It's become a joke over here, Brent.

Well, part of it is the structure of our system so there's that.

Most of what you are noticing is more of the industry side of politics in America. It's everyday and folks build lifelong careers on it be it writing, commentary, you name it. Does get a bit over-the-top and ridiculous after while, no question about it there.

If we did politics your way and not all the time, the unemployment rate in America would shoot up to about 35% almost overnight. Colleges would close, folks would get along better, it'd be an absolute living hell.

The best thing for our country would be term limits but thats never going to happen . Too many puffed up thieves and criminals in congress and the senate to vote for it . They're all crooked .

Your fishing may be short but it's better I'm thinking .

Maybe. I've done a bit of fishing in the USA (SC, VA, MA, ME, NH) and I do enjoy your higher species diversity. And I would be remiss if I didn't also mention all the fine people I've met down there while fishing. I guess we do have some niche fishing, like brookies over 10 lbs and atlantic salmon fisheries, but I love the fact that, in the Northeast, there are places where trout fishing is available year round. I guess what I like most about fishing here at home is the solitude/elbow room, but I know that is available in places south of the border, too. And I would say that the conversation about what firearm to carry for personal protection while fishing is only relevant in brown bear country. Otherwise, the discussion focuses on bug spray, sun screen, and for the perennially optimistic, condoms.

Anyway, election's over, we all woke up to a sunny day on Tuesday, and everyone is still talking to each other. Time to move on with the business of living.
brent

The United States is a republic, not a democracy. There is a difference.

Republic - a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.

Democracy - a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

Cliff: Not sure its that simple. I believe what I should have said is that you United Statesians live in a true democratic republic. Not all 'democratic' republics are democratic (eg. North Korea, and several African countries). I'm curious as to what part of your 'democracy' definition you feel does not apply to the US?

taconic ff: Man, you gotta make your way to the Maritimes. Those fine, friendly folk you met in "Upper Canada" are considered stand-offish by our standards! (actually, I lived in Ontario (hamilton) til I was 18 - nice enough people. I'm related to a bunch of them)
brent

Cliff: Ah. I see your point. thanks! You old guys really know a lot!

Yep, Brent, when you get to be my age you'll know a lot also. But you'll forget it pretty quickly just like I do.

Ummmm, what were we talking about??

Ron, you are 100% correct, unfortunately.

It may be that the grass is always greener, but my experience has been that Canada has more concentrated quality fishing than we do down here in the US. I've wandered around the maritimes and Quebec when I lived in Maine and spent parts of many summers in Ontario cottage country, and was pretty impressed. And that is only a narrow sample of what is available, I'm sure.