And I appreciate yours, as well. But you must realize that
immigrants, regardless of where they come from, even first world
country to first world country, are going to be dissatisfied with the
country they have moved to. It took my husband close to 4 years
before he grew to "like and tolerant" the US. Even today, as a US
Citizen, he still compares the US to Canada and in some instances the
Canada now comes out second best. He loves our politics and judicial
system though and can't wait to vote.
The point is you have your viewpoint and it is valid. They have their
view point and it, too, is valid.
Hope you have a successful homecoming and that getting your husband into
Canada is not too exhausting.
Rete
Originally posted by Lapsed Canuck
> I appreciate your point of view Rete. However, my comments are not
> made from some sort of romantic patriotism. They are defending my
> country and those that want to go there from some fairly vile
> statements made by people who do not seem to have even been there nor
> appreciate the 'plight of the immigrant' as you call it. I did not
> leave Canada due to dissatisfaction at all - merely to explore the
> world and particularly England as my grandmother came from England to
> Canada as an immigrant many years ago. She instilled in me the value
> of having an appreciation for life outside the country's borders - as
> is similar for many Canadians who come from other places. I stayed
> here as I have worked hard and done well in a particular field that I
> would have found difficult to have found work in at home without quite
> high qualifications - so I do appreciate that side of things!
> I will also come home having to work my way up again and I have
> recognised that before making the decision. I may not get taken on
> for jobs that require Canadian experience and/or an indepth
> understanding of the field from a Canadian point of view either.
> As I said, the place is not perfect - I know that from my own
> experience and that of my family and friends who have always lived
> there. You may see it as politically correct but having lived in
> places where people from other countries are in fact villified and
> where human rights do not seem to be that high on the agenda, I am
> proud that Canada holds firm to alot of its principles - as was shown
> in the recent Iraq war. Americans are having a tricky time knowing
> what to think about Canada given its stance on the war and against
> capitol punishment, the legalisation of gay marriage, etc but I
> certainly can live with that.
> Immigration in any country is a tricky and often unfair business and
> it is worth noting that Canada is by far not the worst. Being Asian in
> Britain right now and the States is a surefire sign of being a
> terrorist! Even being black or Chinese Canadian and trying to get over
> the border to the States has been difficult for several mates of
> mine. And that's just for a visit!
I was unable to work in Ireland (where I went with my husband) unless
the company proved that an Irish person could not be found to do the
job I had applied for! So please do not patronise me by saying I know
little about my country and/or about immigration issues. I am sorry
things did not work out for you but I think it is unfair for people
(and there are not that many of them) to come on this site and try to
put others off having a go by saying pretty nasty things that are
neither useful or based on most people's reality - as has been shown by
many of the responses here. Productive and helpful comments are what's
needed to support and inform people here - whether they are critical or
positive.