Congratulations Halifax!
Apparently, the Nova Scotian city is no more. According to a transcript from the White House spokesman Scott McLellan's briefing to the White House Press Corps, Halifax isn't a city, but a province unto itself:
"Halifax and the other maritime provinces (sic) received nearly 33,000 Americans stranded following the Sept. 11 attacks. This will be an opportunity for the president to personally thank Canadians for helping those Americans who were stranded."
- from The Ottawa Sun's story on the briefing, or rather, the lack thereof.
Comments
Good grief. It's been 4 years. And he's thanking them now? Who does he think he is fooling?
Posted by: heather at November 30, 2004 09:19 AM
Most of the media in Canada have agreed that this is an almost totally pointless gesture and photo op.
The fact that the White House Press Corps didn't receive an official briefing about the nature of the visit is rather telling.
It all basically cements the idea that the President, and at least 51% of Americans, don't really care all that much about Canada. Which is fine I suppose. But if they really don't care about us, then they should stop trying to bully us into things like the Coalition of the Willing.
The visit, however, is of some importance to Canadians. Specifically those in the softwood lumber or beef industries. American policy has really hurt those areas of our economy. So, in the end, we will likely have to bend over once again and make nice so our citizens don't suffer any further hardship at Dubya's hands.
Posted by: Saedigh at November 30, 2004 11:12 AM
Would have been better if they'd asked him not to come. As long as the international community keeps putting up with the 49% of american values that is currently driving things I don't see any real change. Clearly Americians are not going to do anyting about it... sigh..
Posted by: BlueNiner at November 30, 2004 08:38 PM