That all-pervasive anti-Americanism

Isn't it a shame how Canadians won't listen to their southern neighbours?

The former president bought his views on Canada-U.S. relations to a sold-out hockey arena in this southwestern Ontario city, with audience members paying, on average, $100 to listen.

Without the benefit of prepared notes, Clinton spoke eloquently on global issues ranging from AIDS to climate change to a rapt audience and thunderous applause.

A handy example to keep in mind next someone's suggesting that Canadians don't respect Americans. If there is a problem, it isn't to do with the country by any means; indeed, good numbers of Canadians are glad to pay attention to all people worth listening to, whether from the U.S. or elsewhere.

And if we don't often think the same about Bushco...well, that just puts us on par with the current majority in the U.S., and most of the rest of the world.