Canada visit

I was born and raised near Viking, Alberta, so of course needed to go back for a visit when so close.

Crossing that border into Canada sure shows a big change in mood and feeling.  So much more relaxed and mellow.  The Canadians really value that difference, and want to keep it that way.  The economy is stable and prosperous, with far less inequality than in the US.  Minimum wages are high enough that all enjoy some of the prosperity.  Nearly everything costs more, but everyone seems to have what they need, and more...  They have a national health program that works well, and they really value the security it provides.  Right-wing Americans rant "that's socialist".  Of course it's not really socialist, but whatever it is, the USA needs more of it, I reckon.......

I reckon there's a lot that America could learn from Canada, (and Australia for that matter).......
Australia is a long way to go, but to learn about Canada it's just an easy drive to the north to see how much more relaxed and peaceful and prosperous that society is......

The average Canadian family now has a higher net worth than in the USA.  Canadian banks didn't collapse in 2008, because strict government regulation didn't allow them to indulge in the madness that the US banks carried on.  As a consequence, Canadians were cashed up when Americans were being foreclosed.  So lots of Albertans bought holiday houses in Arizona at bargain prices, and now escape winter down there.  So they get to experience the American condition for several months every year, and are feeling very self-satisfied to return to their Canadian lifestyle.....