Having missed the beginning of this latest United States v. Canada squabble, I don’t want to get mired down in the details.

I did however want to offer a correction… The United States is not a Democracy. While all of our major network newsreaders, most people on the street, and the very Politicians that swear an oath seem not to know the difference, the United States in in fact a Republic.

The two could not be more different… In fact, the differences were so important that in older Army Training Manuals, under the Citizenship Chapter, the manual offerred these descriptions of the two:

Democracy: A government of the masses. Authority derived through mass meeting or any other form of “direct” expression. Results in mobocracy. Attitude toward property is communistic — negating property rights. Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate, whether is be based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences. Results in demogogism, license, agitation, discontent, anarchy.

Republic: Authority is derived through the election by the people of public officials best fitted to represent them. Attitude toward law is the administration of justice in accord with fixed principles and established evidence, with a strict regard to consequences. A greater number of citizens and extent of territory may be brought within its compass. Avoids the dangerous extreme of either tyranny or mobocracy. Results in statesmanship, liberty, reason, justice, contentment, and progress. Is the “standard form” of government throughout the world.

Interestingly, FDR had this removed from all manuals printed after 1934… He knew that implementing his progressive (translation: socialistic) agenda would be more difficult if he continued to educate millions of young men on the distinction between the two. But that’s not the issue…

The issue is that we are a Republic, a nation of laws, not of men. There are limits to what our Government is supposed to be able to do, regardless of the will of the majority. Emerging from the Continental Congress, Benjamin Franklin was asked what form of Government they had given the new nation. His reply:

“A Republic, if you can keep it.”

- Pii

I actually have no idea who you are and I congratulate you on knowing so much about my family and me. I am glad the Nash family can provide your empty life with a glimmer of hope. I will gladly “set the record straight” on your misinformation campaign and your feeble attempt to defame me with your libel on my BLOG, but do take notice; I did keep your statements posted.

I played in 9 of 11 games at BU in my first year, and yes I replaced an injured player, but I still started at LB in 2 games, one against McGill University and our homecoming game against Ottawa. And please be advised, my goal was NEVER to play in the CFL. So it is you that is badly misinformed. I actually never applied to SFU because Bishop’s is revered as Linebacker U in Canada (see Leroy Blough, Ray Bernard and Eddie Edwards), I was recruited to play within the OQIFC, and I never said (or intimated) that I played D1 football at Missou. I captained and played at Evangel University and played MLB there. I actually followed my best friend there, after his brother was killed in a car accident. I thought we could really benefit from some quality time together. We actually played in the same collegiate ranking system as SFU and placed 4th or 5th in the country in 1993 after winning the HOA Conference.

You are absolutely correct in saying that I had VERY little money while attending BU. I make no bones about it. My awesome BU roomates (Dan Forfellow and Matt “Kraft Dinner” Hamilton) can attest to that while I used Gramma’s money during our weekly games of “Get-It-Up”. So I made some VERY conscious decisions to study, work and live in a way that would ensure that money was not going to be an issue in my future.

In regards to your comments about my family, I will only say that my brother has and continues to enjoy a wonderful career in pro hockey, and I believe he will be picked up very shortly by another NHL team. If you want to see his earnings (in US$) over the past six years, the NHLPA lists his salary on the NHL.com website.

What have you done? It is so easy to cast aspersions behind a veil of anonymity. I would suggest you post your college (and pro) athletic experience, your annual salary, and I am most curious about your vocation (that means J O B). I would also love for you to email me a current photo so I can post it on my BLOG.

And who are you to question my patriotism? I love Canada, and I love the U.S.A. You are obviously brilliant; especially in the area of history, because you likely remember (but forgot to inform my readers) about the internment and enslaving of the Japanese at the hands of Canadians during the Second World War. I think Canadians even confiscated their personal property, land and homes. I believe the slavery went as far as to leverage the Japanese in “forced-work” camps that built the western Canadian railways. But I am sure there were no murders or rapes during those dark times in Canadian history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Canadian_internment

http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/projects/canadianhistory/camps/internment1.html

With this said, the U.S., “a country that goes into other part of the world such as Iraq and Afghanistan and have more people die! A country run by the world greatest terrorist: Bush! Whatever!”, (wow BBbbblair, very articulate and well said) All I can say is “thank God for the U.S. and their military”, otherwise Canada might have to spend more (unavailable) tax dollars on protecting the country and that would take away valuable tax revenue being used to bandage a badly broken Canadian medical system. But calling President Bush the ultimate terrorist just plainly shows your ignorance. I hope you NEVER have to experience what it was like in Washington DC on 911 (where my wife and I work and live).

As a final thought, I do not think James will be running back to Canada (if) he ever does become ill, because he has fantastic healthcare here in the U.S., and he does not want to wait six hours in the Canadian emergency rooms. There is this really bizarre concept here in the U.S.; if you work, you get medical insurance. One more thing, as an added benefit, if you work HARD for a great company you get world-class medical insurance.

On your next post, I would recommend a spell and (or) grammar check. Perhaps your future educational dollars would be best served studying English.

And Josh, you will get a post, I have been running like crazy. But I have a lot to say.

Blair, I have no idea who you are, but you are welcome to your opinion(s) of me and my positions, both personally and politically.

My guess is that you are a Bishop’s alum, and besides saying I am wrong, that I am a one-year-wonder at BU (considering I left BU to play in Missouri on a full-ride scholarship), and that I have historically had a large ass (which is true - BU squat record of 610 lbs as of 2003), what exactly are you saying?

First, I am a Canadian by birth, and secondly I still maintain dual citizenship. I will make this very elementary (that means basic and simple to understand); I am proud to be both an American and Canadian. I have lived, studied, and worked, in both countries, and have a good understanding of both political and economical landscapes, but I have never professed to be an expert on either country. All I know is that I moved to the U.S.A. because the U.S. economic climate offered me an opportunity to excel at the time.

Blair, hopefully life in Canada is treating you well, that you are employed, healthy and happy. I wish all of my family and friends the same thing. And yes, even you too Blair.

Come on! You give up your right to be a Canadian and you sound so proud to be American! What a bunch of horse sh**! Who are you fooling Dallas. Your a big bum little hick from Alberta and was a one year wonder Gaiter football player. I guess you had one too many hit to your head, only in Dallas’ World. I like to call it like I see!
I guess you feel you are not Canadian anymore. Well guess what? You are!

Later

Blair

In approximately three weeks I will be celebrating my first birthday as an American citizen. What a wonderful year it has been. I have had a very successful three quarters at my new company Dell, I have moved into a new home, and as of October 31st, I voted in my first election.

The older I get the more epiphanies I have. My eyes were opened to what a special privilege it is to vote in a Democracy. Iraq is fighting for its fledgling life as it grows into a Democracy. The word’s origin (from the Greek), dēmo- DEMO- + -kratia, translates as “by-the-people”. People have spilled more blood for this privilege than for any other reason. Democracy (to me) means an escape from the tyranny of oppressive rule.

I know, I know, one should never discuss politics or religion. But I will say that over the past ten years, I have solidified my stance as a conservative. I have heard people’s opinions run the gamut. I have heard people profess their love for President Clinton and his policies. They have also said that his antics in the White House were “no big deal” and that he was a wonderful President (even though he perjured himself under oath).

I have witnessed, first hand, people spewing all sorts of hateful rhetoric against President Bush and his policies. But let me say this; unemployment (due to Bush policy and tax cuts) is now at 4.4% (the lowest is has been since Q1FY01 - http://www.forecasts.org/data/data/UNRATE.htm) , the hourly wage is now $17/hour, and the U.S. economy is doing VERY well. Obviously Iraq is a major issue. But I have yet to hear a Liberal politician articulate their plan to get our troops out of Iraq, end the war, or their plan to properly secure our homeland. Liberal’s say that Bush is doing a lousy job, that he is a liar and that it is time for a change in government.

Here are the facts:
1) Secret prisons throughout the world and their AWESOME and effective work (using tactics like water boarding) in prisoner interrogation have thwarted attacks on LAX, the Sears Tower in Chicago, three British airliners traveling to the U.S.A, and stopped the destruction of the NYC Brooklyn Bridge.
2) We have not had another attack on U.S. soil in four years.
3) The NSA continues to track and thwart terrorist activity within the U.S.A. because of its Record Collection program.
4) Five major terrorist heads (from around the world) have been killed in Iraq because they too see Iraq as a battlefield against the U.S.A.

Earlier this week John Kerry, the 2004 Liberal candidate for President (and Senator from Massachusetts) made derogatory comments about U.S. troops. His comments can be seen first hand at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3noYSLX1zw

John Kerry has now recanted and sloughed off his accountability as a “joke”. That is a lie and he lacks the fortitude and the core to stand behind his idealism.

As an added benefit, I have included within this BLOG update the link to the Oprah interview with Bill O’Reilly. I have included this link because my cousin Josh still thinks that America is NOT a land of opportunity. Josh, I hope you watch this interview so you can hear first hand what Oprah says about the U.S.A.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xnb1vcleg

As November 7th quickly approaches, I would just ask that people think hard and reflect about what it means to vote. We have been given the honor and privilege to direct our country (Canada too) in this Democracy. Whatever your political persuasion, make sure you vote. Do not take this honor for granted!

This is really just a short update that desperately needed to be made to the BLOG. I was in Austin Texas this week for a short business trip, and as an added benefit, I was able to spend some quality time with my brother.

