well as the world community.

Learn more about this author, Judy Merrill.
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