As an American living in Canada for the last three decades, this was an enjoyable read, Andy. To me, Canada was a country that "worked" really well and just made sense—at least up until about seven years ago, when the cracks that had existed widened into fissures. Globalism weighs heavily on us here now as well, and all that was "good and green" seems increasingly at risk.
A snippet from Missives from the Edge, where I (newly) write about some of my experience here on the Canadian Pacific Rim, as well as other "edges":
"There is something unique to having lived here on the edge of the Pacific, in Vancouver, British Columbia for the last three-and-a-half decades. I fit with old Vancouver’s crunchy-con vibe, its green-loving altruism, its innovative and multicultural roots. However, there is a growing unease inside me that Vancouver has passed its halcyon days, and is now entering a new twilight. Its overcrowding, homelessness, expanding inter-ethnic violence and growing reputation as a playland for the rich are just a couple of the symptoms of this new twilight that I see. And I see Vancouver as very much on the forefront of where most of the world is heading."
Still, as someone who shares your love of things northern, your assessment of "the Canada that was" seems spot-on.
Thank you, Meg. I agree with your frankly somber take -- what's going on in Vancouver and much of Canada should be watched closely by all of us around the world, as it seems the country has become a canary in the coalmine giving us some clues toward the direction The Powers That Be want to steer the world. Even the Fathers of Confederation admitted that the union of the provinces was fragile -- and I think big-ticket forces around the globe have exploited that fragility. We all lose out; what's come to Canada is probably coming for the rest of us.
I suspect the best way to fight against these trends is to keep the memory of what these places were alive; while it can be dangerous to romanticize the facts of a place, it can also be a powerful way to give folks a rudder and a reason to keep going. The remnants of the Old World across the West have only as much power as we give them, and forgetting would be devastating.
Agreed on your canary in the coal mine take—you've nailed it. And to the importance of 'remembering' giving a rudder and a reason to keep going. All is not yet lost, but it hangs in a fragile balance.
As to staying? Wow, it was never in my plan to stay this long, always thinking I'd head back to "my" Oregon. But life has a way of taking turns that, in my case, restricted my relocating several times over. So the only possible answer at the moment is "We'll see"!
Andy, I will return to this and re-read it again, to better articulate my own thoughts on what you got right and what you got wrong here. Romanticism is fun and all, but I doubt very highly in your hitch-hiking missions through Quebec and The Maritimes that you ever were rescued from the penance of an on-ramp by a member of the Laurentide Elite, that same ghoulish caste who raised a bastard son of Cuba to drive us into penury and damnation.
Canada, like America, has its own dynamisms within society and culture, tempered as they are by loyalty to inertia born in Europe. Your notions of the place remind me of my youthful patriotism and joy of coming from such a beautiful place full of awesome people.
The cloud up north also clouds my judgement, yet, more to come later.
Thought of you as I was writing, Gord, and was remembering our numerous conversations on the subject. I could only comment on Canada as I found her -- and it bears mentioning that I haven't hitched up there since well before covid. I believe Trudeau had only just taken office when I went to NB.
It's always a little weird to write or speak about a place that isn't your own; that's why I made mention of you as I don't feel remotely equipped to discuss the post-covid political realities of Canada myself -- that's better left for you. Nonetheless, living so close to the border I spend so much time looking at Canada I couldn't help but wax poetical about my memories of it; especially since finding Drummond's poetry.
Looking forward to the "more to come later"! Take care brother.
Dec 16, 2023·edited Dec 16, 2023Liked by A.M. Hickman
Thank you for your tribute to Canada. Despite its faults, it is a country worthy of such praise. The other day I watched a British vlogger about "50 Weird & Confusing Facts About British Life & Culture", some of which Canada inherits very well(except humor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHtl2CRMXc
Canadians retain some of the best aspects of British character such as friendliness, politeness(always say "sorry" and "thank you"), and respect for rules which Americans have somewhat eradicated after the American Revolution.
From the start, Canada's identity is deeply rooted in the British Empire, which is distinctly different from US. This suggests their goal of nation-building is a highly equal society with strong consensus similar to the Scandinavian ones, which makes sense given everyone is the subject of the British monarch. Its submission to monarchy means it is not built on revolution against the order, so it enjoys the fruits of obedience that America has lost.
