| Am I the only one...
... who finds this ... Canada Day Flag ... offensive ? Looking around the city for items to celebrate Canada Day, I was shocked by this store display. |
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| I THINK THIS FLAG SHOULD BE DESTROYED.WE ARE CANADIAN NOT USA CANADIANS *** Personally I don't see anything wrong with it. The flag we have is only some eastern liberal politicians idea of what our flag should look like and really doesn't represent much beyond that. I for one am sick and tired of watching this country march lock-step off to the left. *** HAPPY CANADA DAY Yes both of us find this offensive, We are not sure how we can stop it, but there you go. Two Proud Canadians. *** This is the most "DISGUSTING" thing I have ever seen. Another example of the "AMERICANS" pushing their weight around. If we want to use Canada Day as an opportunity to suck up to the Americans, that flag is perfect. If the Americans celebrated the same day, and flew the same flag, nation-wide (just for the day) because they want to suck up to us, then that's great too. If the flag is meant to denigrate all of the efforts and sacrifice of our military, who have put themselves in harm's way under the unadulterated Maple Leaf, then this is a perfect way to insult the proud members of our military, and the memories of the families. Anyone who isn&Mac226;t offended on some level by this flag is insensitive to the many messages that it is sending. I think that retailers should appreciate that they are sending those same messages, and should think carefully about their responsibility to their community. How would you feel if the retailer were selling Nazi flags? You might think about the morality of that retailer, and the message that they are trying to send, or that they are too stupid to recognize. This is no different. *** Relax! I live in Fort Erie Ont., just across the Niagara River from Buffalo New York. These flags have been around for years. My son has one in his bedroom with the Canadian Flag on one side , and the U.S. Flag on the other side. We are currently celebrating The Friendship Festival with our American friends. I think it is a great representation of the relationship we have with our U.S. cousins. It is simply a token of the fantastic friendship we have with the states. - a very proud Canadian, and proud to be a friend with the USA *** I think far too much fuss is being made about this flag. I have seen it many times before, usually at international sporting events where both US and Canada are competing. I believe it first began showing up shortly after the 911 terrorists attacks in New York and Washington to show our sympathy for our neighbours and solidarity against terrorism. As a nation we may have objections to the USA and its policies and lifestyles but there are few Canadians who do not have friends or relatives who are Americans so on a personal level we can and are more tolerant and accepting of these people we share this continent with. *** I don't find it offensive when flown in the right context. At sporting events or joint celebrations I think it's ok, I wouldn't want to see it at political events though, people get the wrong ideas! The Canadian flag has had worse done to it, such as happy faces, masks and even maijuana leaves on it, it can survive this too. We know who we are and what our flag is and what it stands for, we don't need to be worried about this at all. *** I have just finished visiting your web-site after watching the CBC interview today. As a Canadian, I would prefer to see a Canadian Flag on Canada Day. We're not going to see any Hy-Brid Flags on Independence Day are we? *** I think this Canadian flag is absurd. You certainly wouldn't see an American flag like this on July 4th. July 1st is Canada's birthday a celebration of Canada, not of America. We are Canadians and should be proud of it. We are not Americans. If you want to fly the American flag then move to the States. You can bet your last dollar that if at anytime Canada joins with the States, they would not combine the flag, it would be an American flag flying with nothing of Canada on it. Canada would simply not exist any longer. *** I don't find it offensive, i wouldn't buy it though. Geez, after reading some of the comments of rage leveled against this novelty, you would think that we had paired our flag with some evil entity. Americans and Canadians have a lot more in common than we think. The only difference that stands out is our unique ability to tolerate corruption, overtaxation, Canada's Death Row (medicare) and the absolute arrogance of the rich Liberal elite that have been scamming our country for their own gain for over a decade. The Americans are our closest ally and neighbour. The way we have treated them is shameful. Now, where can I get one of those flags? Signed, — Toronto, Black Hole of the Universe *** Just caught your being interviewed by Mike Duffy re. your recently aquired American-Canadian Flag. It would be interesting to know if this was an American or Canadian person who came up with this Flag. I personally believe that it must have been a Canadian, as I cannot believe an American would desecrate their flag with a "Same-Sex" countrie's flag!! On the other hand, perhaps it could have been a Canadian, attempting to attach some "morality" or "decency" to our flag! Do you have any background to the origin of the this unusual flag? I may have missed it on your interview with Mike. Have a Happy Canada Day! *** Unfortunately, I fail to see what is so offensive about this 'novelty' flag. While