My impressions of Canada are probably different from most Americans. I grew up in Maine. A part of the U.S. where at the time, we had some native-born people who only spoke French. My Paternal Grandmother was from Nova Scotia and was of Scottish decent. I was good friends with a family whose grandparents were from Prince Edward's Island. I had a waitress in Quebec who would not speak English (I am pretty sure she could). We ordered dinner in broken French and pointing at the menu. I could sort of read French but not speak more than a few phrases.

Americans near the border with Canada are much like those on the Canadian side. I have been across the border a few times.

Canada is a lesser country not because of its people but because of its smaller population and because it is so far north. Canada does not suffer so much from Slavery, Jim Crow, and Racism. Not that there is no Racism in Canada, Canada has its own versions.

America is not crumbling. I think you understand that. America is maturing and suffering from past sins. Yes, things have gotten worse for many in America, end of empire might be a good thing. I do fear for the free world if with the end of the American Empire, nobody is able to restrain the authoritarian world powers of Russia and China. They are a threat, not really to the U.S. or Canada but to their neighbors. The domino theory is still valid. China and Russia will eat up whatever they can, Hong Kong and Crimea might just be appetizers.

I don't know why Canadians should have felt less validated in the U.S. shadow. Be yourselves and feel good for being yourself unless you are evil.

TEK