He is currently in San Antonio and Austin is only 79 miles away. I made the drive after I would finish my work day, but on the last evening my brother drove up to Austin.

We sat and talked about our childhood growing up on a lake front, we reminisced about a time that I was in upstate New York, and I drove to see him in Syracuse, and we spoke about many other wonderful memories. His children are absolutely beautiful, and he is a great father. In fact he reminds me an awful lot of our dad. I too catch myself making similar gestures, comments, and reactive mannerisms like my father. I find it to be bizarre. Our parents are not only around us, but they are in us. They really never leave us. We have their genetic make-up, their sins, their expectations, and their hopes and dreams. What a blue print!

I also had a chance to take in a Chiefs football game a couple weeks ago. We had a great time tail-gaiting with some fantastic Chiefs fans (that means you Steve!). Cigars, BBQ and beer… what more can a bunch of guys ask? The photos showing our parking lot party have been posted into the photos section. The Chiefs were able to pull out a last minute win, and hopefully this gets us back on track for a run at the playoffs. GO CHIEFS!!!

Hey Dallas, it’s Steve, the character that was next you and your group during the pregame of the Chiefs & Cardinals game. I was the one wearing the “Dante Hall” jersey. Boy what a win last weekend against the Chargers! Hey I was looking on the website for the pictures from you AZ trip, but hadn’t seen them posted as of yet. Hopefully they were ok. Again it nice to meet you guys, it was very interesting ballgame that day. Maybe if they keeps things rolling in the right direction they can reach the playoffs.

Hi Dallas - It was so great to talk to you today! Thanks so much for making the call… I’m a blog rookie - don’t see your email on the site Sara

Our third adventure took us to Elk Island National Park. The park is located just 24km from Sherwood Park, my old home. We ventured out early in the morning, the sun was again shining, there was a slight breeze, and yet again, we had the car’s top down.

We ventured up the road to the Bison Loop. We made the turn onto the loop and immediately saw three Bison, one of which was a large male. We did not see much on our first tour here, but the weather was so incredibly beautiful, that we did not have a care in the world.

Elk Island Park brings back many a memory for me. I know you all have seen the photos posted to my photo section, especially of the ones playing in the Bison feces I am sure. If you have not bore witness to the photos, please, have a look. I was about eleven years old, and my brother was approximately eight. We were there with my mother running about the park. As young boys do, we were getting into our fair share of mischief, and my brother was being his normal “tormenting” self. I, however, cannot affix all of the blame upon him. I am sure I was also acting in my typical “bullying” manner. Towards the end of our journey here, things were growing a bit… monotonous shall we say. I decided to SPICE things up. I proceeded to find a nice long stick and a relatively firm Buffalo pie. I needed a pie that had a firm shell, but a nice soft center. With a little ingenuity I found the perfect pie! I proceeded to take the stick to the pie. I plunged the tip through the newly formed crust and into the heart of this steaming pile. I gently rolled the shaft through the creamy center as to make the perfect torture implement. When my task was complete I proceeded to chase my brother all of the Park’s meadow. After just a few minutes of chasing him, I was growing tired. There was only so much enjoyment one could gain from simply running after your brother with a Buffalo pie-on-a-stick. I made the next logical choice, and as Emeril would say – “Let’s Kick it Up a Notch!” The chase grew more intense, and with one calculated movement, I smeared the Buffalo pie into my brother’s hair. And rest assured, I got the majority of the prize onto the target.

Here is the email that my brother sent in response, after I emailed him the photos from our recent visit to the park:

Dallas Nash:
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 12:56:23 -0400
>Ty:
>We took a relaxing trip to Elk Island Park today. I thought about our
>childhood trips there the entire time…
>I took these photos thinking of you… Open them in order Photo 1, Photo
>2, Photo 3, Photo 4…
>Love you…>–
>Dallas J.G. Nash

Tyson: “You are a piece of work. Don’t worry I haven’t forgotten. You will get yours! Maybe that is why I have such beautiful hair today though. It might not be too late for you bro… Love you too.”

Ahhh, what wonderful memories.

The second such memory from Elk Island Park comes again, at the hands (or rear) of the wonderful Bison. Blake Bunting and I (along with a few other guys) were camping at Elk Island Park in the late summer. Our tent was pitched in a meadow, along a tree line near Tavevick Lake. We awoke early in the morning to a giant face pressing into the side of our tent. Then, without warning, there were deep groans, snorts and flatulence. Some sort of liquid-like substance was being sprayed against the side of our tent. We gathered our collective strength, cleared the sleep from our eyes and peeked outside the tent. We were standing in midst of a herd of Bison. There were at least 20 of them; huge, imposing, and grazing. They were pressing their faces into the side of our tent, and the more disgusting ones of the herd were “dumping” mass amounts of wet feces down the side of our tent. Needless to say, we left the tent (permanently) and moved slowly from the pack into the woods. We were very lucky that day! We escaped unharmed and without stain!

