Despite its rather inflammatory title, Danger! A Nation of Socialists Lurks Just Across Our Border!, this piece by Bill Mann in the Huffington Post actually contains some thoughtful commentary about the experiences of Americans living in Canada.

“Living in Canada,” he writes, “is an experience that permanently changes most American expats.”

Comparing life in the United States versus Canada, he says, “There are significant differences in our two countries, and there’s a whole lot we can learn from our more civilized and less materialistic northern neighbors.”

Among his thoughts:

One major thing you learn there is that a bit of socialism, properly applied, benefits everyone — and makes for a better society. And in the current health-care debate, we could learn a lot from our closest neighbors, although, as usual, we probably won’t.

(It’s also sure as hell nice to live in a safe place without handguns. But we’ll save that for another day).

Ironically, it got harder this week to enter the U.S. from Canada. Passports or enhanced I.D. are now required.

That’s absurd. If anything, it should be the other way around. After all, WE’RE the loud, gun-owning types living downstairs who could know or care less about their neighbors. And who don’t have medical insurance….

Read the entire essay at the Huffington Post.

Photo ©Alan Albert