Thanks for the intelligent discussion folks. You have no idea how hesitant I was about putting a controversial thread in today's Mudcat. (lots of them when I came aboard 3 years ago) But I've seen a bit of a turn lately where ideas and emotions are a bit more balanced.

Paw asks about whether the "new" Canadians found THIS Government worth it.

One of the reasons that I tried to relate OTHERS' stories, rather than give my own opinions is that I may be the absolute worst person to have objective opinions on Governments' motives. I would give my life (or go to prison) for Heather only. If we had a family of 10, the same thing would apply. The Canadian Hierarchy is not one bit better than the American Hierarchy, (or the Russian or chinese or Serbian etc.) There are men and women of honour of course, scattered through ALL governments......but EVERYONE of them FOUGHT to achieve power. I ATTEMPT to treat them as if they don't exist in my life. Tricky to do unless you wanna be a hermit, but I've done my best.

My loyalties are to family and friends ONLY. No Gods, no Religions, no National anthems, no Constitutions. NOTHING created by powerful guys gettin' together (with or without cigars) to keep their version of the status quo together. Oh, I forgot...I used to have great loyalty to The New York Yankees, and for the last 20 years, to the Toronto Bluejays. (but I wouldn't go to jail for them even if they DID sign some pitching!)

I'm very glad that most folks DON'T think like me, and I suspect that some of the draft evaders found a more humane Government here, some found almost no difference, some didn't give a shit, some BECAME part of the Govt. Some got rich and joined the Conservative party, and some learned to play guitar.

Rick