I am amused by this thread. Honestly.
Like most TERB theads, this one has been hijacked. There are actually a number of discussions going on.
First let me say that the United States is NOT Canada's best friend. It never has been and it never will be. Simply, the US does not have friends, it has interests. And don't think for a moment that the US will run to Canada's help, if it is contrary to US interests.
The United States does not see Canada as American's "best friend", and we should not get caught up in thinking that we are. While we are an important trading partner, the reality is that Canada could disappear off the face of the planet, and the US would continue to get along just fine. American foreign policy is not based on "friendship". It is based on slavish self interest. Just ask Noriega, Pinochet, or Saddam.
Secondly, to suggest that the current US administration should not be subject to criticism, is folly. And to suggest that people that criticise the regime are Anti American, is silly. A feeble attempt to marginalize and not answer the criticism in a logical fashion.
The US has many wonderful qualities, but it is far from perfect. And it certainly deserves criticism for the selfish actions that it takes. That being said, I think that Canada needs to give its collective head and shake and wonder just why it would elect a lying, thieving Prime Minister. Canada, and its government, certainly has legitimate criticisms that should be leveled at it.
Thirdly, on the subject of economics, Bush is going to destroy America with his economic policy. When the Economist claims that a Democrat would be better for the economy, you know Bush is really a crappy president.
Will Bush try to "heal" his nation? Four years ago, he was all for a kindler, gentler conservative system, and wanted to bring peace to Congress and to reach across bipartisan lines. Given George's history, I would say that the gloves will be coming off.