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| Ian Giffin (Admin) (64.228.55.27)
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Hi folks, This long post is off topic, but one of the advantages of running the joint is that you get to say anything you want... Back in 1973, Toronto journalist Gordon Sinclair of historic radio station CFRB 1010 (which, incidentally, stands for "Canada's First Rogers Batteryless") paid tribute to the U.S. in his daily "Let's be Personal" commentary radio spot by authoring a piece called "The Americans". I remember listening to Sinclair when I was younger and always thought of him as a crotchety old grump who usually had nothing good to say about anything but was usually dead on the mark in his analyses of the human condition. This "truthfulness" made him stand out as a highly respected radio broadcaster both locally and internationally. The Internet has provided many severely edited recantings of "The Americans" and so I searched for the original unedited copy - an easy task, since I live very near to Toronto, home base of the radio station and Sinclair. So here, then, is the original broadcast June 5, 1973 text courtesy of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Ltd. "The Americans" copyright 1973 Gordon Sinclair. "The United States dollar took another pounding on German, French and British exchanges this morning, hitting the lowest point ever known in West Germany. It has declined there by 41% since 1971 and this Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least-appreciated people in all the world. As long as sixty years ago, when I first started to read newspapers, I read of floods on the Yellow River and the Yangtse. Well, Who rushed in with men and money to help? The Americans did, that's who. They have helped control floods on the Nile, the Amazon, the Ganges and the Niger. Today, the rich bottom land of the Mississippi is under water and no foreign land has sent a dollar to help. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy, were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of those countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States. When the franc was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. And I was there. I saw that. When distant cities are hit by earthquakes, it is the United States that hurries into help... Managua Nicaragua is one of the most recent examples. So far this spring, 59 American communities have been flattened by tornadoes. Nobody has helped. The Marshall Plan... the Truman Policy... all pumped billions upon billions of dollars into discouraged countries. And now, newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent war-mongering Americans. I'd like to see one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplanes. Come on... let's hear it! Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tristar or the Douglas 10? If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all international lines except Russia fly American planes? Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or a women on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy and you find men on the moon, not once, but several times ... and safely home again. You talk about scandals and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even the draft dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are right here on our streets in Toronto, most of them... unless they are breaking Canadian laws... are getting American dollars from Ma and Pa at home to spend here. When the Americans get out of this bind... as they will... who could blame them if they said 'the hell with the rest of the world'. Let someone else buy the bonds, let someone else build or repair foreign dams or design foreign buildings that won't shake apart in earthquakes. When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both of them are still broke. I can name to you 5,000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name to me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake. Our neighbours have faced it alone and I am one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their noses at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of these. But there are many smug, self-righteous Canadians. And finally, the American Red Cross was told at its 48th Annual meeting in New Orleans this morning that it was broke. This year's disasters... with the year less than half-over... has taken it all and nobody... but nobody... has helped." I am just one of many hundreds of thousands of Canadians who do business in the United States and I just wanted to say thank you. Not just for providing me with a means to support my business and personal income, but to thank you for being our neighbours, thank you for keeping us free and thank you for being our friends where, in many other areas of the world, it is necessary to carry guns to defend the country's borders. Please excuse our head federal and municipal politicians - you're not the only ones who think they're idiots! Please forgive us for SARS and now, Mad Cow disease and for not sending more troops to aid in the liberation of Iraq. But please know that, although it is impossible to pick your bordering neighbours, there isn't a Canadian alive who would pick a different one than the one we have. And everyone in the world envies Canada for having you so near to us. Most people in the world shake their heads when Americans say "God Bless America", thinking you to be self-centered and self-righteous. But this Canadian is here to say God Bless America, too. And doesn't it always sound sweeter when it's said from an appreciative neighbour, coming straight from the heart? Warmest regards, Ian Giffin www.busnut.com | ||
