Gunning For Our National Identity

I've long said that the Canadian East, more specifically Ontario, is very American and that the disease is spreading out and taking over the country. I could go on for a long time about how even here in the West I've noticed subtle shifting towards the American style of life. Fortunately America's recent troubles overseas and within their own country have sharpened the focus on what exactly makes us different from our neighbours to the South. I'm happy to see a rise in the general opinion that we are different, that we should embrace that difference despite being inundated with American culture, and that we should not allow that seepage to alter our psyches. Before I get more people angry, I should explain a few things. I'm not exactly anti-American per se, as I do think that America should be able to do whatever they want in their own country. However, I do think that they should probably stick to their own country and not try to force their policies and religion on the world. Needless to say I am sick of having their government, lobby groups, and whatever other groups trying to force us to conform to their ways. And the threats they're constantly leveling at us! No wonder they have such a problem with bullies, that's just the American way. Next, I watch, read, listen to, and generally absorb massive amounts of the American culture that floats around the world like a nuclear fallout, and I enjoy quite a bit of it. Enjoyment of another culture is nothing to turn your nose up at, you just have to make sure you are aware of the distinction between your culture and another. Enough with the disclaimers, the whole point of this is based on this article I read today on CBC.ca. It's about a man in Toronto who was shot twice after telling someone he didn't have a cigarette to spare. Okay Ontario, what the hell are you doing? This is something I would definitely expect to happen in some American state where guns are as prevalent as cars, but in Canada? We barely even have any guns up here and some idiot is going to get his hands on one, lose his temper over a cigarette, then try to murder the source of his irritation? This is exactly an example of the kind of change that is occurring in the East that is spreading to the rest of the country. People are starting to forget what it is that makes us Canadians, and it's nobody's fault but our own. To place the blame elsewhere, well, that would be quite American wouldn't it?