In the foreseeable future, Canada will not adopt America's Presidential System for they honor monarchs, not presidents. The benefit of Canada as a former British colony is the separation of the ceremonial and administrative roles. The nation and each province have both a governor (head of state that represents the country) and a prime minister or provincial premier (head of government that holds the actual power).
I especially admire how Canadians casually regard Prime ministers as officials second to the king, making them just politicians deprived of any glory attached to the presidency. People can criticize the prime minister without being accused of "damaging Canada's image." In Canada, nobody cares much about the prime minister's private life (as seen in Trudeau's divorce case) since nobody expects a "first family" in the first place. But in the US, people can storm the capital for a politician, which is only possible in a country that combines the role of politician and monarch into a "president." Imagine Trudeau demands personal loyalty to him and does the same thing, Canadians would think he's gone crazy.
Like America, Canada also has "founding fathers", but everyone has no interest in venerating them and just agrees to put the British monarch's image on their banknote. Interestingly, using a political-neutral monarch's image as the head of state in a way protects the country's identity from leftists' destruction.
Having been governed by English common law for more than a century, Canada never had a civil war or apartheid; it has a neutral Supreme Court where judges don't belong to any party (their clothing is also interesting), and a cleaner government than the US for many years. (#13 Corruption Perceptions Index, US #24)
When I watched their parliamentary debate (known as "Question Time"), I was surprised to see how routinely Trudeau and his cabinet are grilled by any opposition party member, which is lacking in the US. (It's also entertaining to watch. Imagine Biden being questioned by Congress for his son's scandal.) If some politicians do a bad job, they will be asked to resign and be replaced by a new guy. Like in the UK, parties trump individual politicians' performance. The system functions well because it depends the least on individual performance.
I also love the fact that British traditions still prevail in Canada. To become a Canadian citizen or practice law, one has to swear Oath of Allegiance to the monarch, which is better than pledging to a changeable constitution and abstract principles (it doesn't mean these principles are bad). And the accompanying literature explains why in language that neatly makes the case for having a monarch above politics:
“In Canada, we profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians and not to a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Sovereign (Queen or King). It is a remarkably simple yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canada.”
Recently, Canadian court rejected a Sikh's appeal that pledging to the monarchy violated his religious freedom (which is an attempt to put racial/religious identity before national identity). However, in the US without such a tradition, the melting pot policy is gradually eroding. Recently, an Albanian-American made history as she was sworn in as a Judge of the New York City Civil Court, Bronx County. The Albanian anthem was incorporated into the ceremony, along with the flags of Kosovo and Albania because individual identity trumps everything else in the US. I can't help but wonder if American identity is somehow vague that so many Americans keep bringing up their ancestry.
Words cannot fully express how much I appreciate Canada. From its loyalty to Britain to its respect for rules, this country reminds me of some of the virtues, such as agreeableness and dedication, that Americans have lost after the revolution. Americans have a lot to learn from their lovely northern neighbor; not only because they are forever Americans' best ally, but also because it is one of the most decent societies human beings ever created.
A very noble, sweet piece!! America has always been viewed as the place to go if you dream of wealth or liberty (both equally uncertain, offering no true light at the end of the tunnel)... but there are many other places we might go if we want neighbors, and I think this is a lovely depiction of such a place!
Just came across this thoughtful post from Paul Kingsnorth’s recommendation. I’m writing from Calgary, Alberta where my wife was born & raised. Tomorrow we return with our three children to our home in Texas.
As an American who tried and failed for several years to move to Canada pre-covid, this essay strikes a chord. However after the events of the past few years, my wife and I now consider it a mixed blessing that we didn’t ended up here.
You’ve given an interesting perspective that resonates in many ways with my own observations. We teach our children the importance of obedience (at least I do). Yet there seems to be a strange dynamism that arises from the rebellion in which the US was founded and the continuing pride of its posture. Perhaps it’s like Jacob who had the chutzpah to wrestle with God.
Thank you for giving cause to consider the people and cultures on both sides of the border from a new angle. PS the poetry reading was most enjoyable.
I've been, and was stationed in Louisiana for a time as well when I was in the military. I've never understood the claim that Southerners are friendly; maybe they can smell the Yankee on me when I come around...
