B
Brian Pickton
Dear readers, I thought I’d wait until after thanksgiving to post this, since that is an inward looking day for Americans. I’m not an American,as you may have gathered from the HI THERE post in the archives. I’m Canadian, and contrary to popular belief that doesn’t mean I’m an unarmed American with health care. However the American Thanksgiving gave me the occasion to think about the Americans we have met on our travels and the places we have been in the U.S. and I just wanted to say you people need to lighten up with each other. Nobody I have met is more harshly critical of America than Americans. Of course that’s your right, but I think you should know that from the point of view of an outsider you have a great country and are a great people and have a lot to be grateful for. Don’t let the bun fight over the presidency fool you.Coming from Canada I had been a victim of all of the same TV news that you get. Contrary to what the news showed we did not find America to be filled with a pack of right wing fascist limp wristed liberal drug dealing religious fanatic nuke the unborn baby whale for Christ serial killers. What we found was a nation of kind, friendly, out going generous people. You all deserve a great pat on the back and a warm thank you from us and many other travellers to your shores.The friendship and hospitality offered to us in port after port was simply remarkable. Even the customs and immigration officials that we had to deal with were pleasant, polite and helpful. Believe me, you don’t find that everywhere, including Canada.We have enjoyed potluck Thanksgiving with Americans at the Humboldt Bay Yacht Club, in Eureka California, Bahia Magdalena Mexico, and up the Rio David in Panama. They are occasions we remember with great fondness. To all of our American friends we have made and to all of those we have yet to meet, I just want to say we are thinking of you and your great country and want to wish you all a “Happy Turkey Day!”Brian Pickton @BeneteauOwners.net,Aboard the Legend, Rodney Bay, St.Lucia