lindilindi

In defence of Canadians:
We have a big inferiority complex up here about the US and sometimes we feel like we are invaded by US music, television, food, etc.
Also there are A LOT of completely ignorant Americans who know absolutely NOTHING about Canada, and that kind of angers us, with the US being so close and important to us (culturally, politically and commercially)...
It's a can't live with; can't live without relationship.
So now you might understand why many Canadians get upset when our stars get mistaken for Americans!
The USA has blamed Canada for many many things in the past; like lax border security, marijuana traffic, other drug traffic, illegal immigration, etc. Most often those officials should blame themselves.

WanderingTexan

I was in Italy in June and July and we experienced no problems. There was a demonstration in Athens,Greece, but it was very small and peaceful.

Sue_xx_yy

I've had several confrontations with strangers, and I didn't even have to go to Italy to enjoy the privilege. My experiences taught me how futile the hope that 'blending in' will help one to avoid confrontations, since being at home at the time, I don't see how much more 'blended in' I could be.

For example, a man once threatened me with my imminent demise after he was certain I had cut him off in traffic. I hadn't - he, not I, was the one who had made the error - but there was much to be gained from calming him down, and little to proving myself in the right. (no collision had actually occurred, so no investigation was going to ensue.)

The easiest way to calm someone down is to invite them to be heard for a minute or two. They generally leave feeling respected, which is likely what they wanted more than your cowering submission.

Of course, there's always the chance one can run into a real nutcase, such as that poor marathon runner did in Athens. Nobody is going to convince me that, notwithstanding the ex-priest's incredible "Irish" get-up, that that incident was politically motivated.

AP6380

I just got back from Italy yesterday and was really surprsied at how many Italian men that I saw wearing American Flag bandanas. I experienced absolutely no hostility in the 3 weeks that I was there.

Neil_Oz

Zip_the_Whatsit seems to be a new breed - a troll with a commitment to recycling.

Zip_the_Whatsit

A Troll?

Now I wouldn't say That!

jules4je7

I wish Zip_The_Whatsit would Zip his whatsit and quit recycling...it's rather tiresome to get here, looking for up-to-date information about what's going on in Europe only to find a thread from the days after 9/11.

I vote for the editors to can him from posting anything.

Jules