Canadian misunderstanding - Chapter 1

I looked over the table and felt this obstruction could be the border which separates our two nations. Close enough to engage but separated no doubt. We eat, drink and breathe the same. We even in some provinces speak the same language. Our Canadian brethren has been at odds since the republican administration had alienated them for no apparent reason other than not supporting their agenda. My host wanted our business but his face read caution but showed up as red from the result of the second bottle of “Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz.” Just an hour ago we spoke graciously about commonality and world peace. But now, arrogance greed and ethical choices from our bordering cousins were served with the crème brulee. I, or shall I say we the Americans were revived again as the worlds colonist. Helplessness was kicking in when I made the decision to make a change of venue. I pushed away from the border and excused myself to the restroom. Walking through the maze of unfamiliar yet familiar faces, I wondered if I would have drove, this conversation wouldn’t have been so confrontational. I would have excused myself from the conversation as well as the restaurant. 1

The restaurant was so packed I had to jostle my way through the standing room only crowd as if I were back in a 70’s discothèque without the pulsating bass line. Unfamiliar faces smiled and frowned simultaneously as if I walked through a Shakespearean play. I needed a relief but it seemed like a marathon to get to that finish line. I reached the restroom and immediately splashed water on my face to wash away the previous conflict that was instigated by an unflattering reference to the queen. 2

My reflection conjured up images of my host berating, criticizing and attacking my native land. The poignant points of consequence: raping resources, overthrowing sovereign nations for global domination?. With all of this pent up anger, it was their opportunity to vent against a sibling that overshadowed their own accomplishments. It was strange how the attack changed and focused on me personally thus revealing their ad hominem fallacy they would later apologize for. Wiping my brow of the cool water intensified the dialogue with my head,3

“Yes we still have a queen but how could any civilized human being vote and support a person that kills his own people out of sheer greed?” The spittle flew over the table like tracer mortars attempting to find a clear shot of their enemy.4

My hosts took turns pointing out inadequacies in my government and the local citizenry that I had no privilege of knowing about. It was embarrassing to live in a country where rose colored glasses were issued to adolescences during their pubescent years. 5

Embarrassing? Yes. But no way defenseless. I defended my country as if my land rights civil freedoms were in jeopardy. Site ting advancements, overall benefits that Canada benefited from but, that’s when the 3 words most feared and unrealized by the ordinary American citizen who still didn’t understand . “The Patriot Act!!” That is when I excused myself. Ok, no North American Union yet but still, embargos, land disputes and policy changes on people who were practically part of the same country is ludicrous. I’ve seen areas where the transparency of borders between us was like next door neighbors but the moral and political line stood strong between us. I felt that even now as I reluctantly returned to the table.6

It was funny how a close encounter of shaking hands at a table changed to a middle east summit to come to odds on points of political differences . Problem was, there were no arbitrators to balance the views. I had no senate committee support. Just me. The uncomfortable feeling returned as I reached the table. The border guards greeted me as I took a seat beside them. Even now an obvious separation continued as we positioned ourselves for the continued onslaught. 7

A long sigh was heard over the clamor of our fellow restaurateurs as my host grabbed our attention as he approached the podium.8

“First I would like to apologize for my comments earlier and want you to know that this was not meant to attack you personally”. My host actually realized his error as I thought he would.9

“I am very passionate when it comes to world affairs and many Americans aren’t open to dialogue as you are so I was able to at least express a coherent opinion to someone.” His sincerity showed along side his embarrassment as his face collected these emotions like a church offering.10

On the other hand, it is difficult to insult your guest and expect them to do business with you. His faux pas would play heavily into the decision process. 11

This was the turning point.12