Nicely done as always, but of course, as you said, completely ignoring the horrifically rotten political culture run by Castro's illegitimate bastard son. Pretty place though....
Thank you. And yes, 'tis a damn shame. I was full-on considering having a go at moving up there for a while before Trudeau and covid. These days I'm of the mind that I'm probably best off as a tourist. And as for writing about Trudeau and company, well, I figure I ought to leave it to the Canadians and keep them in my prayers..
.. not sure why I had to resubscribe.. the documentary artist inside pauses over the laughable ‘Castro pearl clutching.. th poor dears ho ho.. he’s a man for our times - canadian as they come.. buoyant gracious experienced a ‘sportsman & paddler & just ask his most excellent ‘compadre of the ring’ Senator Patrick Brazeau.. he’ll stand for him & admirably so.. but i digress .. a lesser man ? Would have folded .. or worse - never dreamed - he deals in ‘Governance - on Our Behalf.. not ‘politics & insult from snouters
But to your ‘charming recollections & most importantly to me .. ! Your ‘perceptions .. your ‘read.. yer LENS .. & ‘taste buds .. ‘the stuff of life.. in great vast bites..
You tell me you drank your fill .. whenever here.. or even ‘near.. of other similar environs & culture.. Our kin in Manitoba & North Dakota turned their horses & tractors on each others land .. shared a local jail .. and local hotel.. the same soil & waters.. like you - the same radio and tv..
So that’s a fascinating ‘reality - or close on ‘duality - just as there are vague ‘differences .. more ‘administrative due to passport - geography.. & address
.. the proverbial mouse in the circus elephant stable is inevitable currently.. plus the advent of venemous.. nay parasitic ‘conservative
As an American living in Canada for the last three decades, this was an enjoyable read, Andy. To me, Canada was a country that "worked" really well and just made sense—at least up until about seven years ago, when the cracks that had existed widened into fissures. Globalism weighs heavily on us here now as well, and all that was "good and green" seems increasingly at risk.
A snippet from Missives from the Edge, where I (newly) write about some of my experience here on the Canadian Pacific Rim, as well as other "edges":
"There is something unique to having lived here on the edge of the Pacific, in Vancouver, British Columbia for the last three-and-a-half decades. I fit with old Vancouver’s crunchy-con vibe, its green-loving altruism, its innovative and multicultural roots. However, there is a growing unease inside me that Vancouver has passed its halcyon days, and is now entering a new twilight. Its overcrowding, homelessness, expanding inter-ethnic violence and growing reputation as a playland for the rich are just a couple of the symptoms of this new twilight that I see. And I see Vancouver as very much on the forefront of where most of the world is heading."
Still, as someone who shares your love of things northern, your assessment of "the Canada that was" seems spot-on.
Thank you, Meg. I agree with your frankly somber take -- what's going on in Vancouver and much of Canada should be watched closely by all of us around the world, as it seems the country has become a canary in the coalmine giving us some clues toward the direction The Powers That Be want to steer the world. Even the Fathers of Confederation admitted that the union of the provinces was fragile -- and I think big-ticket forces around the globe have exploited that fragility. We all lose out; what's come to Canada is probably coming for the rest of us.
I suspect the best way to fight against these trends is to keep the memory of what these places were alive; while it can be dangerous to romanticize the facts of a place, it can also be a powerful way to give folks a rudder and a reason to keep going. The remnants of the Old World across the West have only as much power as we give them, and forgetting would be devastating.
Do you reckon you'll stay in Canada for good?
Take care,
A.M.H.
Agreed on your canary in the coal mine take—you've nailed it. And to the importance of 'remembering' giving a rudder and a reason to keep going. All is not yet lost, but it hangs in a fragile balance.
As to staying? Wow, it was never in my plan to stay this long, always thinking I'd head back to "my" Oregon. But life has a way of taking turns that, in my case, restricted my relocating several times over. So the only possible answer at the moment is "We'll see"!
Andy, I will return to this and re-read it again, to better articulate my own thoughts on what you got right and what you got wrong here. Romanticism is fun and all, but I doubt very highly in your hitch-hiking missions through Quebec and The Maritimes that you ever were rescued from the penance of an on-ramp by a member of the Laurentide Elite, that same ghoulish caste who raised a bastard son of Cuba to drive us into penury and damnation.
