On "Canada" - and people who believe in it
Daniel brings the pain to "Canadians" at Crooked Timber . It answers that crucial question - Do you believe in "Canada"? quite thoroughly, but lovingly. Mind you, I've lived up there, and I have to admit that the belief runs strong in those environs (it must be the cold). Over time, all sorts of supporting myths and rationalizations grew up to support the “Canadian” faith. Apparently they fought a war against America in 1812, although not one with any noticeable or measurable political consequences. They don’t have a football team because they play “hockey on ice” (really!), a sport at which they are world champions (naturally, because it is a fictitious sport). They have all the nice characteristics of America, but have a healthcare system rather suspiciously similar to the British one, and so forth, and so on. As anyone can see, this isn’t a country – it’s far too perfect to be convincing. It’s a fantasy roleplaying character invented by a kid who...