Oh Canada. Oh America.

One voice calls out from the wilderness and it is only mine. What has become of our friends to the the south?

It is getting on towards fifty years, since my graduation from High School. Although I went to an all girls  school, I have always seen countries in terms of  the characters of  A Neighbourhood High. This was pre Happy Days and definitely before Degrassi St., a more gritty show of high school experiences from a Canadian  urban experience. Both shows were well watched

In my childhood, like the childhoods of most Canadian kids,  things American  had a special gleam. After all it was the land of Three Musketeers chocolate bars, I Love Lucy, The World Series, the Mickey Mouse Club and of course Rock 'n Roll. The doll bought in Boston had a specialness, no Canadian doll could hope to achieve, not even the Barbara Ann Scott Skating doll, that belonged to my oldest cousin.

There is an allure of the Target Stores, but being shopping impaired, it is a store I have never shopped. Few Americans can imagine the allure, unless they think of Herrod's in London or Hermes of Paris.

The truth is, although I live only hours from the border and have a valid passport, I haven't been to The States for years and years. The great country has so much to offer, art galleries, museums, thriving unique cities, warm escapes from winter and grand landscapes and people, but America has lost its sparkle.

The high school football quarterback and the perky cheerleader, I always imagined America to be, are now old and jaded. Most sadly, America seems so bitter. Instead of looking forward to the world with bright, open eyes, the eyes seemed to be warily checking out not only the world, but observing fellow Americans with the intent to find bad.

I never wanted to be American. I have always preferred a less high profile place away from the stands,  but I hate to see my friend, the cool kid getting so messed up.

I am also leary of the Canadian politicians, who were probably dwebes in high school, who seem to be struggling to be cool with the cool kids, who are no longer cool.