Canada

A Canadian WAISer took offense at what he interpreted as a slighting remark about Canada by an American WAISer. This sensitiveness is to be explained by the attitude of Americans toward Canada, which is a mixture of ignorance, lack of interest an a patronizing manner. In fact, the US has a lot to learn from Canada, as impartial, non-Canadian sources confirm. Quality of life studies often put Canada in first place, with the US way down. Now a study of press freedom conducted by Reporters Without Borders puts Finland, Iceland, Netherlands and Norway in first place, immediately followed by Canada. The US is in 17th place, below Costa Rica.. Incredibly, Russia, in 121st place, is behind both Sudan and Haiti. China and North Korea are at the bottom of the last (138, 139). The lower half of the list involves a lot of odious comparisons, but Canada's place is well justified. The list should be taken into account in US plans to spread democracy around the world.

Ronald Hilton - 10/27/02