Canada, like America, has its own dynamisms within society and culture, tempered as they are by loyalty to inertia born in Europe. Your notions of the place remind me of my youthful patriotism and joy of coming from such a beautiful place full of awesome people.
The cloud up north also clouds my judgement, yet, more to come later.
Thanks for writing this.
Thought of you as I was writing, Gord, and was remembering our numerous conversations on the subject. I could only comment on Canada as I found her -- and it bears mentioning that I haven't hitched up there since well before covid. I believe Trudeau had only just taken office when I went to NB.
It's always a little weird to write or speak about a place that isn't your own; that's why I made mention of you as I don't feel remotely equipped to discuss the post-covid political realities of Canada myself -- that's better left for you. Nonetheless, living so close to the border I spend so much time looking at Canada I couldn't help but wax poetical about my memories of it; especially since finding Drummond's poetry.
Looking forward to the "more to come later"! Take care brother.
Thank you for your tribute to Canada. Despite its faults, it is a country worthy of such praise. The other day I watched a British vlogger about "50 Weird & Confusing Facts About British Life & Culture", some of which Canada inherits very well(except humor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHtl2CRMXc
Canadians retain some of the best aspects of British character such as friendliness, politeness(always say "sorry" and "thank you"), and respect for rules which Americans have somewhat eradicated after the American Revolution.
From the start, Canada's identity is deeply rooted in the British Empire, which is distinctly different from US. This suggests their goal of nation-building is a highly equal society with strong consensus similar to the Scandinavian ones, which makes sense given everyone is the subject of the British monarch. Its submission to monarchy means it is not built on revolution against the order, so it enjoys the fruits of obedience that America has lost.
One beautiful article sums it up well:
"U.S. has growing political violence and potential civil wars. Not so in Canada, distinguished from its southern neighbor largely by the fact of its monarchy. There, the parliamentary system is unquestioned and political disagreements remain civil." (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/09/10/no-coincidence-successful-democracies-constitutional-monarchies1/)
In the foreseeable future, Canada will not adopt America's Presidential System for they honor monarchs, not presidents. The benefit of Canada as a former British colony is the separation of the ceremonial and administrative roles. The nation and each province have both a governor (head of state that represents the country) and a prime minister or provincial premier (head of government that holds the actual power).
I especially admire how Canadians casually regard Prime ministers as officials second to the king, making them just politicians deprived of any glory attached to the presidency. People can criticize the prime minister without being accused of "damaging Canada's image." In Canada, nobody cares much about the prime minister's private life (as seen in Trudeau's divorce case) since nobody expects a "first family" in the first place. But in the US, people can storm the capital for a politician, which is only possible in a country that combines the role of politician and monarch into a "president." Imagine Trudeau demands personal loyalty to him and does the same thing, Canadians would think he's gone crazy.
Like America, Canada also has "founding fathers", but everyone has no interest in venerating them and just agrees to put the British monarch's image on their banknote. Interestingly, using a political-neutral monarch's image as the head of state in a way protects the country's identity from leftists' destruction.
Having been governed by English common law for more than a century, Canada never had a civil war or apartheid; it has a neutral Supreme Court where judges don't belong to any party (their clothing is also interesting), and a cleaner government than the US for many years. (#13 Corruption Perceptions Index, US #24)
When I watched their parliamentary debate (known as "Question Time"), I was surprised to see how routinely Trudeau and his cabinet are grilled by any opposition party member, which is lacking in the US. (It's also entertaining to watch. Imagine Biden being questioned by Congress for his son's scandal.) If some politicians do a bad job, they will be asked to resign and be replaced by a new guy. Like in the UK, parties trump individual politicians' performance. The system functions well because it depends the least on individual performance.
I also love the fact that British traditions still prevail in Canada. To become a Canadian citizen or practice law, one has to swear Oath of Allegiance to the monarch, which is better than pledging to a changeable constitution and abstract principles (it doesn't mean these principles are bad). And the accompanying literature explains why in language that neatly makes the case for having a monarch above politics:
“In Canada, we profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians and not to a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Sovereign (Queen or King). It is a remarkably simple yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canada.”
