 
Urbanoutdoors
Member
Username: Urbanoutdoors
Post Number: 124
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 11:47 pm: |    |
I know it would never happen but I thought it would be an interesting conversation piece. I have heard of a city in vermont that wanted to become officially recognized as a New Hampshire city. So I figured there would at least be some problems eliminated if that was to happen. Any thoughts? |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3683
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:01 am: | |
Shouldn't that be....
... "suceeding with Canada"...
OR
... "seceding to Canada"... ?
 |
Aaron
Member
Username: Aaron
Post Number: 121
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:16 am: | |
I think you should lay off the sauce. |
Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 5143
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:32 am: | |
I have no doubt that it would. Canadians, both the people and government, generally take better care of their central cities, and it just has to do with the culture and how the government is structured.
(Message edited by lmichigan on February 22, 2007) |
Rjk
Member
Username: Rjk
Post Number: 626
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:37 am: | |
Easier access to really hot strippers. Start the wheels in motion by moving Jason's to 8 mile. |
Danny
Member
Username: Danny
Post Number: 5554
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:51 am: | |
Detroit suceeding to Canada HAHAHAHA!!!!!! It would be war waiting to happen. But for me I would be a good ideal. At least we would have free health care and socialist liberal government that can take care of us, teach us to think for ourselves, and limit gun control. That way I would keep my front door open 24/7 every day. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 285
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:01 am: | |
You bet it would: Universal health care for the homeless! |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 1702
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:02 am: | |
Why would it be war waiting to happen? The present US administration seems to have no love for Michigan. Ok, maybe for the water.
Many people in Eastern & Northern Michigan relate more closely to Canadian thinking than to American anyway. Only the western part of the state might lean more toward US thinking (mostly Chicago style).
The only downside is Canada has a higher unemployment rate, but if we could match SE Michigan's industry well with Canada's life perks I think the change could be mutually beneficial. |
Eric
Member
Username: Eric
Post Number: 690
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:05 am: | |
quote:Any thoughts?
Somebody has been hangin around Beavis1981 too much. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 287
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:11 am: | |
Maybe we can get back to our French roots and join forces with the Quebecois! |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8375
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:27 am: | |
Bush's new plan takes 1.1 Billion from michigan not in entitlement programs so yes.
We are the poorest most depressed economic state in this country and we are still a donor state. Something is severely wrong. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 292
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:30 am: | |
Wars are expensive, Jt1. |
Patrick
Member
Username: Patrick
Post Number: 4073
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:56 am: | |
eh? |
Mike_from_gregory
Member
Username: Mike_from_gregory
Post Number: 4
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 3:17 am: | |
If Canadians ate reading this, they are either laughing or barfing... |
Korridorkid
Member
Username: Korridorkid
Post Number: 55
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 3:18 am: | |
Day-TWAH, eh? Zees ees Brill-yahnt! Why deed we not zink ov zees bee-for, eh?
Crepes-Suzettes for every-won!
(Cause you know the Quebequois are gonna love us...) |
Citylover
Member
Username: Citylover
Post Number: 2160
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 7:51 am: | |
Fuck that I say we take Canada over. |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8376
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 9:20 am: | |
quote:Fuck that I say we take Canada over.
Do they have a lot of oil? Bush may consider it. |
Fastcarsfreedom
Member
Username: Fastcarsfreedom
Post Number: 120
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 9:30 am: | |
Yes there is a lot of oil in Canada.
I'm always amused when I read how wonderful it would be to inherit our Liberal/Socialist governments and universal healthcare. Those same governments have done nothing but erode our standard of living, raise our taxes, appease squawking special interest groups and diminish our diplomatic and military presence in the world. Our current federal Conservative government has begun the painstaking process of rebuilding our military and trying to prove to your government (the U.S. that is) that we are finally serious about continental security.
