O, Canada

A few observations on Donella H. Meadows’ article (Opinion, Aug. 13) on how Canadians and Americans view each other.

First, apart from some Northeastern fishermen and Northwestern loggers, the vast majority of Americans have only the friendliest feelings for Canada. There is no anti-Canadian feeling to speak of. However the reverse does not appear to be true. There seems to be a not insignificant element of anti-Americanism in Canada among university students and intellectuals. This sentiment was openly exploited by the Liberals in the last Canadian election.

Second, the article states that Canadians characterize us as snobs because we know so little about their country and appear to care even less. While a few Americans would put Canada down, I would suggest this country’s lack of knowledge concerning our northern neighbor and its concerns stems not from snobbishness but from American’s intense self-absorption, combined with our inconsistent interest in, and knowledge of, world affairs. On the other hand, there is some real snobbery north of the border. If you saw certain television shots of Canadians putting down the United States during the last election there you would know what I mean.

Third, while 42% of Americans say they wouldn’t mind living in Canada, and only 27% of Canadians say they would consider living in the United States, there are no figures cited as to the actual number of each country’s nationals living in the other’s territory. I would be interested in seeing such statistics, and how they relate to these particular percentages.

It undoubtedly would be a good thing if Americans knew more about Canada. But I don’t think that is likely to happen, particularly as more of our population moves into the Sun Belt.

ALLAN S. NANES

Thousand Oaks