Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Why Australia is better than Canada: O'Reilly

Daradon · 09-03-2004, 09:05 PM

Mr. O'Reilly,

I just finished reading your article titled 'USA Dominating at the Olympics'. I found your comparison of the social structures and values of the U.S.A., Canada, and Australia to be interesting. I especially found the following statements of yours to be of particular interest.

'In other countries, the emphasis on self-reliance has been beaten down by nanny states and entitlement cultures. Just take a look at Australia and Canada, for example. The Aussies have 20 million people to draw from. Canada has 30 million. Yet the Aussies have 35 Olympic medals, Canada just five.

"Talking Points" believes this is reflective of the systems in those countries. Australia is a place where self-reliance is emphasized and competition is celebrated. Canada has become increasingly socialistic, as big government programs ensure everyone is marginally taken care of. I may be wrong here, but I see the entitlement culture as a force against self-discipline and motivation.'

First of all Mr O'Reilly, your comments are out of context. Certainly we as Canadian's don't do well at the summer olympics. However you are forgetting that we placed fourth in the medal count in the winter olmpics in 2002 in Salt Lake (fifth in calculated points), and fourth in the winter olympics in 1998 in Nagano, AHEAD of the U.S. medal count in fact.
2002 - http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0900268.html

1998 - http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0758186.html

We are a winter nation, we do better in winter sports. Australia is a summer nation, they do better in summer sports.

However, you linking medal standings to becoming increasingly socialist is very bizzare.

There is no argument that Canada is left of the U.S. political structure, but in fact, Australia is left of Canada.

I'm not saying this is a good or bad thing, I don't get all bent out of shape about left/right comparisons like self-righteous political pundits do. But your poorly researched article points out your own biases.

My father has lived in Australia for the last ten years, I have been there many times, including four months last year. I have many friends there, I have a personal knowledge of what society is like there. The reason their atheletes do so well is because they are identified and trained from an early age, but make no mistake, their publically funded by taxes. Their tax rate is higher than ours and far higher than yours.

Their social net is by far more apparent than either of our nations. From helping single mothers to paying for athletes to their generous welfare system.

Our athletes in Canada can be funded better, we know this, and it something we are looking at. But to use all of this as an example for individual values and social structures is not only dramatically over simplifying many issues, but adding a spin to it that the right loves to accuse people like Michael Moore as being the only one capable of doing.

To me this seems like nothing more than a poorly veiled jab at Canadians for not supporting your made up war.

Well, add this article to more things the right likes to make up.

Sincerly,
Tyler Fish

Calgary Canada

Why do I let those wing-nuts gt to me?! Man, I'm still shaking! :angry:

09-03-2004, 09:05 PM	#4
Daradon Has lived the dream! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home... Exp:	Mr. O'Reilly, I just finished reading your article titled 'USA Dominating at the Olympics'. I found your comparison of the social structures and values of the U.S.A., Canada, and Australia to be interesting. I especially found the following statements of yours to be of particular interest. 'In other countries, the emphasis on self-reliance has been beaten down by nanny states and entitlement cultures. Just take a look at Australia and Canada, for example. The Aussies have 20 million people to draw from. Canada has 30 million. Yet the Aussies have 35 Olympic medals, Canada just five. "Talking Points" believes this is reflective of the systems in those countries. Australia is a place where self-reliance is emphasized and competition is celebrated. Canada has become increasingly socialistic, as big government programs ensure everyone is marginally taken care of. I may be wrong here, but I see the entitlement culture as a force against self-discipline and motivation.' First of all Mr O'Reilly, your comments are out of context. Certainly we as Canadian's don't do well at the summer olympics. However you are forgetting that we placed fourth in the medal count in the winter olmpics in 2002 in Salt Lake (fifth in calculated points), and fourth in the winter olympics in 1998 in Nagano, AHEAD of the U.S. medal count in fact. 2002 - http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0900268.html 1998 - http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0758186.html We are a winter nation, we do better in winter sports. Australia is a summer nation, they do better in summer sports. However, you linking medal standings to becoming increasingly socialist is very bizzare. There is no argument that Canada is left of the U.S. political structure, but in fact, Australia is left of Canada. I'm not saying this is a good or bad thing, I don't get all bent out of shape about left/right comparisons like self-righteous political pundits do. But your poorly researched article points out your own biases. My father has lived in Australia for the last ten years, I have been there many times, including four months last year. I have many friends there, I have a personal knowledge of what society is like there. The reason their atheletes do so well is because they are identified and trained from an early age, but make no mistake, their publically funded by taxes. Their tax rate is higher than ours and far higher than yours. Their social net is by far more apparent than either of our nations. From helping single mothers to paying for athletes to their generous welfare system. Our athletes in Canada can be funded better, we know this, and it something we are looking at. But to use all of this as an example for individual values and social structures is not only dramatically over simplifying many issues, but adding a spin to it that the right loves to accuse people like Michael Moore as being the only one capable of doing. To me this seems like nothing more than a poorly veiled jab at Canadians for not supporting your made up war. Well, add this article to more things the right likes to make up. Sincerly, Tyler Fish Calgary Canada Why do I let those wing-nuts gt to me?! Man, I'm still shaking! :angry: