Had I known you were up here, I would have bought you a couple of drafts of one of our many great local microbrews. 

I agree.  I have met many great American people.  My wifes relatives in the USA are some of the warmest friendliest folks I know.  But I am stuck with the image of a nation over-run with gun-toting zealots.  I profusely apologize for that generalization, I know far from true.  But the truth is that is the stereotype to many of us up here.

I have always sensed that there is a lot of pride in the American people, but sometimes spills over to self-absorption.  I am at a loss to explain how we have such a miniscule murder rate compared to yours.  We have goverment funded health care for nearly all.  It seems like Canadians generally have a greater sense of community. 

I hope these comments are not offensive to any.  Just such a wide cultural gap for geographical syblings.