some of you 'patriotic Canadians' are all uptight about this 'novelty flag,' the reality is that there is no other two countries in the world which are as close as Canada and the US. That is what this 'novely flag' is trying to represent. And to be frank, I don't see any shame in that at all. *** Do I find this hybrid flag offensive? No, I find your webpage offensive.... well, maybe not offensive, but highly arrogant, blind and hypocritical. Let me preface my statements by stating that if I were to live anywhere in the world, Canada would be my choice for obvious reasons. Also, in no way do I endorse the behaviour or image of USA. Although I know it is difficult for so many stubborn and single-minded people, I still ask them to consider the following: - maybe they shouldn't be offended... maybe it's the Americans who should be offended by sharing a hybrid flag with Canada. - this entire country... and continent for that matter... is completely founded on theft and murder. This land and it's resources were ripped out of the hands of it's indigenous Native occupants. FACT. Change as many history textbooks as you want, the truth is the truth. - out "great Canadian government", like every other world country, has been as much ridden with scandal and subterfuge as it has been with great accomplishments for our society. Hence, parliamentary records are permanently sealed from public eyes to hide the shame of our "revered forefathers". - typically the strongest of Canadian patriots ironically "cherish" Canada's ties to the British monarchy. Perhaps Canada can be truly thought of as an independent and free country once we pull our finger out of the Queen's asshole. The entire concept AND history of "royalty" is about as undemocratic and fundamentally as anti-Canadian as you can possibly get. - worried about too close of a relationship with USA.... tell your elected officials to stop selling resources to the USA, your fellow businessmen to stop bending over for the USA... and how about YOU.... stop buying American products. What were you doing in that store where you found the flag? I wonder what percentage (less than 5% ???) of the products in a bargain or "dollar store" are actually manufactured or even STAFFED by real Canadians? - "the true North strong and free!!!" Uhhh.... except for Japanese interment camps... Chinese railroad slave labour... women denied the RIGHT TO VOTE until 1920.... and of course, up only until days ago, homosexuals denied certain civil liberties.... but, um, yes..... good times, good times. In closing, my problem is NOT with Canada. My problem is NOT with America. My problem is NOT with lack of appreciation or respect for the country .... my problem is with individuals who don't have the mental capacity to acknowledge the FACTUAL history of any given country. My guy instinct is that so many who wrote to you to express their "dismay" over the hybrid flag don't have the capacity to acknowledge reality. Just conceptual dreams. AND HERE IS THE REALITY, SIR..... CANADA'S HISTORY, LIKE EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE EXISTENCE OF MANKIND.... IS BASED SOLELY ON MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. Please don't forget it. All the stupid flags, BBQ steaks and fireworks today can only do one thing.... offer us a minor distraction from the fact that Monday morning, the majority of the country has to go back to the job they hate so they can give up 50% of their income in taxes. "The best way to learn history is to experience it. That's what this is about." - Pierre Berton Well then, I guess I better go out today to murder some Natives, skin some buffalo and leave their meaty husks to rot in the prairie sun, give oral to the Queen and write a big cheque to the Liberals. Don't waste your life getting bent out of shape over a product in a store. Go feed the hungry, save some animals, plant some trees, but whatever you do, oh please, just remember to have a Happy Canada Day!!!!! P.S. I don't even like Natives *** What sort of mind could conjure up that "flag", and I wonder how many copies are out there. I enjoyed seeing you and hearing your comments on TV. *** I have to laugh/cry at all the people I share a plot of land with. This flag is a celebration of a strong bond that such close neighbors should share. A sign of community, friendship and trust. Rather than spit on this effort to symbolize a brighter future, maybe we should take a good hard look at ourselves and ask why we're really upset about this. Maybe because we're arrogant people who have adapted the "american" ideals of nationalism. Our country is NOT perfect and the people in it are NOT better than anyone in any other country. I don't like Bush, I don't like guns, I don't like bombs, and I don't like ignorance, but many americans agree with me! Why do you spit on them? We are a land that preaches diversity, and acceptance. Why not PRACTISE it as well!. To see people reacting so childishly to something so obviously heartfelt makes me want to weep. You think america should change and be more like us? I agree! But Change starts here: they'll never want to listen to people who call them names and disrespect them. Maybe if we open our hearts to our southern neighbors we'll earn enough of their trust and respect that our opinons will have an impact on them. Maybe they'll open their hearts as well and notice that things are better here. That will NEVER HAPPEN if we keep up this kind of self-righteous attitude! *** I can not believe or even begin to comprehend why someone would do such a thing, I am very much insulated as a Canadian, and all Candians should be. I just hope it was not a resident of Canada that did this and I call them a resident because they are not true Canadians. It is a disgrace to be associated with Americans although they should be proud themselves to be associated with such a Nation as Canada. I have to wonder what other Canadians such as Terry Fox, Tommy Douglas, Pierre Trudeau and yes even Don Cherry would have to say about this. I AM CANADIAN ! ARE YOU ? *** Love the flag where in Lethbridge can I get one. *** just seen you on news. Would like to know if your selling big flags? *** I think this is the worst design ever, who ever made these flags should be shot, in all honesty I think Americans are iggnorant pricks who think to highly of themselves. They deserve a big terrorists attack on there nation (BIGGER THAN THAT OF 911) I HATE AMERICA!!!!! There flags have been around for a long time, and I've even a North American transport company or two include the Mexican flag in their mixes. It's just a way of showing unity. It's not the prettiest flag or anything, but should it have offended you to the point of going to the local media to 'speak out' against it? Certainly not. On T.V to-day Your commentator said that the sight of this hybrid flag blew his mind. He suggested we contact "Our heritage " . I started to think about our heritage and what has happened over the past few decades . The deterioration of our armed forces make us an international joke. Our navy has 40 yr old aircraft and some old rusty subs with inadequately trained crews . Our airforce has a few poorly equipped & aging F18s and the "show " Snowbirds are over 40 years old. The army seems to be filled with old gear and 35year old overweight corporals . Our health care system is in real distress and our remedy is stuck in the 1960s mode of spend more money . We have a major political party in Ottawa that is dedicated to breaking up the country. This week it virtually became law that queers can "marry" and presumably adopt . I am thinking that this hybrid flag of North America is a forecast of the inevitable that is looking more desirable by the day . *** The implied message conveyed by the flag is that Canada should become part of the States and as a proud Canadian I resent any such suggestion even in jest. I certainly do find that flag offensive. What can be done about it? Who allowed these to be imported into our country? Do you plan to set up a petition for people to sign, once a course of action is decided on? *** The flag is a great idea. People complaining about this sound like they are getting some type of government hand out or they are Liberal Red! Canada Day comes and goes in Calgary with out much fanfare. After all Ottawa has never been very good to us and quite frankly we could do without them. Central Canada has never liked out capitalist ways. A very proud ALBERTAN. *** Whoever created that flag should be hung drawn and quartered or the 2005 version of that punishment. it is an abortion! If he is a Canadian,m he should be stripped of his citizenship. *** I am a proud Canadian,, and I do not find this flag offensive as it (in my opinion) represents the friendship that Canada showed the United States during the time of despair the United State endured on Sept 11, 2001. I am proud to be Canadian and to show my support to the United States as well . I think that the split flag is a novel idea to show that we not only supported them in their time of need but will continue to do so as friends and neighbors now and always. Thank you, from a proud Canadian living in Ontario *** If I were an American I would be equally insulted as I am as a Canadian. *** The most offensive thing about this flag affair is the kind of reaction from the "offended" Maybe its the Americans that shoud be offended being tied to the third rate bunch of whiners that Canadians have become in the last 30 years, as confirmed by most of the comments you have received. Its not surprising that your particular whine was highlighted on CTV ( Canada's Trivial Values network) and keeper of the anti-American cause. It would seem the smaller you are the louder you shout. *** NOTHING OFFENSIVE WONDERFUL IM AMERICAN..MY WIFE IS CANADIAN A NORTH AMERICAN IDEA WHOSE TIME MAY HAVE ARRIVED. DONALD F RIPLEY WHERE TO I SEND FOR ONE OF THESE FLAGS?? *** I think the Canadian flag should be represented in its complete form, compressed, and fitted underneath the blue field of stars. The remainder of the red and white stripes would then be continuous. That way, Canada is properly represented as subservient, and dependent, upon the USA. *** What is happening to our country Canada???? Who are the people responsible for this??? But would our Government take a stand??? Or are they too busy with "the issue" at hand???? *** No, I am not offended by this flag. Actually we picked up 8 flags like the one on your web site last summer. We are neighbours to US , and they are there for us as we should be for them, so why should this be offending. I also have family living in the states. Anyone feeling so offended by this flag should think again. Thaankyou *** I think it is disgusting that anyone would even come up with such an idea, especially at a time when we are celebrating our uniqueness as Canadians. I am proud to wear my maple leaf, and do not appreciate seeing our national symbol tacked on to the stars and stripes. Why not reverse the order, send it to the USA for the 4th of July and then watch the sparks fly!! *** I love the flag. I'm not Anti-Amercan and I believe that our two