It's not that I think you personally are dumb enough to be taken in by what I refer to as the American Illusion, Bill. It's that I think some people are. The political parties and politicians think so too, and they will continue to play the same old games they have played in the past.

I do think that the USA is a remarkably aggressive and militaristic country, one of the most aggressive in history. The USA has attacked, at one time or another, almost everyone it could have attacked. Every time a politician runs for President there is a tremendous emphasis placed on either his past military service or his will to use military force. This doesn't give me confidence in the good intentions of the USA. Having grown up in a country that is radically more peaceful in its general approach to the rest of the World, I can't help but notice the difference...and that is why I compare the USA to the fascist powers of the late 30's. I see a similar psychological pattern being enacted.

I have NEVER seen a Canadian Prime Minister promoted or elected on the basis of his military credentials. I've not even seen it alluded to in any way. Our politicians are not (figuratively speaking) cowboys with guns strapped around their waists...they are civilian legislators in suits whom no one even associates with the military. This tells you in a moment the difference in psychology between the 2 countries. Americans grow up in a country created through war, enlarged through war, idolizing war, celebrating war, and expecting more war in the near future. Such expectations usually bear fruition on a pretty regular basis.