The bottom line is we are both wonderful countries blessed by freedom. In this area we have the unique gift of being able to share and learn from each other--that's really where our future in this region lies. |
Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 418
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 9:58 am: | |
I don't think the U.S. is gonna let go of its federal reserves or GM so easily. |
Psip
Member
Username: Psip
Post Number: 1421
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 10:01 am: | |
Manny might have a problem with this. |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 1703
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 10:15 am: | |
nah, Manny can still charge & it would save him a lot of international government hassle
IIRC the most recent major studies released showed Canadians having a better quality of life than the US. Actually almost every western industrialized nation had a higher standard of living than the US. |
Goat
Member
Username: Goat
Post Number: 9228
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 10:42 am: | |
Fastcarsfreedom. I agree 100%
Lilpup. That is false. I had read in Maclean's magazine that Canada's standard of living as compared to the USA eroded further in 2005.
Also, Ontario would be considered last in the list of states with regards to performance and standard of living. Of course the liberals seem to think that a 25% raise is more important than the jobs that are leaving this province at an alarming rate. |
Erikto
Member
Username: Erikto
Post Number: 518
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:45 pm: | |
The Canadian military suffered a few humiliating cut-backs in the 1980's when Brian Mulroney shut down and sold off a number of bases, but he was a Conservative. Stephen Harper never said a word about restoring the presence of these bases around the country (Quebec and Ontario at least, not sure which other provinces had their military bases shut down by the Mulroney crew).
Detroit was sort of Canadian (British Canadian?) for a while after the American Revolution. I think it was lost to Canada briefly in the War of 1812? America has invaded Canada several times without success. |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 750
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:02 pm: | |
Goat, Canadians' standard of living vis-à-vis the United States has risen significantly in the last year or so due to the increase in value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. Greenback. |
Mikeg
Member
Username: Mikeg
Post Number: 613
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:28 pm: | |
Canada is a country of 33 million with a fertility rate of only 1.61 (as compared to the minimal replacement rate of 2.1). If they continue at this rate, Canada's population will collapse and by 2070 their population will be less than 17 million.
I know I'm sounding like a Danny, but the fact is that Canada has a looming problem that cannot be solved by annexation - large scale immigration is their only hope for being able to continue generating enough economic growth to maintain their standard of living and their social safety net. |
Goat
Member
Username: Goat
Post Number: 9231
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 2:35 pm: | |
Mikeg. Correct. However, if Canada would do what France has done (increase payments for families to have kids)this can be reversed as has happened to France. France now has one of the highest fertility rates in Europe whereas before it was one of the lowest.
Erikt.o. The bases he closed were not in good condition. It would have cost more to keep them open and refurbish them than to close them.
BTW: Don't get started on who cut the military down to nothing...you and your political leanings will not win that argument.
UiO. Depends on where you live? In Ontario the higher dollar is hurting more than it is helping at this time. |
Mikeg
Member
Username: Mikeg
Post Number: 614
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 3:06 pm: | |
Goat,
True, France has a 2006 estimated rate of 1.84, compared to 1.47 for the European Union as a whole. However, that is still way below replacement rate and I would venture to guess that the bulk of those French childbirth subsidies end up in the suburban housing estates. |
Goat
Member
Username: Goat
Post Number: 9232
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 3:22 pm: | |
I agree. The article didn't break down the demographics, it only stated that the birthrate climbed significantly from where France was previously.
Western Civilization as a whole (especially the birthrate) is in serious decline.
Mark Steyn published a book about this very predicament we are about to face. Japan has one of the lowest birthrates for all industrialized countries and is going to face a massive shortfall in the coming years. According to the article, people of middle eastern descent have the highest fertility rates followed by India and southeast asia.
Very fascinating stats. |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 751
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 4:01 pm: | |
Goat (this is an aside), in terms of American dollars a Canadian earning $50,000 CDN in 2002 (when the dollar was around $0.60 USD) was earning $30,000 USD a year, whereas today that same person is making $44,000 USD per year. That is a substantial increase in one's standard of living on a comparison basis.
