i hope it rains tonight in dundas square, toronto.

Hope in well :)

Even if it rains, Sam has a nice record of it: Canada wants Kerry to win, so do I.

I would assume that in general Canadians favour Kerry over Dubya. I'd be interested to hear how strongly Canadians feel about the result of their Southern neighbour's big election. Margaret Atwood was on British radio yesterday describing how she felt that Canada and the US were drifting apart in terms of cultural attitudes. Do others feel that this is the case?

Or to some, it just doesn't matter.

it looks good tho. Go Kerry

Well, on the positive side, if Kerry doesn't win, Canada will probably get a lot of new residents...

I agree, I know some friends who are moving over if Bush wins. I really hope the comments today won't become a political flame war, so lets keep it sane =)

If Kerry could produce on every promise he has made, he would gain my usually Republican vote. Truth is he can't. No one can. Less government-more power to the people!

well if you know of any president that actually produced on EVERY promise they've made while they were campaigning... So in the meanwhile, GO KERRY! :)

polls suggest about 70% of Canadians favour Kerry but Canadians always generally favour Democracts since our political spectrum does not extend as far right as the Republicans do. Though this time, the feelings are strong because of a dislike for Bush than any warm feelings for Kerry.

If Bush wins, the cultural separation that started to emerge in the 90s will continue full steam ahead - if Kerry wins, it will still continue but with less mo

..........

I don't recall seeing campaign signs/slogans anywhere here in the U.S. touting a Canadian candidate. Perhaps we Americans think you guys can choose for yourselves, without our help.
Perhaps Canadians should allow us the same.

Sam- The first photo is really nice. I like all of the different elements, like that the text is not completely colored in and the girls with the funky colored hair in front of the billboard for hair color. It speaks alot about america, freedom, patriotism, consumerism, the world at large. I think the second photo is interesting because if it had been taken in america the word "Kerry" wouldnt have lasted the day. I think that speaks volumes about Canada. Nice work!

DUKE,
The impact of the US elections extends far beyond US borders. Because of the immense international power and influence of the US, EVERY nation is paying attention to what happens today, including Canada.

90% of europeans are pro kerry, an very anti bush!

Duke, you wrote: "I don't recall seeing campaign signs/slogans anywhere here in the U.S. touting a Canadian candidate. Perhaps we Americans think you guys can choose for yourselves, without our help. Perhaps Canadians should allow us the same."

I'd like to think so too, but unfortunately "you Americans" don't think other countries can choose for themselves. As an Australian, I would like all Americans who subscribe to the same school of thought that you do, to be aware that your own President, as well as members of his administration, openly expressed their support for the re-election of our Prime Minister while they were over here in Australia in 2003, and at several points after that. The Bush administration made official announcements earlier this year, within Australia, endorsing the re-election of the PM. You get what you give, Duke. I, for one, would be more than happy to keep my mouth shut with regard to the US election, if only the US had shown my country the same respect.

VOTE BUSH - Kerry is a freakin baby~ oh yes and i support the war!!!

Unfortunately, the current US administration seem intent on making decisions for the rest of the world, despite the existence of the UN. Consequently, US politics and policies impact directly on everyone, no matter what their nationality happens to be. Of late, those ramifications have been more than serious; for many, they have been lethal.

That is why the international community have such an interest in your election, and feel at liberty to voice opinion, Duke.

I hope Kerry gets in, purely because four more years of the same could prove to be catastrophic for all of us. However, I hold little faith that he will do an immensely better job, and I can't suggest who would. A political system that can install Arnold Swarznegger as Governor of California, doesn't fill me with confidence, I'm afraid.

I know this is a photoblog, but I assume Sam must have been inviting political comment by posting that particular photo on this particular day.

Good choice, Sam.

What I find ironic is that Canadians tend to think Kerry would be better for canada. But that can't be more far from the truth. A Bush administration would be better for our over all economy. Don't think so? Pick up this weeks time canada and look up on google how republicans in general effect our trade and what trade laws have been imposed by democrats.

FYI I'm a Canadian that supports the Bush administration on 2 points

#1 I agree with the bush doctrine
#2 a Republican government directly effects my industry in a positive way

Ah, you must be involved in raping the environment, stealing from the poor, or building weapons. How noble.

-- just a canadian

"...more far from the truth"

that couldn't be further from proper grammar!!

Beautiful pictures John. I'm definitely pro Kerry! Bush is a beady-eyed -------.

Bush is at least predictable and funny. He can keep the stocks up. So I wish he will win.

if youre eligible, go out and vote ...(kerry)...this administration has not been very smart and has not done its job...vote kerry

Duke's comment essentially boils down to "having an interest in another country's affairs is bad."

Think about this for a second. Let me list a few entities that fall under the "another country" categorization.

