A brief political interruption

I hesitate to post this, given that I am not American, and this is a blog o' dog photos, but I have something on my mind.

As a Canadian living within 30 minutes of the US border, I have always viewed America as the talented, good-looking older brother of Canada. Flashy, cocky, and just better at so many things. Your stores have a better selection of stuff for less, you win so many medals at the Olympics it's almost boring, your shows/movies/music so permeate our culture that we have to have "Canadian Content" rules just so that Canadian artists get a chance. You have an unwavering belief that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and you were usually right.

Like most sibling relations, sometimes I found you tiring. But I always knew that in a pinch, you would protect us, that you had our backs, and that so long as you were around, we were safe from things that go bump in the night. A huge responsibility, I know, but you always did it with little griping because it was the right thing to do.

Over the last couple of years, you changed, and it saddened me. What happened to your swagger, your confidence, your belief in yourself? We used to make fun of you because we were jealous; now, well, we just make fun of you because you've gone off the rails a bit.

I feel optimistic after tonight's election that you have turned the corner. Perhaps the last few years were just a phase? I sure hope so. I hope that you will return to what you once were, the envy of all other nations: a beacon of democracy and hope. We need our big brother. The world needs you. Welcome back!