As a closing thought, the day brought back many emotions from my home. There was a feeling in the warm breezes that immediately took me back to my childhood. The air was cool, but the breeze was warm. It was a comforting feeling that I have not had since being back in Edmonton in early September. It has been more than ten years… It was as if I could see myself playing on the neighbor’s lawn, basking in the late August sun. My mind’s eye held that vision, and my heart held onto the feeling. It was opened again to me on that day. What a beautiful and simple memory. It amazes me that memories can be brought to life by a scent, a warm breeze, a touch or the sound of a piece of music. What a beautiful life I have lived.

Today I am thankful for that Alberta summer breeze and for the people from my home that I remember with all the fondness that is possible to feel for another…

Driving into Jasper we took our sweet TIME. We stopped at locations I remember from my childhood and from driving through as a young adult. The biggest difference is that we actually stopped this TIME. I must have driven the Yellowhead Highway into Jasper a thousand TIMES, yet I rarely took the TIME to stop and enjoy the majesty of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. This vacation felt like my first TIME into these mountains.

Our first stop lead us to a view of the river valley, mountains painted the framework of a scene from a classical masterpiece. The second stop will be burned into my mind’s eye forever. We stopped at a road side pull-off to find a beautiful, expanse of lake. We took our shoes off, and proceeded to wade out onto a sand bar. The sand bar stretched entirely across the entire lake. The water was a beautiful 75 degrees, and the lake’s water was barely six inches deep. You can see a photo of our feet in the water within my photos section. The silt on the lake’s bottom felt like satin against my skin. I could have stayed there for hours.

We placed our shoes back on our feet, got back into the car, and retracted the roof of the convertible. The sun was in our face as we drove back into Jasper. My mother, Rena and I sat on the banks of the Miette River, just watching the water rush over the rocks. This is where I sent the first BLOG update.

The morning came, I lit a fire in the cabin’s stone fireplace, and I enjoyed my morning coffee and a Monticristo #2 on the deck of our cabin looking at the mountains. The mornings are crisp and clear. There is a slight haze of smoke over the valley this morning from forest fires burning in eastern British Columbia, but it does little to obscure our view of this magical place.

We packed the car, retracted the convertible top, and drove 45 km to Maligne Lake. What a drive. There is a photo of Rena and my mother on the edge of a cliff, overlooking Medicine Lake. This is the most beautiful place I have EVER seen. That is no exaggeration! The silt and sediment etched deep green canals within the crystal clear water. Check out the photo, but it will not do it justice. We boarded a small boat to tour the lake. Greg, you get a SLAP for the suggestion, not because it was not unbelievable, but because the boat tour costs $41/person! What a tourist trap! DAMN !!! Once I got over the sticker shock, I was able to relax and enjoy the views. Lake Maligne is fed by eternal glaciers. The turquoise water grew more intense as we neared Spirit Island and the water changed color in front of our eyes. We stopped at Spirit Island, with a view of the Hall of the Gods. The photo is like a post card, also viewable under the Maligne Lake and Spirit Island Set.

Our adventure took us from Maligne Lake to Highway 93 South, the Columbia Ice Field’s Highway. What a journey. Here we found the longest stretch of uncut mountain ridges in North America - 24 km long (mountains that have no peaks because the glaciers were unable to break off the mountain ridges). The view is constantly of massive mountains, glacier fed lakes and ice capped peaks with exposed glaciers. We stopped to photograph many of them, and while we were basking in their glory, we were able to enjoy the beautiful glacier water falls. Once past the rock slides and open rock plateaus, we had a direct view of the Columbia Ice Fields. WOW!!! This was my favorite experience on our trip. The ice fields stretched for miles. Huge ridges and deep cutting crevices. The terrain prior to the ice looked like an untouched moonscape. The river catching all of the ice-melt run off was light gray, almost white with sediment. We had a three mile hike that took us to the end of the safety zone. This place made me feel a close connection to God, the legacy of this planet, and made me feel close to nature. Before all of my religious friends chime in, I mean close to God through nature, not close to “our” (Pagan) Mother Earth. Are we all clear? And can I continue?

Anyway, I was standing on ice millions of years old (yes, again I said millions! - I believe in an old earth, and we, as Christians, can debate this later). It was an experience!!! It is hard to believe that I lived this close to this place and had rarely visited.

I had TIME to reflect on this place. The significance of TIME, our life here on this earth and what a “second” means. Seconds melt into minutes, minutes to hours, hours to days, and days to years. Suddenly we look into the mirror and we are old. My eyes look closely at my wrinkles, gray hair and age spots. My parents grow older, the friends of my youth are now the parents that held our hands as children. We are here for just a TIME. What will we do with our seconds???

D