Meet the new U.S. ambassador to Canada -- hasn't been there in 30 years

[Newsjock]

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/04/28/wilkins-050428.html

Next U.S. envoy to Canada less confrontational, observers say
CBC News

WASHINGTON - The man tipped to be the next U.S. ambassador to Canada admits he doesn't know much about his northern neighbour, while observers say he's likely to bring a more subdued style than his predecessor.

President George W. Bush on Wednesday officially nominated David Wilkins, 58, the Speaker of South Carolina's legislature and staunch Republican ally with close ties to the Bush family.

... Wilkins has no experience in U.S.-Canada relations and political observers said he didn't seem to have any interest in Canada up to now – with the possible exception of the longstanding trade dispute over softwood lumber. South Carolina is a big lumber state.

The southerner admits his lack of knowledge about the country, which he has visited just once – in the 1970s.

... On Thursday, when asked by CBC News where maple syrup comes from, and whether he could hum a few bars of O Canada, Wilkins replied that he'd prefer to wait till his nomination is confirmed before answering.

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[FreedomAngel82]

1. That's just messed up

Why would you put someone in who doesn't know anything about the country? Yeah. :eyes: Real smooth. What a moron! My God.

[Renew Deal]

3. It's SOP for Bush.

Look at any of the nominations. It's the worst possible people. The CIA director (Goss) said that he wasn't qualified and they still wanted him.

[Maple]

2. We're planning on sending him

on a get-acquainted tour to Tuktoyaktuk...in January. :D

[Newsjock]

4. Can't you strand him up there earlier ... for freeze-up?

Feed him some line about how the Northwest Passage is a clear route to oil or something like that. Send him up there in, say, late August or so. "So sorry, dear ambassador, but you're welcome to spend the winter with our friendly First Nations!"

[eleny]

5. Yeah - just tell him he's going to "the shore" for a little vacation

[Maple]

6. And here I thought

I was the one being evil! :D

[mcctatas]

7. I could be wrong...

But before he was "elected", I thought I read that Bush himself had never been out of the continental US (maybe Mexico though??). Jingoistic ethnocentric bastards that they are!!

[newyawker99]

12. Hi mcctatas!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[mcctatas]

14. thanks for the welcome newyawker...

Democrats are so much nicer than those evil republican bastards

[CHIMO]

8. Probably An Improvement

On the previous office holder.
Maybe we will send him to Winnipeg in mosquito time.

[Maple]

9. Another

evil idea! :D

Hey, at this point, if he just practices quiet...and I stress quiet... diplomacy I'll like him.

[Newsjock]

10. Find an out-of-work Vancouver actor ...

... to portray Prime Minister Jean Poutine, and introduce the new ambassador to him, with video cameras rolling.

Gee, this is fun.

[Danmel]

13. Send him to Portage & Main in February!

[Bozita]

11. That's still better than former ambassador Paul Celucci

Not the most popular fellow in Ottawa.

[Telly Savalas]

15. Staying out of Canadas a useful skill for the ambasssador to Canada.

If Celucci had stayed out of Canada the last 4 years, U.S.-Canadian relations would be in much better shape. Hopefully Wilkins will be savvy enough to not leave South Carolina. If Canadians want his opinion on anything, they can email him.