nations are more alike then what some people are willing to admit. I think the flag should be a symbol of our long shared history and our many joint operations we have had in the past and continue to have. No, you are certainly not the only one offended. I think it is disgusting that anyone would even come up with such an idea, especially at a time when we are celebrating our uniqueness as Canadians. I am proud to wear my maple leaf, and do not appreciate seeing our national symbol tacked on to the stars and stripes. Why not reverse the order, send it to the USA for the 4th of July and then watch the sparks fly!! This country has been ruined through the tyranny of the minorities and has led us to become one of the most over-taxed and over-governed peoples in the world. Our standard of living has dropped to below that of the citizens of the poorest state in the US (Mississippi), our moral and decency standards have been eroded to the point where only criminals receive justice, not the innocent victims, and where 24-hour porno and slut is available by permission of our Bureau of Broadcasting Standards. Our lives are controlled totally through three levels of over-staffed, over-paid, highly-perked government officials most of whom obey their leaders rather than the people they are supposed to represent. We are fast slipping into becoming an undemocratic country. Our last defining Canadianism - Medicare - is in a deplorable and dangerous state. Socialism is rampant. Welcome to Canuckistan. A massive amount of good would come from the integration of our two countries. *** I absolutely agree with your views on this joint flag.I find it very disturbing, i mean does nobody have anything else better to do, than sell these country mocking flags.What B.S. If we are so united Americans and Canadians, then why is it , when we go into a foreign country, they love Canadians and cringe with the thought of greedy, loud mouthed, bossy take over anyone's country Americans. Let me tell you a brief story, i think this one is worth to put on your website. I was vacationing in Panama with my husband , who is from there born and raised, and who is now a canadian citizen. His family and tons of more families were kicked off this beautiful beach , and told to go home by the Americans.They were doing one of their army excercises , and apparently lost one of their men , on a cliff . All of a sudden this big helicopter came down, and ruined everybody's good time.They were pompous, and in the year 2000 the land for Panama had to be given back to the people of Panama. They had to move all of their war tanks, and equipment etc.... out of there. My husband told me , when he was a teenager. When the Americans were busy searching for Noreiga, they had bullets flying.The whole country was shut down, while these americans were busy shooting off their weapons. How many innocent civilans were killed? 1 to many. The americans with their attitude we can come here and take over anytime.That is why our FLAG SHOULD NOT BE JOINED. Thank-you for this opportunity to express these views to other Canadians. True North strong and free. We stand on guard for thee. *** Yes, you are crazy *** I am a US citizen with a summer home in Fort Erie. Canada Day here is the start of the friendship festival, a four day event bracketed by the two holidays. People display both flags here but I can't go along with that. I am a guest in this beautiful country and I think it would be inappropriate to display my flag. The flag you show is awful and should not be displayed anywhere. *** I personally believe that Mr. Haig is correct when he said, Quote, I guess (the split flag) could have all kinds of connotations to it, Un-Quote. Flags are flags and they do stir up some degree of emotion and national pride in the people whom they represent, however there is one very obvious connotation that I see; the relationship between Canada and the United States. This relationship, from what I can remember from my own history lessons, has been a moderately strong relationship with it's own high and low points. However, through everything, Canada and the United States have enjoyed an extremely good relationship over the years that we have been fortunate enough to be neighbors as well as one of (if not the only) remaining open borders in the world. I personally do not see this flag as a travesty or injustice to either of our two peoples but see it as a symbol of our continuously developing relationship. Neighbors are neighbors and, just as brothers are such, can not be separated without mutual disadvantage to either group involved. *** I have read the story online at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050702/FLAG02/National/Idx and visited your site. With all due respect, I think that the freedom of speech trumps right not be offended, and this goes for the flag as well. I see absolutely no reason to be offended, if anything I'd love to buy this flag as it embodies something which lately has been in short supply - civility to our neigbours Americans, (see Carrolyn Parrish, Pat Martin), etc. I'd appreciate if you could please send me address of the store you saw the flag so I can buy it. *** Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I agree with some of the less controversial comments found on your site. We are neighbours to the States, not family. Fly their flag here but not alone, put our flag there too. Not in union as is the case with the one you found. Looking around however, this is not an isolated case. I have noted that many people fly flags from other countries