That being said, if that guy has lost his job, he could probably care less about that stat. |
Bratt
Member
Username: Bratt
Post Number: 499
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 4:09 pm: | |
I say hell yes.....isn't prostitution legal in Canada. I know some of yall looking for a second job. |
Mjb3
Member
Username: Mjb3
Post Number: 143
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 4:18 pm: | |
We all know its just a matter of time before the US "annexes" Canada.
I just hope we don't get stuck with the high taxes( $45/case beer, $10/pk smokes, 17% sales tax, etc). The health care isn't free, you're paying for it somewhere.
As for the prostitution and hot strippers, party on!! |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 752
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 5:48 pm: | |
To get back the original question: on the whole, how could Detroit not be better off in Canada?
Arguably some of the cities major employers (GM, private hospitals) would pull out and a border would need to be erected between Detroit and her suburbs (a literal border rather than the figurative one that exists now). However, with the infrastructure Detroit has, the character of the city's buildings and the potential work force, Detroit would be able to attract numerous HQ's of Canadian subsidiaries of foreign owned companies.
Regardless, a Canadian Detroit would have money to police its streets, infrastructure money to build transit, and would receive money from the province (Ontario?) that would allow lower property taxes for Detroit residents. |
Fastcarsfreedom
Member
Username: Fastcarsfreedom
Post Number: 122
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 5:59 pm: | |
It would Upinottawa? While funding for policing has increased in most cases--infrastructure is a major issue in every major urban area I can think of in Ontario. In Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Windsor, etc--these cities are facing decreases in their industrial tax base while dealing with increased expenditures for infrastructure and social programs--sound familiar? The impetus for municipal amalgamation in the late 1990s in Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton was as much about shoring up eroding tax bases for cities as it was about synergies and economies of scale. Even in a transit-dependent city like Toronto it is next to impossible to get anything built or rebuilt due to high costs and a lack of funding.
Moreover, if Detroit were to join Ontario, it's contributions to federal taxation would go where the rest of Ontario's federal taxation goes--out the door to prop up the other provinces thanks to the good old fiscal imbalance.
As for our military--while cuts were made in the Mulroney years--the blood letting really began with Chretien and Martin. As for increasing the presence in Ontario and Quebec I suggest you do some research on the new urban-based batallions which will be deployed in the coming years.
Does no one else get that living side by side the way we do is a bonus and an opportunity of unequaled proportions? We have a whole lot to gain from greater integration. |
Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 5145
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 6:06 pm: | |
Fastcarsfreedom, are you seriously going to argue that Detroit would look the same, or worse, under Canadian leadership? Do you think the city would have looked like it does, now, under Canadian rule? Sorry, but when Canadians point to Winnipeg as being Canada's worst large city, I have to laugh. If we were only so lucky in this state to have the problems that Winnipeg has. |
Citylover
Member
Username: Citylover
Post Number: 2165
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 6:09 pm: | |
Hell no, we invade and take over Canada.We rename it the Northern United States.All the illegal immigrants that many think are a problem.........no more problem. Something like ninety percent of Canadians live within two hundred miles of the U.S border; we have been carrying your asses too damn long..............and Canada is not using their vast natural resources .......including a shitload of oil........we can help you with that. |
Fastcarsfreedom
Member
Username: Fastcarsfreedom
Post Number: 124
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 6:24 pm: | |
Y'all already buy most of our oil Citylover, as well as a fair bit of electricity--among other resources. Our economies are inter-connected safe to say.
Lmichigan--I never implied Detroit would look the same if it was a Canadian city. In fact, it never would've grown to anywhere near the size it did in the 20th century if that were the case...fair to say it would be an entirely different place--for better or worse. The gist of my points is that many of my fellow Canadians feel the need to constantly trump up and overstate the good points of the Canadian side of the equation--there are many great things about Canada, I just happen to believe in being balanced and realistic about them. In criticising the U.S, for instance, the major of those among us with an "anti-American" bias will point to health care--our system is different, but whether it's better or worse is a matter of judgement and opinion--and as an astute poster already mentioned, it's certainly not "free".
