Oh, Say Can You See
Really. Think about it. Can you really see it? A network, an economic/political/defence network comprised of all of North America. Working for the good of the continent. And, by extension, of course, the good of the world. After all, what's good for North America has got to be good for the rest of the world. Right? Well, if we're talking trade and a tripartite trade protectionism pact between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico it might very well be to the detriment of the rest of the world; the developing world in particular.Actually, much as is happening now, with our motherhood statements coming from here and there and everywhere (think EU) where primary production in particular receives hefty subsidies, so the developing world economies can't even get that proverbial toe in the door before it slams shut. But that's life and in all matters trade and economics it's every country for itself. Exactly! So why does that healthy elephant to the south of Canada want to link its economy ever more bindingly with its neighbours?
We've got our antennae up. But imagine, here we are suspicious of America's basic good nature and eager willingness to enrich Canada and Mexico in lock-step with her own economy... But look here - we're not the only ones. In fact it would appear that our hesitation and suspension of belief is as nothing in comparison to the way that Americans themselves have reacted to these quiet but high-powered talks between the three countries.
It's formally been termed the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) and represents a vision to harmonize all three countries' economic and security provisions. The accord, if such it can be termed, is looking at joint agreement and cooperation (harmonization) with respect to issues such as immigration, terrorism-watch, drug-safety and consumer-protection legislation. The purpose being to "build a safer, more secure and economically dynamic North America".
In fact, for the present, all it represents is skullduggery in the sense that these negotiations currently taking place, or conversations, or suggestions of ways and means are back-room deals with no real legitimacy in government-to-government talks. And why is that? Simply because all three countries recognized beforehand the public hue and cry that would be aroused by the public revelation of the existence of such discussions. And little wonder.
Canada and Mexico know what it's like to try to deal with the elephant-next-door. No one trumps the U.S. Congress, not even when you've signed a legally-binding deal which can be brought before an international tribunal for an objective appraisal that comes down in favour of the two little mice-next-door. All three governments have issued placatory statements assuring protesters from within their own countries that this is all above-board and for the moment, exploratory, and no agreement would be arrived at that would challenge the sovereinty of any of the countries involved.
But doesn't it make one chuckle, doesn't it make one's heart leap with glee to realize that alarm bells are ringing within the great USA itself. There some are terming this a 'treasonous' deal certain to flood the United States with illegal aliens (from Mexico, natch) and terrorists (from Canada, needless to say). Open borders, here we come! Well, not quite, but that's an interpretation, one that drives many U.S. lawmakers into panic mode, evidently.
Representative Virgil Goode (gotta love that name!) who has brought aboard six other legislators has tabled two resolutions opposing the deal in the U.S. House of Representatives: "The deal will weaken the sovereignty of the U.S. It will create a North American Union" similar to the European model, he warns.
Hey, "socialist Canada and corrupt Mexico" have U.S. patriots slavering with indignation. It's all right to tolerate them as neighbours, but hell, incorporate their future with ours? Conspiracy theorists in the U.S. are having a hallucinatin' ball, blaming a "cabal of elite globalists" for threatening the security of the United States. Evidently evil Canada and Mexico have a secret agenda to destroy the sacred U.S. Constitution.
You go, fellas! You may be doing us all a favour, virtuous Good Vigil.
Labels: Canada-US Relations
posted by Pieface @ Sunday, February 18, 2007
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