Recently, Canadian court rejected a Sikh's appeal that pledging to the monarchy violated his religious freedom (which is an attempt to put racial/religious identity before national identity). However, in the US without such a tradition, the melting pot policy is gradually eroding. Recently, an Albanian-American made history as she was sworn in as a Judge of the New York City Civil Court, Bronx County. The Albanian anthem was incorporated into the ceremony, along with the flags of Kosovo and Albania because individual identity trumps everything else in the US. I can't help but wonder if American identity is somehow vague that so many Americans keep bringing up their ancestry.
(1: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/student-must-swear-oath-of-allegiance-monarchy-law-alberta-court?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1697764519
2: https://twitter.com/admirim/status/1733554665197899961)
Words cannot fully express how much I appreciate Canada. From its loyalty to Britain to its respect for rules, this country reminds me of some of the virtues, such as agreeableness and dedication, that Americans have lost after the revolution. Americans have a lot to learn from their lovely northern neighbor; not only because they are forever Americans' best ally, but also because it is one of the most decent societies human beings ever created.
God save the king. God bless Maple Leaf forever.
A very noble, sweet piece!! America has always been viewed as the place to go if you dream of wealth or liberty (both equally uncertain, offering no true light at the end of the tunnel)... but there are many other places we might go if we want neighbors, and I think this is a lovely depiction of such a place!
Just came across this thoughtful post from Paul Kingsnorth’s recommendation. I’m writing from Calgary, Alberta where my wife was born & raised. Tomorrow we return with our three children to our home in Texas.
As an American who tried and failed for several years to move to Canada pre-covid, this essay strikes a chord. However after the events of the past few years, my wife and I now consider it a mixed blessing that we didn’t ended up here.
You’ve given an interesting perspective that resonates in many ways with my own observations. We teach our children the importance of obedience (at least I do). Yet there seems to be a strange dynamism that arises from the rebellion in which the US was founded and the continuing pride of its posture. Perhaps it’s like Jacob who had the chutzpah to wrestle with God.
Thank you for giving cause to consider the people and cultures on both sides of the border from a new angle. PS the poetry reading was most enjoyable.
Come south. Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
I've been, and was stationed in Louisiana for a time as well when I was in the military. I've never understood the claim that Southerners are friendly; maybe they can smell the Yankee on me when I come around...
Nicely done as always, but of course, as you said, completely ignoring the horrifically rotten political culture run by Castro's illegitimate bastard son. Pretty place though....
Thank you. And yes, 'tis a damn shame. I was full-on considering having a go at moving up there for a while before Trudeau and covid. These days I'm of the mind that I'm probably best off as a tourist. And as for writing about Trudeau and company, well, I figure I ought to leave it to the Canadians and keep them in my prayers..
.. not sure why I had to resubscribe.. the documentary artist inside pauses over the laughable ‘Castro pearl clutching.. th poor dears ho ho.. he’s a man for our times - canadian as they come.. buoyant gracious experienced a ‘sportsman & paddler & just ask his most excellent ‘compadre of the ring’ Senator Patrick Brazeau.. he’ll stand for him & admirably so.. but i digress .. a lesser man ? Would have folded .. or worse - never dreamed - he deals in ‘Governance - on Our Behalf.. not ‘politics & insult from snouters
But to your ‘charming recollections & most importantly to me .. ! Your ‘perceptions .. your ‘read.. yer LENS .. & ‘taste buds .. ‘the stuff of life.. in great vast bites..
You tell me you drank your fill .. whenever here.. or even ‘near.. of other similar environs & culture.. Our kin in Manitoba & North Dakota turned their horses & tractors on each others land .. shared a local jail .. and local hotel.. the same soil & waters.. like you - the same radio and tv..
So that’s a fascinating ‘reality - or close on ‘duality - just as there are vague ‘differences .. more ‘administrative due to passport - geography.. & address
.. the proverbial mouse in the circus elephant stable is inevitable currently.. plus the advent of venemous.. nay parasitic ‘conservative
I’ve always had similar feelings about Canada. Your comments on America are spot on. A factory, not a country. Stop the train, I want to get off!