Twas the Night before the best day in the last 11 years...
Balls,
"The Night before Christmas" analogy is perfect! My buddies and me were discussing the impact of this game the other day, and the topic came up: which is better- this or the Stanley Cup? I can say with all honesty that this means more to me. A victory tomorrow can do more than just ignite a week long party in the streets…it can be the shot in the arm our Province and Country need right now. A little National Pride never hurt anyone.
Having worked on occasion in the States, having worked for various American Companies, and being a rep for US made products, I get a lot of exposure to the US culture and it’s people. I have a different perspective than most; I have a great deal of respect for our neighbors, and some good friends down there. One thing I have always envied about the US is their National Pride. They are boastful of they’re country, while quite often it seems “Canadians” are either embarrassed for their country or take more pride in the heritage of their parents than the country in which they were born. To those people, I wholeheartedly say, “Get the hell out of MY COUNTRY!”
We should be proud and boastful about Canada! We live in one of the greatest Democracies in the world, and one of the safest countries. We have the freedoms of speech, religion, and culture. We have the freedom of peaceful protest. We have an abundance of natural resources, endless outdoors, and breathtaking natural beauty. We live in a country where a person can make his or her dreams come true, with just a little bit of elbow grease. Most of the world’s population can’t make the same claim. Canada is considered to be the most desirable country to live in the world!
On a few occasions, I have had the opportunity to move permanently to the US for work, and even back to my wife’s native Fiji to start a business. In all cases, the decision was easy: I can’t leave BC, or Canada. Yes, in the U.S. I would probably pay half the taxes I do now. In Fiji, we would probably live a more lavish lifestyle…but where else would I rather live where I can pursue my active lifestyle every weekend (Mountain biking on the North Shore on Saturdays, soccer on Sundays, and something every evening of the week)? Where else can I live where my kids can grow up relatively safe (the right to bear arms is insanity!), while still being provided with endless opportunities to pursue their dreams? My wife’s parents moved here when she was 7 years old, and her dad worked in a Sawmill (under the table) to save enough money to buy a house. In the process, he lost 4 fingers to the saw, but couldn’t take time off because he had 4 kids (he has 8 total) to support and wasn’t entitled to compensation. They basically left everything behind- including a Government job- to become Canadian citizens. Out of his 8 kids, 6 are Canadian citizens and positive, contributing members of our society. He says he moved because his children wouldn’t have the same opportunity in Fiji as they would in Canada. My in-laws did everything they could to put food on the table until their debts were paid. Now they own they’re own house in Surrey and are living debt free, albeit modestly. They’re the most successful people I know.
Sorry for the long, sappy story. I love Canada, and we all need to be thankful to this country for the opportunities available to us. Hockey is our National game, and it has drawn us all together as a country time and time again. We are the best because we are the most passionate. I am already as proud as I can possibly be of both of our hockey teams in Salt Lake. To me, it doesn’t matter right now what happens…but I know they’re bringing home the Gold!
Final score: Canada-5, USA-2.
GO CANADA GO!!!
Balls,
"The Night before Christmas" analogy is perfect! My buddies and me were discussing the impact of this game the other day, and the topic came up: which is better- this or the Stanley Cup? I can say with all honesty that this means more to me. A victory tomorrow can do more than just ignite a week long party in the streets…it can be the shot in the arm our Province and Country need right now. A little National Pride never hurt anyone.
Having worked on occasion in the States, having worked for various American Companies, and being a rep for US made products, I get a lot of exposure to the US culture and it’s people. I have a different perspective than most; I have a great deal of respect for our neighbors, and some good friends down there. One thing I have always envied about the US is their National Pride. They are boastful of they’re country, while quite often it seems “Canadians” are either embarrassed for their country or take more pride in the heritage of their parents than the country in which they were born. To those people, I wholeheartedly say, “Get the hell out of MY COUNTRY!”
We should be proud and boastful about Canada! We live in one of the greatest Democracies in the world, and one of the safest countries. We have the freedoms of speech, religion, and culture. We have the freedom of peaceful protest. We have an abundance of natural resources, endless outdoors, and breathtaking natural beauty. We live in a country where a person can make his or her dreams come true, with just a little bit of elbow grease. Most of the world’s population can’t make the same claim. Canada is considered to be the most desirable country to live in the world!
On a few occasions, I have had the opportunity to move permanently to the US for work, and even back to my wife’s native Fiji to start a business. In all cases, the decision was easy: I can’t leave BC, or Canada. Yes, in the U.S. I would probably pay half the taxes I do now. In Fiji, we would probably live a more lavish lifestyle…but where else would I rather live where I can pursue my active lifestyle every weekend (Mountain biking on the North Shore on Saturdays, soccer on Sundays, and something every evening of the week)? Where else can I live where my kids can grow up relatively safe (the right to bear arms is insanity!), while still being provided with endless opportunities to pursue their dreams? My wife’s parents moved here when she was 7 years old, and her dad worked in a Sawmill (under the table) to save enough money to buy a house. In the process, he lost 4 fingers to the saw, but couldn’t take time off because he had 4 kids (he has 8 total) to support and wasn’t entitled to compensation. They basically left everything behind- including a Government job- to become Canadian citizens. Out of his 8 kids, 6 are Canadian citizens and positive, contributing members of our society. He says he moved because his children wouldn’t have the same opportunity in Fiji as they would in Canada. My in-laws did everything they could to put food on the table until their debts were paid. Now they own they’re own house in Surrey and are living debt free, albeit modestly. They’re the most successful people I know.
Sorry for the long, sappy story. I love Canada, and we all need to be thankful to this country for the opportunities available to us. Hockey is our National game, and it has drawn us all together as a country time and time again. We are the best because we are the most passionate. I am already as proud as I can possibly be of both of our hockey teams in Salt Lake. To me, it doesn’t matter right now what happens…but I know they’re bringing home the Gold!
Final score: Canada-5, USA-2.
GO CANADA GO!!!