| Tom Hamrick (Tomhamrick) (167.83.101.23)
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Thank you very much Ian for those words. Thank you also for providing this board. Tom Hamrick | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad) (67.8.68.121)
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Well said Ian, and I am also glad to have Canada as our neighbor. Like you, many of our politicians are also idiots. Jack | ||
| Ken Munford (65.56.65.42)
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Thanks Ian, made my heart feel weak but still nice to hear some one cares. | ||
| John Feld (150.199.209.8) Rating: N/A |
Thanks Ian, We are so lucky and thankful to have Canada as a norther brother, I wouldn't know anyone better to have. As a fisherman I have enjoyed the Onterio lakes, wildlife and people (in that order  ). John 4104 | ||
| John Rigby (24.174.235.126)
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Thank you Ian. I was born in Preston England came to Houston in 1969 and became a citizen of the this wonderfull country, with all these wounderfull people. John Rigby | ||
| Jack.In.KC (65.26.91.94) Rating: N/A |
Thank you Canada! . . . for your help in freeing American citizens from Iranian tyranny in 1979. Thank you Ian for your kind words. Following are President Reagan’s remarks upon presenting a medal to the Canadian Ambassador to Iran, thanking him for his efforts, and the cooperation of the Canadian Government. Remarks on Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Kenneth Taylor, Former Canadian Ambassador to Iran June 16, 1981 What the Iranians did was a breach of international law and the rules by which states live together. Against the background of those difficult days, however, several acts of individual heroism reminded us of man's nobler sides. There was the courage of those participating in the daring rescue mission, some of whom gave their lives. We're today honoring another act of courage, this one with a happier ending in which the courage and ingenuity were rewarded by success after 79 days. I'd like to sketch briefly the events of those 79 days, to describe not only Ambassador Taylor's courage but also the contribution of all the Canadian Embassy personnel in Tehran and the Canadian Government in Ottawa. Four days after the storming of the American Embassy, Ambassador Taylor received a call from five Americans who had escaped from the Embassy when it was overrun. They were hiding, but they were afraid that they'd soon be discovered and captured. Ambassador Taylor immediately recommended to his government in Ottawa that Americans be given shelter. Without any hesitation, the Canadian Government granted the permission. Two days later, the Americans were taken to Ambassador Taylor's residence and that of another Canadian Embassy family, the John Sheardowns. Two weeks later, another American joined his five compatriots. For 79 days, they lived there pretending to be visitors. I understand they're the best-read and the most skilled Scrabble players in all of North America. There were several tense moments in the weeks that followed. At one point, an article was imminent in a Montreal paper which would have disclosed the story of the sheltered Americans. In an admirable display of responsibility, the journalist who had written the article agreed to withdraw it from publication. However, from this article, and more immediately from an anonymous phone call to the Taylor's residence asking to speak to two of the escapees, Ambassador Taylor knew that the chances of his guests being discovered were high. At this point, the Canadian Government in Ottawa and the Embassy began the ingenious preparations for an escape. The Canadian Government agreed to issue fictitious passports to the Americans. The Canadian Embassy staff began making flights in and out of Tehran to establish a travel pattern and to learn airport procedures. Finally, on January 28th, 1980, the Americans packed the bags that were given them by their Canadian hosts with the clothes also given to them. Using their Canadian passports, they flew out of the country. Ambassador Taylor and three others of his staff saw them off and then left themselves. Even this brief outline of those 79 days highlights what a team effort it was. The Canadian Department of External Affairs in Ottawa and the Canadian Cabinet responded with speed and decisiveness to help an ally. Ambassador Towe is here today representing the Canadian Government. The U.S. State Department is represented today by Ambassador Stoessel, and there were others who were working at the State Department during the crisis who played a part with discretion and skill. And here today also is Representative Daniel Akaka, the sponsor, and several of his co-sponsors, of the legislation which resulted in the gold medal which I am going to present today. Also present today is Lee Schatz, one of the six whom the Taylors rescued, as well as Bruce Laingen and Victor Tomseth, who had to wait a little longer before they could come home. Mrs. Taylor is here with her husband and was directly involved with him in this deed. She shared the risks. She did much of the work. It was at her residence that several of the Americans were actually staying. And, finally, it's my great honor to present the medal to Kenneth Taylor whose valor, ingenuity, and steady nerves made possible this one happy chapter in the agony of those 444 days of hostage crisis. Major Kline: The medal is inscribed by an ``Act of Congress, March 6, 1980. Entre amis, appreciation for the noble and heroic effort in the harboring of six United States diplomats and safe return to America. Thank you, Canada.'' The President: Ambassador Taylor, it's a great pleasure to present this medal to you on behalf of the American people, who are grateful to you and grateful to our neighbor, Canada. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.154)