without an accompanying Canadian Flag. Rest assured that you would never see this happen in the States. Perhaps we need to speak up in those cases as well. *** I find this extremely offensive! Boy, are we ever lax that this kind of thing can happen here? It’s probably too late but I’d like to see the fields reversed and those flags offered for sale in the US on July 4. I suspect you’d see fireworks then – exactly as we should be reacting here. I’d love to see someone walk by, seize the flags and with lighter fluid and a lighter handy, spray and ignite them. Would that send a message, do you think? And if they complain, demand they take you to court to resolve the issue.;-) What Canadian judge in his right mind would charge you with destroying a piece of cloth with no significance to any Canadian except as a source of insult? *** Who is the imbecile who thought up this abomination? Are you completely devoid of any common sense? This so-called "flag" does not represent anything perse. It is simply a visual depiction of your stupidity. Back to the drawing board, fool! I'm sure you thought you were being very creative....think again! *** This flag is extremely offensive, Canada is not now nor ever will be another one of the 50 states, for which I thank God. Who in their right mind would want to be an american?? *** Too bad they weren't more readily available. It seems like the perfect flag to celebrate the July 1-4 long weekend. *** NO.My wife is a United States citizen my children have dual citizenship for my family that flag can fly in my yard. If some one burns or steps on our flag than i would be pissed off. To b e offende by this flag is pretty childish and petty . IN fact please let me know where i can buy one. *** You would never see anything like this in the USA. What is the matter with the sheep in this country....oh sorry I meant people? It is nice to see that ignorance is prevalent in both Canada and The United Stated of America. As I read through the comment and saw a lot of the negative American comments, I was wondering when Canada left the continent of North America? The North American continent is made up of 3 countries, Mexico, United States of America, and Canada. As much as these people state that they don’t want to be Americans, they are! If they stated that they didn’t want to be recognized as U.S.A. Citizens, that is a different story. All governments are a representation of the best and the worst that the human race has to show. The U.S.A. government is even greater example of this. The news will give the most time to the worst part of the government because it makes money. The Nicer side of the balance is only stated in the side bar or as a footnote to a bad story. This is human nature. As for the flag, it is a trinket. It is a symbol only given credence by the belief of the masses. The more you talk about it, the more you make it a valid symbol. It will not last, it is only a cultural speed bump. As with any speed bump, I like to watch for the different types of people that drive over it. One type plow over it and then bitch that it a bad thing, after they have screwed-up there vehicle. The others see it, slow down, go over it, and go on there way. *** Personally I think it's one helluva lot better than having it half Canadian and half the Quebec Provincial flag. People, lighten up. Hr. Haig, some people will do anything to get their name on the news or in the paper. *** Wave on but it won't fix our debt ,our hospitals and our third nation status *** *** *** *** *** *** This is unacceptable! *** I am as Canadian as can be, but why is this so offensive? *** It is strange that so many people are ''offended'' by this flag and yet while traveling extensively in Canada and the United States, we rarely see the Canadian flag flying proudly from Canadian homes. However, when we travel through the United States, we see their flag waving proudly from their homes and business. . Canadians are very lucky to have as their good neighbours the United States. Look at the rest of the world with all the fighting between neighbouring countries. Yes, we may not always agree but we know they would never, ever invade and blow us up. We also know that if some other country tried to invade us, the United States would be there as our support. Why do you think our Government has allowed our military to become so small and poorly equiped. They know the United States would bail us out of any trouble. *** Veteran Wow...sounds like many angry people out there. I too, like a few of you, see this flag as a relationship...not as a national symbol. As an American teacher, who teaches Canadian history and geography to my sixth graders, I have found it interesting over the years to see just how many Canadians resent the United States, for various reasons. True...we Americans really need to brush up on Canadian history and culture to appreciate our northern neighbors more. We are a lax nation when it comes to the desire for understanding nations other than ours. For that, I apologize on behalf of our country. However, in reading many of these reactions, it sure seems like a lot of pent-up hatred, or at least seething anger, for the U.S. Maybe it's time to work together more, and stop all of the bitterness. Canada is a great country. Hi, I'm Karel from Toronto. I've never seen that flag before, but I think it's disgusting. I feel we should stop co-operating so closely with such a backwards country. I agree with that guy who said Canada should have joined the European Union. |
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