We cats are thrilled with the results of the 2012 election, although we admit that we would have been more thrilled had Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives. Still, 2012 was good. And we're pleased that American public opinion seems to be turning our way on marriage equality, gun safety and a woman's right to choose.
Despite all this, though, we're still not questioning our interest in, and fondness for, our Neighbors to the North. They seem to accomplish so much more than we Americans do, and with much less angst.
Like what, you ask? Well, let us list them.
Women in combat, for example. Canada crossed that hurdle in 1989, and they're happy to report that the transition to gender equality in the Canadian military has been, um, kinda boring. (If "boring" is the adjective that Canadians often labor under, let us cats remind you that "boring" can be mighty good.)
Canada also has been way out in front of the US on matters like same-sex marriage — approved without incident in 2005 — gun safety, and, of course, universal health care.
Why is it that Canada leaves the United States in the dust on so many issues? We cats guess that when you only have 35 million people, 10 provinces and three territories, you can get a lot of stuff done.
Still and all, Canada required visionary leadership to reach these goals. Canadians today, who serve equally in the military, marry whom they wish, own guns responsibly and receive free healthcare services, owe those rights to folks like Lester Pearson, Tommy Douglas, Pierre Trudeau, Jean Chretien and Paul Martin.
O Canada: It's not our home and native land, but we cats feel a lot of true patriot admiration nevertheless.
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