Germany during WW2
Afghanistan after 9/11
USSR during the Cold War
Kosovo
Sudan

It's more complicated than "ignore us, we'll ignore you", isn't it? We live in the same world, decisions in other countries affect our own. We, the world, NEED to be connected. We NEED outside voices. Free speech is free speech, and it is not the sole right of Americans to have it. It is the right of everybody to speak out, even if unfortunately, everybody does not yet have that right. I, for one, welcome ALL voices. I may not agree, but I will fight for your right to speak.

America stands for this right, lest anyone forget. America is NOT about the suppression of dissent, the current administration's actions (and Duke's comments) notwithstanding. America is still America, for the time being. Speak and be heard. (No matter what country you're from.)

One of Kerry's biggest handicaps is that his name has two syllables. I think a certain swathe of the electorate prefer a candidate whose name they can spell :-)

zzzz....

I came here hoping to get away from this kind of chatter.

Go vote if you want to be heard!

Nice art work. Of course other countries want Kerry to be president.

In ALL of the countries I have been in, outside of the USA, the citizens love to hate us. Misery loves company and no one wants to see the US do well. Next time you are in a bookstore check and see what is in the top 10 for best sellers. I guarantee at least one book if not more will be about how the USA is bad.

They love to hate us and Kerry will further our downfall, so of course all other countries love him.

umm.. further our downfall? who is responsible for 'our downfall'? before bush everything was fiiiiiiiiine.. KERRY FOR PRESIDENT!!

So much for have a post to discuss the picture, nice work Sam... on a political note:

Matthew: "umm.. further our downfall? who is responsible for 'our downfall'? before bush everything was fiiiiiiiiine.."

Yes, i beleive the Clinton Scandals and Affairs were quite "fiiiiiiiiine", or that nice deficiet he left for W., which only worsened during 9/11.

As for Dukes Comments, please DISREGARD them. I'm a Conservative Republican, he's an extremist. Of course we need to be supportive of other countries, and their government and candidates. That's like saying, I live in Texas, so who gives a F--- who the mayor of New York is.

As for Europeans supporting Kerry, they dont have to listen to him flip-flopping through every debate. I just wish someone would give him some hay so the stupid horse would shut-up.

Keep up the good work Sam

..i wasn't talking about our president's personal life, i was talking about the wellfare of our courty.. THAT was fiiiiiiine

Borders no longer matter. Our (American) influence is felt whether it is welcomed or not. With the multiple powers of our culture, media, politics, and business, it only matters who is representative of the U.S. to put a shiny smiling face on our policies. Bush is not a shining smiling face (As Clinton was). Our impact under both administrations is equally felt, even though the "resistance" to it is different under each administration. Some of both administrations policies are the same! It's how it's received that's different. That, my friends, is the core of politics: It's not the message that matters, it's how it's "packaged" and that depends on whether it's a GOOD thing or not...

WOW I have arrived !

I am an "extremist"

Thanks Moscon, for clearing that up for me.
moving to Canada soon ?

yes go move to Canada if you're voting for Kerry ...chances are i dont want you in the US anyways and i'm fine if you leave. demacrats cry if they dont get things their way. Heck yes i'm proud to say W is from the great state of TEXAS!!!

designguy wrote: "I think the second photo is interesting because if it had been taken in america the word 'Kerry' wouldnt have lasted the day."

Don't take this as evidence that Canadians are any kinder or gentler than Americans in tolerating others' opinions. The sign would have lasted five minutes if the word had been 'Bush'.

poor victor... kerry lost.

I cant believe how misinformed some of you are. It seems if your part of the conservative group you only tend to get your information from places that spin their information to their benefit ie FOX NEWS, the same goes for the liberal left. You have to do some research into both sides to get the real facts.
Couple of people I would like to address in this forum if you dont mind:
The Duke: The reason you dont see Americans touting a Canadian canidate is because unfortunetly the US does not pay attention to the world outside its borders. The US likes to build walls around itself and say "This is the greatest country in the world" and not let anyone in. Why do you have to be the greatest, people are people evyerwhere, we are all in this together. I bet you dont even know who's the Prime Minister of Canada. Secondly if you bothered to read the excerpt it said an AMERICAN wrote the graffiti.
Stephanie: Kerry is a cry baby.....that's a good point yeah I think I'll vote for Bush! DONT MESS WITH TEXAS! Oh by the way that's sarcasm.
Just a canadian: I'm not concerned about the economy, I'm concerned about where the world is headed with this current addministartion. Bush thinks if he kills the terrorist first then the world will be safer. But let me tell you for every terrorist he kills there are 5 more to take his place. Its a visious cycle that will not be won with force.
Moscon: Does Clinton having an affair really bother you that much? Did it affect you or the country in some way? Is it any of our business what he does outside of his job? And no Clinton did not leave a deficit for W. Infact he left one of the largest surplus for any president and W made it into one of the worst deficits your country has seen.
I would rather have Kerry in the whitehouse, because Bush just seems dangerously unqualified but to tell you the truth I dont think there is a huge difference between them if you do your research.
Sam sorry I didnt say anything about your pic, its cool and sorry about posting about other people but you must have know posting a political pic would have caused some heated comments. Anyways peace.

