World News

“We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

- Barack Obama, January 20^th, 2009 

On January 20^th, 2009, Barack Obama became the 44^th president of the United States when he took the oath of office in Washington, D.C. He currently faces enormous expectations to solve the many problems faced by Americans including the deep economic recession, weak stock market, and heavily in debt. President Obama has looked to Abraham Lincoln, the 16^th president for inspiration. He was attracted to Lincoln’s emotional strength and serenity. Lincoln also took office during dark times – The U.S. Civil War which resulted in 620, 000 deaths and lasted from 1861 – 1865. Lincoln and Obama both came from Illinois and were adept at speaking and writing. Both men are also assuming the presidency during a time of crisis. Obama can also be compared to Franklin Delano Roosevelt who was president during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s championing of his “first 100 days in office” was echoed by President Obama who intends to make a quick start in dealing with similar economic problems.     

Courtesy of: Maclean’s Magazine, February 2^nd 09

Canada and U.S. Relations have ebbed and flowed for over two centuries. Barack Obama’s visit to Canada in February was greeted with great excitement that Canada – U.S. relations under this new administration would be better than that of George Bush.
         

In the war of 1812, American invasions into Canada with counter – invasions by British-Canadian forces – both of which were largely unsuccessful.

Issues between the two nations have historically centered on territory, trade, and security. At the turn of the 20^th century, there was an Alaskan boundary dispute.

With a dispute over large tariffs during the 1930’s (Great Depression), the American War College hypothetically created war plans because of a possibility of war with Canada, while Canada created plans for defense.

The two neighbours became increasingly friendly after helping each other in WWI and WWII. Moreover, they became closer in trade with the U.S. becoming Canada’s largest market, and the Canadian economy becoming dependent on trade with the U.S

However, Canada and the U.S. did not seem to be on the same page with the American’s War on Terrorism. With the attacks on the World Trade Centers in 2001, the U.S. – Canada border security was brought into sharp focus. America became concerned that Canadian security was not strong enough along the border, allowing potential terrorists to enter the U.S.

Notwithstanding the controversies, Canada and the United States have worked together to stop terrorism, increase border patrol, share intelligence, and expand law enforcement cooperation.

Even though both have signed the NATO contract, they have various agreements for mutual defense.

And now, democratic President Barack Obama supports the government’s role in strengthening social programs (i.e. health care, education), believes in cooperation and conciliation and helping the ‘little guy’ – generally the kinds of policies which many believe have long been at the core of Canadian ideas.