Yep GRUNHERZ, I can gaurantee that "there is some voice of dissent against Canada's left wing cowardly defence policies" .
I am retired Canadian Airforce and can "guarandamntee", that the position of the average Canadian is in support of the military.
What they are not in support of is the $$ it takes to run it.
This is an unfortunate (to say the least) way to think.
My Brothers in arms have less to work with than I did, and I had basically nothing.
I agree with the US foreign policies in general, and wish that Canada was able to provide more support.
However, I would ask you to recognize the contributions we do make.
We were there during the Gulf war.
My nephew is now in Afghanistan.
My Sqn was a participant in Quatar (Gulf War)
My Grandfather had 2 ships sunk underneath him. (WW1 and WWII)
Between my Brother, Father and Myself we have 60 years of Military service.
Enough Military history.
I am sorry that you saw the "seedier" side of one of our cities.
Vancouver is indeed a melting pot.
But..Much like the US,(and I have spent a great deal of time there)
Canada is not untouched by crime.
Do I think that we are "better" than the United States?
NO, and I applaud your patriotism.
Allow we Canadians the same.
I have always thought that I could count on any US citizen as my brother (we are so similar it's scary).
In Short GRUNHERZ..no offence meant, and give your experience a bit of a think. (We ain't all bad.....and we got cute sheep!)
Cheers GRUNHERZ, you have a standing invite to visit Edmonton, Alberta any time you wish (just bring scotch).
RTR