O Canada

[chervilant]

Well, beloved neighboring country, the umpteenth person has invited me to leave the United States, so I am writing to you today to request citizenship in your great nation.

First, let me address your potential concerns regarding the above-mentioned invitations. You see, I have been advocating for health insurance reform here in the United States (please do stifle your giggles for a wee while), and the angry group has decided that those of us who support reform would be happier there in Canada, because your health care system is purportedly the model for the reform we are trying to shove down everyones' throats here (I'm not really into that shoving down business, Canada, I assure you--I'm just repeating the rhetoric I keep hearing). So, even though I love my country, perhaps it's time for me to listen to the in-crowd. Hence, my sincere request to gain admittance to your great nation.

Anyway, here's my resume for your consideration:

I am reasonably intelligent, with a BA from an ivy league college and a Master's in Sociology. I have a fair command of the English language, and am willing to learn French (I'm already learning to speak Spanish, which is great fun!).

I do a lot of volunteer work with children, and with survivors of relationship violence. I will certainly continue to do volunteer work after I move to your fine nation, in whatever capacity works best for you.

I am a teacher. Granted, I'm currently unemployed, but I really love teaching and I genuinely enjoy working with young people. My last administrator told me I'm too intelligent to teach "these kids" (by which I can only surmise she meant the overwhelmingly Latino population in our school). But, my kids loved me and they worked very hard to learn math with me. I prefer to reframe my former administrator's assertion: I am skilled now with multicultural groups, which should stand me in good stead there in Canada, although I'll be the new kid on the block.

Oh, I'm also an artist. I would like to continue to create art there in Canada, and am quite willing to explore the artistic sensibilities of your wonderful myriad cultures. I will bring my own resources with me, so you won't have to provide anything extra for my art addiction.

I am an activist and a pacifist. I know, I know--these labels are frequently contradictive here in the angry-group-dominated climate in the US, but there are a few of us who remain active while advocating for peace. Suffice it to say, I'm a fix-it kinda gal, and would like to remain involved in political activities in a like manner in your fine country.

I suppose I should be completely honest with you about my health--or lack thereof. I do have an old back injury that will require some kind of intervention. I've been told I need an MRI, but I have not had the resources nor the insurance here in the US to afford me that opportunity. I regret to be such a health care burden right out of the chute, but I promise I will do everything possible to recover my good health and to stay healthy and productive for the remainder of my days on this fine planet.

Oh, and I hate to rush you on this decision, O Canada, but I am currently unemployed (and NOT because I don't want to work--I assure you that Ms. Malkin is dreadfully mistaken on this issue). I am having a difficult time getting a new teaching position in this rather insular district where everyone knows everyone else, and my former administrator has certainly warned everyone that I tend to use such words as "uber" and "ubiquitous"--which no red-blooded Texan would EVER consider proper English. So, if you could rush your decision, I will be eternally grateful.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. In the meanwhile, I am teaching myself the words to "O Canada." Such a lovely anthem...

[Vinca]

1. I've got my resume prepared, too.

Mr. Vinca is a Canadian/American. Who knew he'd be such a hot commodity some 35+ years later.:rofl:

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

2. Good Luck!

:hi:

[grantcart]

3. If you get a visa I will propose

[chervilant]

4. How sweet!

Be still, my heart! (said with much fluttering of eyelashes and a wee bit of simpering--lol)

[Fiendish Thingy]

5. My familiy's Canadian Visa's are due to be granted any day now...

It's taken about 18 mos. since we/our attorney submitted our paperwork. Of course, once we get our visas and "land" as legal residents, the waiting ends, and the clock starts ticking Immigrants have to reside in Canada for 2 out of every 5 years to maintain their status. You can apply for citizenship after 3 years in country; once a citizen, you can live out of country without any penalty. The challenge for us will be to sell our house in this poor real estate market and find new jobs in Canada within 3 years max of "landing".

I became determined to immigrate following the stolen election of 2004, but really started to put things in motion following the passage of the Military Commissions Act in 2006, an unconstitutional set of laws legalizing torture and eliminating habeas corpus, that would not have been passed without the complicity of the Democrats in Congress. Although we discussed suspending our plans following Obama's election, we have decided to continue because:
1) the state of California is quickly deteriorating beyond repair,
2)the messes Obama was left to clean up require bold, revolutionary interventions which he has so far been reluctant to pursue,
3)Obama is continuing many of Bush's pernicious policies, including the use of "state secrets" to block the transparency he promised in the campaign, and finally,
4) we're not getting any younger (we're in our 50's), and at this point it's not certain that Social Security, our pensions, or our 401k's will be there for us in a few years, and how big a bite paying off the Irag/Afghanistan wars and the TARP bailout will take.

It will be stressful, but in the long run, I'm certain it will be worth it. Although saddened to leave the country of my birth, as well as my friends and extended family, I will be relieved to escape to a country where Single payer healthcare, gay marriage, choice for women are all protected by law, and accepted by the majority. I look forward to the peace of mind that will come from knowing my taxes will no longer pay for illegal wars, torture, and billionaire bailouts. (I know I'll still have to file US tax returns, but I expect to be making less than the maximum income eligible for the foreign tax credit/exemption).

Go to the CIC website and take their screening test for a skilled worker and add up your points; I'm sure you're close if not over the minimum requirements. You may not be able to teach without taking additional classes/exams, but your degree may qualify you for other jobs in the meantime. Canada is a beautiful country, not without it's flaws, but with fewer obstacles to freedom and a clear conscience.