I preface the following by stating my nationality. I am Canadian, and very proud of being so. I was born and raised in my country which I love dearly. There is no where in the world I would rather be. However this also gives me a better than average perspective of our neighbours south of our border. Proximity, more years than I care to count studying the US and its history, and having the good fortune to know many, many Americans I call friend, do provide me with a pretty good handle on what makes Americans tick. And its about time someone spoke up in their defense. Too many all over the world are quick to condemn them these days and that is grossly unfair.

I am not speaking of the US government. They deserve every bit of the criticism and condemnation and have for too long a time. I am speaking about the people of the United States who are for the most part among the most decent, caring people I have ever known. I qualify that to exclude the minority who deserve every syllable of criticism leveled at them. But does that make the American people unique? Hardly. We all have that segment in our populations as well. And they are the minority.

In recent years that criticism has intensified but an understanding of the causes may provide more clarity. Firstly, Americans are a very patriotic people. They rally when threatened as few other nations do. I have personally always admired that quality. However that trait can be abused by those who have ulterior motives and this is what has happened since 9/11.

Until September 11th 2001 there had never been a foreign enemy attack on North American soil since the early days of our nations. The conflicts, and there have been many through the years, were an ocean away. The horror and shock, followed by incredible sorrow of 9/11, changed forever the way North Americans, and the United States in particular, look at security issues. Those who were charged with the decision making in the aftermath, have used that shock to attempt to instill fear in their people  and to justify whatever actions they chose to take. It has been an ongoing agenda. And as most Americans had fallen into a habit where their government's actions were concerned, of apathy and  a real lack of involvement it was easy for those in control to convince their people the government and the Administration knew best. It was also easy for them to increase the division among their people and that also aided them in their agenda. The United States does not hold the patent on apathy. Citizen apathy is true in Canada as well. Apathy has been the norm with far too many of our citizens for many years now. Hence the low turnouts in our elections for many years now. 

This situation created an environment where the government were able to convince the vast majority of the citizenry to approve their actions. The fear factor became their best political tool, and they used it at every opportunity to advance their agenda. So effectively in fact, that even after the people began to wake up to what was happening they still re-elected the same leadership for a further four years, again with those in power using fear as a tool to accomplish this.

During that time the Administration restricted freedoms, ignored their Constitution on several levels and encroached on powers they had not previously had to increase even further their power base. Only now, finally, does it appear the American people are awake and ready to say.. Enough ! Fear isn't working any more. The American people are not a people who fear. It isn't a part of their make up. And they want no more of it. They do value their historical principles and standards and abhor what has been done to them and in their name.

Do not judge the American people by the actions of their government. The day of reckoning is now at hand. They are a good people and that goodness will prevail. Of that fact I have no doubt. A people who cherish Liberty and Justice for All have awakened and their voices will be heard.

Harvest time is here.  Someone once said .." The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny." 

America's destiny is about to change course and very much for the better. America's character and her people are awakening and shall be heard. Loud and clear.