Between the American Dream and the British second fiddle.
But woe did she strive to make a go of it on her own;
Though lackluster leadership made her people feel alone.
The people craved leadership, sure footed and strong;
To provide sound direction, not roll them along;
Like a worn, old tire, you toss down a hill.
They were sick of politicians just eating their fill.
The people didn't mind officials earning good money;
But not Senators who stole, and vacationed where it was sunny.
Canadian federalism was becoming more of a sham;
It had no real vision for the Canadian youth, woman, or man.
Some lamented life was better across the border;
Others wanted us to have a European social order.
Most Canadians wanted an identity uniquely theirs;
And multiculturalism only seemed to perpetuate their fears.
Where would we be in the next twenty years?
Could American money help alleviate our fears?
Politicians reasoned, financial worries had Canadians in tears;
Not to mention we did well, pedaling American wares.
It made ruling easy to call yourself a fiscal manager;
A self described money expert was certainly no amateur.
The economy thus became the new rallying cry;
That many were struggling daily, would be hard to deny.
People naively followed the piper's new money tune;
Striking oil in Western Canada was a Conservative government boon.
It would curry favor for the contrived American energy crisis;
While giving political strategists full partisanship license.
What did this mean for Canadians on the ground?
For many poverty deepened and jobs were scarcely found.
The feds were out of touch and national unity waned;
Political parties pointed the finger to absolve themselves of blame.
Give them cheap cellular rates and more American TV channels;
Keep them distracted from citizen groups and citizen panels.
Sell them the American dream wrapped in a Canadian narrative;
Discouraging political engagement was of major imperative.
So there you have it; a love story uniquely ours.
Like our PM and Defense minister's love for American cars.
Justin Trudeau likes his Mercedes 300 SL.
While ordinary Canadians board the bus and put up with transit hell.
