Our American Mother-In-Law
Edmonton - Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - by: Ron Thornton
	While Britain is recognized as Canada's mother country, the United States has acted more like our mother-in-law.
	Now, don't get me wrong, I love Americans. In fact, the lady who gave life to my wife happens to be one. We have a wonderful relationship based on mutual respect, even when we think the other might be somewhat misguided.
lumber	Unfortunately, Canada's mother-in-law seems to be cut from different red, white, and blue cloth. The United States loves our lumber, but places punitive duties upon the wood should we try to do anything more to it than chop it down before export.
subsidies	While complaining of perceived subsidization of foreign industry, she sees nothing wrong with subsidizing her own, regardless as to the impact on others.
tribunals	She has no trouble establishing international tribunals as long as such tribunals in no way can be applied to her own conduct. She can be quick to back up her demands through the use of intimidation or force, be it to claim territory or economic advantages.
	In short, she rules the roost.
pacified	Yet, if kept pacified, the United States can be a great benefactor, accepting 86% of all our exports, guaranteeing our sovereignty with her armed forces, to say nothing about the cultural influence she has on our society.
respect	No wonder our government finds it difficult to locate its spine, to stand up for our rights under the Free Trade Agreement. Nobody wants to upset the mother-in-law, especially when we are so dependent on her. While we may love her, admire her, and rely on the United States, it seems we have yet to earn her respect. Maybe its time we did.
	Ron Thornton