Pointing out problems in Detroit and then denying they exist elsewhere is assinine. Suggesting there would be money for transit in Detroit when there is none for transit in Toronto? |
Goat
Member
Username: Goat
Post Number: 9233
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 6:25 pm: | |
We are not using our resources because we sold them along with the Free Trade agreement (I like free trade but not the part where Mulroney added natural resources to it).
UiO, yes for those that still have jobs in Ontario. : ) |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 1704
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 7:16 pm: | |
"Regardless, a Canadian Detroit would have money to police its streets, infrastructure money to build transit"
not necessarily because it would get funding from the province, but because the money currently being sent to the US Federal government wouldn't be getting pissed away there anymore - as JT pointed out Michigan is *still* a 'donor state' (of course this assumes that all of Metro Detroit is switching, or possibly the entire state of Michigan) |
Erikto
Member
Username: Erikto
Post Number: 519
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 1:13 pm: | |
Yeah, sure CL. See you on our side of the river. |
Erikto
Member
Username: Erikto
Post Number: 520
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 1:25 pm: | |
Hi Goat, I suppose we are unlikely to agree here... you've got Mark Steyn and his new book, I've got Stevie Cameron (as in 'On The Take', about the Mulroney years) and I would be silly not to recognize how little each of us thinks of one of those authors... I haven't read much about Canada's military beyond WWII but I thought successive regimes here maintained a policy of economic development rather than joining an arms race that has almost bled America dry by the looks of things today... I also tire of giddy thoughts of Americans about taking over Canada. Jefferson said it was a matter of marching orders, but guys, attempts have been made. Trivia Question- Why is the White House a white house? |
Citylover
Member
Username: Citylover
Post Number: 2171
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 1:35 pm: | |
fuck that eric we'll just send a few cannon shots over and whip your ass into submission |
Jjaba
Member
Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 4864
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 1:58 pm: | |
If Windsor became Detroit, you wouldn't have to go there to see the Detroit skyline anymore.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could have one godamn day for fireworks and end the fucking confusion.
If Windsor became Detroit, the Red Wings could play half their games at Windsor Arena and save them the Tunnel Bus fares.
If Windsor became Detroit, we wouldn't have to sit on our bottles of Canadian Club driving back through the tunnel.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could learn how to properly say, "eh", eh.
If Windsor became Detroit, Detroit buses would carry your lame ass home from the titties bars.
If Windsor became Detroit, you could fly from Metro on a caribu hunt charter and save all the complicated intl. bullshit.
If Windsor became Detroit, French imersion would be taught at ML King School.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could finally have an Underground RR that ran both ways.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could learn about why all the fuss over the English Royalty, something no American really understands.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could get decent tea and scones on Livernois.
If Windsor became Detroit, Montreal Smoked Meat and Donner kabobs would be served at The Lafayette Coney Island.
If Windsor became Detroit, Dearborn titty bars would have more lovely Iranian dancers.
If Windsor became Detroit, Lowell would rightly be called Lord Mayor, eh.
If Windsor became Detroit, Bar Mitzvah Bukkors would make their speeches in French, showing off their tri-lingual skills. Grandmas would plotz.
Enough already, eh, jjaba. |
Scs100
Member
Username: Scs100
Post Number: 484
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:03 pm: | |
How long did it take you to think of that? |
Jjaba
Member
Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 4866
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:15 pm: | |
Scs100, did you like jjaba's list?
If you want more, he's got more.
jjaba. |
Scs100
Member
Username: Scs100
Post Number: 485
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:19 pm: | |
I have to admit, it was very creative. What else do you have? |
Jjaba
Member
Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 4867
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:48 pm: | |
If Windsor was Detroit, we could rename "French Ribbon Farms" to something more Royal.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could learn to pronounce Oullette St. and they'd learn how to say Gratiot.
