Diane Francis’ new book, “Merger of the Century”,


logically explores the opportunity for a partial or full economic and political union between Canada and the United States that goes well beyond NAFTA and other existing agreements and treaties. The realities she summarises in her Introduction, and then expands in subsequent chapters, are both chilling and thought- provoking for aficionados of North American politics and economics. For the complacent, parochial, status- quo types they are akin to staring into an abyss. Coincident with reading the final chapters of Ms.


Francis’ book was the recent televised CPAC meet- ing of hard-right Republicans in the U.S. where Texas Governor Rick Perry passionately encouraged America to set itself free from the tyranny of big government and allow the private- sector to flourish and build the prosperity Americans deserved. He implied that big government was in the way of economic progress, job creation and the continuance of the USA as the World’s super-power. As a strong dose of reality Mr. Perry and his cohort might do well to read Ms. Francis’ book,


cover to cover - as should those of a similar political bent in Canada. They would quickly appreciate that the global, free-enterprise playing field is far from level. “Merger of the Century” profoundly explains how


China, Russia, India and others are using state spon- sored capitalism to gain a greater foothold in countries with the resources they need to secure their place in a world once dominated by the West. Whereas the private sector model in Canada and the USA looks to the short-term needs of shareholders, state sponsored capitalism, with near limitless funds and a longer-term view, is focused on, sooner or later, achieving what it wants by whatever means possible. Sub-Saharan Africa is already under such siege. While U.S. oil and gas re- sources have seen unsuccessful takeover attempts by foreigners they pale in comparison to what Canada is facing as a result of its metal, mineral and hydrocarbon bounty. We could be like David trying to fend-off Go- liath with a clapped-out slingshot and a small pile of stones. Diane Francis offers various scenarios where Canada


Photo: www.sentex.nets 18


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