If You Haven't Got Something Nice to Say ...

 (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadians tend to look and sound like Americans.

And maybe that is why some of us think that we have the right to insult

American politicians.

 

I'm not talking about criticism.

I have been known to criticize the policies of American politicians.

But I also have a habit of criticizing English, German and most of all Canadian politicians and their policies, too.

 

I'm talking about personal attacks of the most vile nature.

I have been shamed by some comments posted and or forwarded by Canadians during this American presidential election.  

 

American policies affect us. 

America is the elephant in our bed, as Pierre Trudeau famously said.

But t isn't our election and it isn't our place to publically question

the integrity, honesty or moral values of the people who run for their public

office.

Jeesh.

Is this what we turn into when there is no hockey?

The New American Normal

Moby Dick (2010 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I despair for our American friends.

Watching them go through their painful election process is like being forced to stand by and watch the death throes of Moby Dick.   Except that this Moby Dick never dies - just keeps on suffering for months and months and months every four years.

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I don't usually blog about television shows, definitely not American ones, but last night by happenstance I watched a show called "The New Normal". 

Probably everybody in the world knows about it but me, but just in case you haven't seen it I can tell you that it is about a gay couple, (not sure if they are married), who have hired a surrogate mom to have their child.

Last night episode had a lot to say about American politics. 

Don't get me wrong - it is a sitcom, but underlying it all there was a serious message.

 

On the surface the 'good' characters were mostly young Democrats. (In Canada this would be like the Liberal Party with maybe the NDP thrown in for good measure).   

The audience was set up to dislike the Republican, rich old lady who spoke in a nasty, strident voice. (Think Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party).

 

The problem is that she spoke some truths that many of us left leaning types don't want to hear.

 

It was a bit heavy handed, but I haven't seen a decent show that dealt with current issues this well since "All in the Family".

 

It helped me get a better grasp of what this election means to Americans. 

(I just wish they could do it faster.)

 

Anyway I'm going to try to remember to watch it next week.

 

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PS Just so I don't feel compelled to do a second blog on TV shows, I must tell you that I've become hooked on "The Murdoch Mysteries." Set in Toronto in the 1890's it is wonderful and in its own way deals with some interesting issues such as women's right, religion and abortion.