Hi Peter, I don't think Cheri meant to offend you. She is a very nice woman who really likes to help people. But I agree with you. We should all be very proud of our heritage, no matter what it is. I think a lot of times people tend to isolate themselves, because of who they are. And when that happens we cease to be able to understand one another. When 911 happened my country was very afraid. And fear makes you do things that you would otherwise not do under normal circumstances. Our country in essence was being attacked and for a short period of time we did not know what was going to happen next. We did not close our borders to Canadians, we closed our borders to terrorists, who might be able to get in by that means. I lost two very good friends in the towers. They had nothing to do with government, they were just doing their jobs. My husband was called to Washington two days after the attack to meet with Tom Ridge, he would become our Homeland Security Secretary. We grew up with Tom and have been friends our whole lives. When my husband returned he said that he did not envy Tom his job. That he was going to have to make some decisions that were going to anger other nations and our own citizens. I don't try to second guess anymore because of that. I believe there are certain things that we do not have the right to know, and we are better off that way. Most countries in our world today do care about freedom and maintaining it. I live in Erie,Pa. so I am just across the lake from you and I visit your Country often. I have always been treated well and accepted. I enjoy Canada and all it has to offer. I have always felt that Canadians were like brothers and sisters to us. I only hope that we will all be able, in the years to come, to visit all countries without fear for our safety. I am not trying to lecture, I really believe and hope that someday we can all get past our differences and live in harmony and peace with each other. Your Good Friend Deborah

======================================== "Wow, that just goes to show you what I was talking about!" ======================================== He he he! Tis the age of being politically correct! LOL Then, once your done dealing with the differences in Countries you have to deal within that country and the differences within it. For example, when asked where I'm from, my answer is generally "I'm a Newfoundlander" first, then "I'm a Canadian" . . . where someone from Toronto may say . . "I'm a Trontonian" first, then, "I'm an Ontarian", then "I'm Canadian". It's almost a never ending cycle. :-) A very good topic though. One that one has to keep in mind when dealing with customers especially from outside their own country.

Peter, I'm so glad that you did make this point, because it taught me several things that I didn't previously know and in fact proved my point. I'm also glad that we can discuss these things in a civilized manner and come to understanding. Just as my neighbors in the small city of Midvale, Utah do not all share the same beliefs, viewpoints and even cultural heritage, neither do our neighboring countries. I haven't assumed that everyone always understands me for a number of years now, and am always willing to clarify when asked. However, I was devastated to think that I had given you or any of my Canadian friends offense, so thank you for your own clarification. Cheri

Hi Cheri, I too am pleased about the ability to communicate in a manner that makes us look mature and responsible, being able to take or give advice or criticizm is lost a lot in todays world. It takes a lot to offend me and neither you or your post did so, it was strictly communication back and forth. Now if someone were to claim they were a Dr. or had a Phd. and the truth was they were lying in some form or fashion that could be very offensive, oh I better not go there as there are a few so called plastic Dr's right here amongst the membership of Adlands that would lead others to believe they are something they are not or never could be. At any rate I am pleased we cleared the air about Americans vs Canadians vs North Americans, and very shortly as Canada does their best to dominate hockey in the Olympics we will each wear our countries pride on our sleeves. :)

Winston, Oh, good, humor! I'm much better at that than politics, though people still don't understand me. ============================================ For example, when asked where I'm from, my answer is generally "I'm a Newfoundlander" first, then "I'm a Canadian" . . . where someone from Toronto may say . . "I'm a Trontonian" first, then, "I'm an Ontarian", then "I'm Canadian". ============================================ That reminds me of the people I encountered at my dormitory at the University of Texas many years ago. They'd ask where I was from, and I'd say "Moab, Utah". They'd invariably repeat, "Mow-aab, Yew-Taw! Is that in the Yewnaghted States?" Listening to a person from Brooklyn or Boston trying to communicate with someone from Alabama or Georgia might be the funniest thing you've ever heard. You'd think they were speaking different languages. Ah, well. To work, to work, and vive la difference! Cheri