A North American Community: Integration is a MUST
I am breaking my silence to support three proposed ideas which will combine the United States, Canada and Mexico (not included in UNA) under either a regional government and/or community:
* Jonathan Wheelwright’s United North America
* Dr. Robert A. Pastor’s ‘North American Community‘
* The Security and Prosperity Partnership Of North America (some consider this the prelude to the North American Union, which would be similar to that of the European Union)
Prior to discovering these proposals for the integration of North American countries more than a year ago, I for years believed that the arbitrary lines separating the United States, Canada and Mexico were not only absurd, but irrelevant and inefficient as well. My desire to see our North American continent wholly integrated as a single entity became evermore clear to me during frequent visits to Canada over the past few years.
The bigger picture here is that we must begin the work to tear down the “imaginative divide” that we created during the “founding” of our continent. While I do not agree with the concept of government, I do agree that we must realize a North American continent that is no longer separated by divisive and destructive policies which harm our competitiveness and efficiency in the growing global markets.
However, reuniting our torn continent isn’t about global competition alone. It’s about strengthening our land, its people and our future. I have long been a proponent of all things which will erase division among human beings, and if creating a North American Community (or Union) will achieve this, I am in full support of it.
Unfortunately, there are many opponents of the proposed ideas above. Many feel that their country’s sovereignty will be wiped away and long forgotten. Of course, I disagree with most of the opponent’s concerns — as most of them would also disagree with my support of the unification of North America. Let’s face the facts: We can no longer avoid this from happening. It’s going to happen whether you like it or not.
It’s time to put an end to simple thinking in North America. It’s time to put an end to “make believe” division of land and people. It’s time to return to the roots of this continent’s innocence — a time where there was no Canada, United States and Mexico — only a common region with common people. We all share a bond here. Let’s embrace it for the good of everyone.
NYT: Calgary Is No Longer a ‘Cowboy’s Town’
The New York Times just recently published a great travel article about one of my favorite Canadian cities, Calgary. The city has long been synonymous with Cowboys and Western culture, and its annual Calgary Stampede event attracts thousands annually to celebrate its history with a broad range of events, games, rides and more.
Until 2003, Calgary wasn’t a thought — let alone an interest — but I was always aware of the Calgary Flames and their unforgettable flaming “C” logo. I’ve had an opportunity to make frequent visits to the city and even lived there for a few months, and I have to say, Calgary is a special Rocky Mountain town and like Nashville, it has a lot more to offer than Cowboys and Honkytonk tunes. It’s as diverse as any other major city of its size (1 Million residents and counting).
I highly recommend Calgary and Banff as a vacation destination. And if you can do so by car, all the better, because you won’t want to miss the beauty of the Canadian prairies and the breathtaking views of arriving in the city from the South. From the architecture, to its culture and neighboring Canadian Rockies, it’s a great and inspiring place to explore, live and do business. Calgary, like Nashville and Denver, will always be my ’surrogate’ hometown. It’s a special city in its own right.