The 2nd
most important election for Americans (after Obama/McCain) was held today. And
I just voted.
More
important than the North Carolina or Minnesota Senate race, or who is Governor
of California or Mayor of New York, more important than runs Britain, France or
Germany. Today's election will have more influence on how a President Obama
tackles energy use, foreign trade, health care or climate change than any of
these. So I just know that - political junkies all - you're on the edge of
your seat, family (and dogs) huddled over the shortwave, gnawing on your
fingernails (leave the dog alone), awaiting the results...
... from
Canada.
I'd
normally avoid any serious discussion of Canada by cracking semi-smart on
moose/wolf/beaver, David Frum & William Shatner & Celine Dion, or just
doing the usual Canadian duck & dive. But I can't be bothered with that
schtick today. Because, though barely anyone in the US media (populace?) is
aware of it, I meant what I said about the importance of this election. To Obama.
Here's
the deal. Canada & the US are no longer textbook versions of
"sovereign" nations. We're already heavily-integrated. Now, no American politician is gonna talk
about this, and it's not in any Canadian's interest to emphasize it either, but
Canada-US has quietly become one of America's most important relationships.
Yes, China & Russia are more important, but we're talking democratic elections here,
and last I saw, Putin losing the Presidency didn't really seem to matter much. Here's
why this election is important to an Obama Administration.
More excitement, apres le deluge...
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