If Windsor became Detroit, Oakland Mall would close and they could get good prices at their own damn Malls.
If Windsor became Detroit, you could finally get a Sander's Hot Fudge Puff on both sides of the Detroit River.
If Windsor became Detroit, the river would be renamed Windsor River.
If Windsor became Detroit, Greektown would be adjacent to Windsortown saving us the trek over there for fine woolens, bone china, and a damn Aran Islands sweater.
If Windsor became Detroit, the Indians could open call centers here. You could make an airline reservation with an Indian living in Southfield instead of Bangalore. He'd learn to love lox and bagels.
If Windsor became Detroit, we'd marvel at their Riverside Road mansions like we oogle at Grosse Pointe.
If Windsor became Detroit, there would be no need for the name Chrysler-Canada, eh. That Dodge Van and the Pacifica would be American cars again and we could buy them.
If Windsor became Detroit, every Detroit school kid would learn about the Canadian Shield and fucking know the names of the Canadian Provinces.
If Windsor became Detroit, you could get soul food for lunch over there.
If Windsor became Detroit, you'd feel comfortable over there with the vacant lots and the board-ups.
If Windsor became Detroit, you could buy hot watches in their parks since Capitol Park is so damn scary these days.
If Windsor became Detroit, we'd have to reinvent our East-West dilemma to include them.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could fucking buy a gallon of gas and get there in miles.
If Windsor became Detroit, Jewish kids would explain metrics to the Goyim in class. It wouldn't just be algebra anymore.
jjaba, enough already. |
Zulu_warrior
Member
Username: Zulu_warrior
Post Number: 3147
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:51 pm: | |
Detroit: the only US city ever surrendered to a foreign power. |
Jjaba
Member
Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 4869
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:07 pm: | |
If Windsor became Detroit, our Mounties would wear those bright red coats and be loved by all.
Patrolman would change their names to Sgt. Preston.
If Windsor became Detroit, we could use a bright red maple leaf on our flags and not have to fucking translate the Latin anymore.
jjaba, eating a Michigan dog and poutine. |
Jjaba
Member
Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 4870
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:09 pm: | |
If Windsor became Detroit, we'd finally have a Southside. How cool would that be, eh?
jjaba, Proudly Westside. |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 753
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:28 pm: | |
I think Journey already believes Detroit has a Southside.... |
Goat
Member
Username: Goat
Post Number: 9237
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 4:59 pm: | |
ErikT.O. If you mean economic development for third world nations instead of fighting we failed that too. If you are talking about economic development via the military investment, both sides of the political spectrum failed that too...one reason I left the military (though thinking of rejoining to go to Afghanistan).
The reason the White House is called that is because of the torching done during the War of 1812. In fact there is still an area on one of the walls that has been framed where the burn marks are still there. They never "white washed" down that part of the wall so that it would be a reminder for the successive Presidents. If they are going to wage war they had better think of the consequences.
Zulu_warrior. It is the only "city" that surrendered but not the only "city" that was taken over. Don't forget Fort Michilimackinac and Buffalo (well, Buffalo was also torched because of the torching being done in the Niagara Falls area).
CL. Two words...Guerilla warfare. |
Jjaba
Member
Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 4872
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 7:15 pm: | |
If Windsor became Detroit, you could take I-75 right across the Detroit River and slice over to Toledo if you wanted to.
You'd have a new interstate quality bridge in a year instead of the mess we got now.
jjaba. |
Erikto
Member
Username: Erikto
Post Number: 525
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 6:02 pm: | |
Perhaps a merger is in the works, after all. TV news just reported Magna (Ontario car parts manufacturer) is considering joining Chrysler. |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 756
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 6:58 pm: | |
If Chrysler was to go under it would definitely hurt Magna. Interesting rumour.
Maybe Canada can finally get its own car company!
Although, it would probably mean Chrysler Canada moving from Windsor to Aurora, ON.  |