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Thanks, Ian. Your words are very welcome, just now. While we have had a few disputes with some Canadians over many years, almost all have been helpful and kind. For that, they are much appreciated. Most of our experiences have been with western Canadians, but we are very much looking forward to the day when we will be able to meet you and Masie and visit the eastern part of your country. 'Til then. Tom and Doreen Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher | ||
| William Guire (Will) (216.82.156.162)
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Thanks Ian You have reminded me that some of us Americans, especially out here on the left coast, need to think about the things that this country does right and not concentrate only on what's wrong. It makes me feel good to read your words and thoses of Sinclair. Thanks for the great web site. Canada is an excellent neighbour! William | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (65.73.176.98)
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Whilst I agree with the words of Gordon Sinclair, one must appreciate that they were spoken in 1973 which is 30 years ago and a lot has happened since then. I know for a fact that during one of California's recent major earthquakes, the London Fire Brigade came over to help search for people and animals in the debris with heat seeking cameras, something that the American services were not in possession of at the time. There have been many other instances of England lending a hand with America's internal disasters. England is nearly always hand in hand with American World issues and both Countries send troops and financial aid whenever needed. Australia is also a frequent supporter of American World issues too. So things aren't quite as one sided. However, I do feel that the main theme of his writings are very true. America is often taken for a "patsie" by many Countries. The gifts of assistance being followed by abuse a few months later is definately not uncommon. My wife and I "escaped" from England over 10 years ago and have made Arizona our home, we have been made very welcome here and we deeply appreciate everything we have, living in this wonderful Country. The en-mass standing when the National Anthem is played, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Pride in this Country are things that we admire in the USA. This sort of pride has been eroded in England and one is made to feel embarrassed if one speaks fondly of the Queen and Country. It is trendy to "Queen Bash" in the media and therefore the younger generations have little or no respect for their Country or its history. It is such as shame when bashing one's own Country is encouraged by the media. Much the same as all this BS over the recent political correctness of the words "under God" being in or out of the Pledge of Allegiance and God being included or removed from the schools, but that's another thread. Thanks Ian for providing us with this forum to air our beliefs from time to time. Peter. | ||
| Bill Gerrie (216.185.72.14)
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Ian could not have put it better. As a fellow Canadian I whole heartily agree with Ian and cherrish our relationship with the U.S.A. We usually travel to the U.S.A. 3 or 4 times a year but due to remarks made by our jerks in the government for this year we will be forced to stay home but I really look forward to resuming our trips next year to our GREAT neighbour to the south. Bill | ||
| dougthebonifiedbusnut (136.217.0.198)
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Thank You Ian, As a soldier in the US Army serving in Bosnia and on more than one occasion wondered where you stood with regard to this particular subject, it brought tears to my eyes to read your words and read the transcript (i had read it before) that you sent along. | ||
| mrjimmystewart (68.105.105.16)
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Thank you Ian for those generous words. In my last job I traveled for several years all over the USA, and went to the beautiful city of Toronto 4 times as well. I was stunned by the overall friendliness and politness of the Canandians, especially in such a large city. Generally I find that you get treated with a simlar energy that you send out, but I have to say I did not find an American community that was as quick to be polite, even jovial as teh Canandians. Thanks for being our neighbors. | ||
| Rodger Manecke (Rodger) (216.170.203.190)
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Thanks, Ian. Your kind words are much appreciated. They help remind us that the US bashers in Canada do not speak for the majority. This summer, I plan to attend a family reunion in the Berwyn, Alberta area. Looking forward to meeting many close relatives for the first time. It will be interesting to learn what they have to say on this subject. In spite of reactions to recent displays of hostility and bad mouthing from some Canadians, most Americans I know prefer having Canada at our Northern border to anyone else. Thanks again, Rodger Manecke | ||
| R.C.Bishop (128.123.221.150)
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And God Bless YOU, too, Ian.....many thanx for the generous, kind and thought provoking words of encouragement for a nation that is many times less than appreciative of not only our neighbors, but ourselves as well. We indeed are a nation of many peoples, including Canadians... RCB |