Fake Canadians go home {Gadling}

Sep 1st 2009 1:48PM Sean,

You should be proud that so many Americans adore your country by wearing Canadian flags. Let's be real though, in some areas, Americans are despised more than any nationality in the world. For one, Americans have placed their foothold throughout the world unlike any other nation - politically, economically, socially and militarily - we can debate the intentions and whether it's evil or causing suffering at another time...But to deny that fact that Americans "aren't as hated as they think" is total opinion.

Factually speaking, when is the last time a Canadian, German or British Embassy overseas was attacked by terrorists? Do we forget 9/11 already? I know there have been terrorist attacks in other nations, but the magnitude and targeting of Americans has been greater than any other "Western" nation. Yes there have been the Madrid bombings and the incidents recently in Jakarta. But do we forget the US Embassy bombings, kidnappings and high jacking of a TWA flight in Lebanon in the 1980s? How about USS Cole? What about the US Embassy bombings in the late 1990s in Africa that put al-Qaeda on the map?

It's true suicide bombs and fragmentations have no discrimination on race or nationality. But unfortunately for many Americans, they have been targets of kidnapping, victims of bombings, and other unfortunate events, particularly overseas. It is true other Westerns are constantly targeted as well, but to have the title of being perceived as public enemy #1 would make some Americans double think who they say they are "Americans" to. Plus most Americans can't pull off British or Aussie accents - so we default to Canada. You’re right in the sense that most people throughout the world are more than helpful and cordial to all nationalities. But the truth is, Americans have been, and will continue to be targets of opportunities - that’s just life outside the Western world and sometimes being a “Canadian” can save that. So here’s to you and the rest of the Canadians – thanks for being such a good neighbor! Please don’t take offense.

Just another proud American…