NEXT? The somewhat hesitant revelation of the details of a "Terrorist plot" in Canada "against something" indicates a fear which exists because of a vital element in our border control precautions.
The two nations share a four thousand mile border so a wall is ,automatically, eliminated in plans of either nation. We have had a remarkably stable relationship considering a wide selection of various governmental aberrations in some border states and provinces. I can remember harsh words being used at times, but military has been a phase, one might say, of actions against England and France rather than against the Canadian people. We had some common problems it can be said, which we each solved
in different ways. There have been disagreements in some products such as wheat and other grains - production, labor, in national and international marketing. We have shared labor and jobs and maintained a strong crossover rate and border contact points. Many Americans were disturbed by Canada's easy acceptance of American "draft dodgers" during World War II days, in particlar, I can remember thinking of men who wished to harm themselves and their families in such a way by running away from their obligations, we were, in a very real sense, fortunate to have a neighbor nation ready to take them in.
The current concern deals with foreign elements passing through Canada and then crossing int the United States.
is a far greater threat than the Mexican border. Both
are important, of course, but the Canadian is far more sophisticated with expanded systems of communication, highways, airport facilities, prime railroad systems from cost-to-coast, and a public. Americans are, generally, unaware of how inviting port cities such as Vancouver, British Columbia and bi-lingual Montreal might seem to be to foreign mind filled with ill intent for the
United States nearby.
The current incident is the second we have seen. How many such demonstrations do we need to encourage us to make the border with Canada secure? Such plans are underway, too, we are assured. It is more difficult to cross the border this week, and within a month we are being told passports will be required for any and all crossings. Suppose we keep an eye on that little promise. If that step is in effect a month or so from today we can judge how well the work is being done.
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-7-06 [c411wds]
