Given the relatively low number of US and Canadian Shippies, I was wondering if there was any appetite for having a North American All Saints thread in 2026 rather than the two separate Canadian and US threads we have had for years?
Ya, there are a number of us south of the border who would love to become a new province. Oops, did not mean to bring politics into the conversation, not
Not being Canadian or American, but being heavily involved with both, I rather enjoy the different perspectives. But that's just an observation; not a vote.
Not being Canadian or American, but being heavily involved with both, I rather enjoy the different perspectives. But that's just an observation; not a vote.
I don’t think one thread would necessarily eliminate the differing prospectives, especially in an All Saints—meaning light banter, not things like politics—thread. I mean, even in the US-specific thread, we get regional differences.
I’m easy either way. I was thinking trying out a common thread might contribute some positive energy, but I can also see why some might prefer to retain the more defined communities.
I was also thinking we could alternate the naming each year. Since the idea came from a Canadian, I propose that American Shippies get to pick the name for 2026.
I was also thinking we could alternate the naming each year. Since the idea came from a Canadian, I propose that American Shippies get to pick the name for 2026.
Hmmm. I was thinking we try to go with something inclusive of both, at least this first year. When I first saw your suggestion, my mind started playing around with something having to do with north and south of the 49th Parallel.
How about we mark the first year of a joint thread with a nod to a treasured dual citizen: “Both Sides, Now” (with or without the comma)?
I'd suggest giving Canadians priority/veto power on all such decisions on the ground that, if we go through with this, they will have to cope with the Orange One invading their personal discussion space.
I'd suggest giving Canadians priority/veto power on all such decisions on the ground that, if we go through with this, they will have to cope with the Orange One invading their personal discussion space.
Hopefully not too much. I think you we usually try to keep politics in general, and Trump in particular, out of the general All Saints thread, leaving those topics for Purgatory and Hell threads.
We try, please God; but I'm aware of one Canadian friend who found his invasive presence difficult to cope with in another context. (I mean, what happens when I mention on the thread--as I might--that his ICE policies have caused a suicide among one of our church families? I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to avoid such horrors.)
I'd suggest giving Canadians priority/veto power on all such decisions on the ground that, if we go through with this, they will have to cope with the Orange One invading their personal discussion space.
And we southerners have to put up with talk about James Carney?
We try, please God; but I'm aware of one Canadian friend who found his invasive presence difficult to cope with in another context. (I mean, what happens when I mention on the thread--as I might--that his ICE policies have caused a suicide among one of our church families? I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to avoid such horrors.)
True, and no one could blame anyone for wanting to avoid it.
With all due respect to my American Shipmates, and to Caissa for the suggestion, I am registering my opposition to the idea.
We are not the 51st state.
I believe that the Shipmates who post here also do not believe that Canada is or ought to be the 51st state. I appreciate the sensitivity of those Shipmates who have expressed reservations.
And we southerners have to put up with talk about James Carney?
Thank you for the timely provision of Exhibit A of why this may not be a good idea.
Correcting Shipmates may have three likely outcomes: appreciation for being corrected, defensiveness or dismissiveness. I find the latter two very wearying, especially on our national thread. At this point in our nations' histories, I think it's probably best to keep our own conversations going.
I am afraid I am with Leaf on this one.
From time to time, I have read the Canadian threads--helps me to gain perspective on their behalf. I have even interjected a couple of times, especially dealing with the advertisement that Ontario put out--not sure if it was on the Premier's dime or if it was government funded though (I take it you still have dimes).
Canadians do not want to be treated as a 51st state. We need to respect that.
I don't think it's a great idea either. I was going to add 'at this particular time,' but speaking as someone with a foot in both camps (one parent USian, one Canadian) the distinction is important, and my Canadian side bristles at the thought of the way the USA takes its dominance in all conversations for granted.
Perhaps it would work if we called it the Turtle Island thread, acknowledging that most of us are incomers, either recently or distantly, on the land of far older peoples, regardless of a political border.
I certainly defer to @Leaf and others. I thought it might be worth trying, if nothing else as a small counter to too much rhetoric in the American political air these days, and to the attitude reflected in what @Amos observed about the US taking its dominance for granted in conversations for granted.
Turtle Island is based in mythology and is used by the indigenous peoples for North America as a whole. It is often used in churches and official meetings in the indigenous lands acknowledgment before opening a gathering. (At our home church the minister refuses to accept it, but it is an important part of the service at many others).
All indigenous peoples? I haven't run across it in my own rootings around (family is partly Cherokee) though God knows I need a guide, given my grandmother's attempt to hide our origin. Need to go do more research...
All indigenous peoples? I haven't run across it in my own rootings around (family is partly Cherokee) though God knows I need a guide, given my grandmother's attempt to hide our origin. Need to go do more research...
My understanding is that it’s primarily part of the traditions of the indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands—the Iroquois, the Lenape and others—that has seen wider use by indigenous people in recent years.
Comments
How about we mark the first year of a joint thread with a nod to a treasured dual citizen: “Both Sides, Now” (with or without the comma)?
And we southerners have to put up with talk about James Carney?
We are not the 51st state.
I believe that the Shipmates who post here also do not believe that Canada is or ought to be the 51st state. I appreciate the sensitivity of those Shipmates who have expressed reservations.
Thank you for the timely provision of Exhibit A of why this may not be a good idea.
Correcting Shipmates may have three likely outcomes: appreciation for being corrected, defensiveness or dismissiveness. I find the latter two very wearying, especially on our national thread. At this point in our nations' histories, I think it's probably best to keep our own conversations going.
From time to time, I have read the Canadian threads--helps me to gain perspective on their behalf. I have even interjected a couple of times, especially dealing with the advertisement that Ontario put out--not sure if it was on the Premier's dime or if it was government funded though (I take it you still have dimes).
Canadians do not want to be treated as a 51st state. We need to respect that.
But the reservations are well-founded, I think.