Although I am NOT pro-Kerry, I think this is a great shot.

I didn't vote for Kerry. I do not think he has any personal integrity. He says he believes in certain things (like no abortion) but won't stand up for it because it's not popular. That's pretty much the way his entire political career has been. He'll jump as high as you want if you'll vote for him.

People like that scare me.

Thanks to blah ,and moscon, I am now enlightened. Their dazzleing brillance has shown me the way. I will emigrate to Canada, and become self rightous. Failing that I will just commit suicide by Moosehead, eh?

i wont say anything about politics....

pics are cool. i like the contrast in the first picture between the huge loreal add and the guys in the left... also i think the graffitti is good

love how does the street looks in the lower pic

Although I like the first picture, with the activity it seems to portray, I do not fancy the second one. Something about it seems 'rushed' to me. I do not understand why I don't prefer it, I just don't. Sorry.

When I lived in TO I used to work at Health Canada, up by St. Clair and Yonge. Seeing Viktor's sidewalk art was always the high point of my day. It's very cool to see that he is alive and well and still creating! Hooray!

Sam,
I think your picture are quite nice, even though I do not argee with the Kerry thing. They show the whole scene and bring the veiwer into the picture without to much clutter. I felt a good sense of the area in Canada, where the pictures were taken. Post more good photos, I would like to see your photographic progression.

Now my political responses:
America is a global country. Every decision we make, does affect the world as a whole. That is absolutly true. America has to carry that burden, whether we like it or not.
I find political leaders, of other countries, support for a canididate is fine, because they have to deal with the future leader. They also need to look out for the best interest of their particular country. So their support of a particular candidate, is for the best interest for their country.
I find demonstrations, sign posting and letter writing by citizens of other countries, appalling. If a person wants to control the destiny of another countries politics, move there and take an active roll. Become a citizen and have a vested interest in the country. Or, become a political leader, who was elected by his/her countrymen, to look out for the best interest of their country.
America citizens do not post signs, write letters, or demonstrate during the elections of other countries. We do not call for the populace of another country to vote for our desires, and follow our opinions. We elect a leader to voice our collective opinion.
Voting an actor or someone who is not a politian into office is only a bad thing if they can not do the job. Look at the record of the people in question. Reagan, Ventura, and Shwartzaneger. All three are exceptional. Also, one example, Italy. They voted in an ex-porn star. She did a horrible job, but obviously the people wanted change or they liked her movies and elected her. I'm sure many other countries have voted in people who lacked political background.
My last comment. Why does the rest of the world expect America to help or lead the way on only some issues? "America should do something about the African AIDS issue, America should force the World Bank to erase debt of 3rd world counties. America should stop genocide in Rawanda, Congo, and Chad. America should pay for, give money to, buy for...." We should, according to other countries, be at their beck and call. We should never protect our interest or our country. We should leave that up to the U.N. The U.N. should make the decision on where and how American troops die, not America. Last time I checked, it is the U.N.'s responsability to help with AIDS, Genocide, the World Bank and helping 3rd World Countries. But, they will not, because it is not in the U.N.'s best interest. It does not bring them large finacial gain. I agree those problems need to be addressed. They are very important. I feel America needs to take a stand and lead the way, but I also think America has the right to protect its interests. The U.N. is worthless and a joke. It does not perform the duties it was entrusted. Everything ends up on America's shoulders somehow and that is fine. We are the last super power and it is our duty to step up, but its is our right to protect our country. Look at the facts. Every country that has supported America for the war on terrorism, including Iraq, has not been attacked by Al-Quida(SP). But, France, Spain, Germany, and Russia have been attack, by the people they say to negotiate with. I like our odds better. Terrorism will not go away tomorrow, but closing our eyes and counting to ten will not help. The terrorists hold the whole world hostage by their action. If they win and continue, then everyone who disagrees with an idea will use terroism to get their way. Looking at these comment we can see, people disagree alot. Terrorist only understand power and force. They have no country to negotiate with. We can not sanction, embargo, or blockade a terrorist group. With a counrty the world can put pressure and economic sanctions to help in negotiation, but how do you do that to a transient power base? America will defend its self, because no one else will defend us.
America needs to step up to all issues in the world, but the rest of the world needs to stand up behind America. When the rest of the world shows a vested interest in the worlds problems and not their own interest, then they can point their fingers at America. We Americans do think in a global sense, that is why America has its hand in almost every country in the world. You can take that as a good thing or a bad thing, but America's success is directly linked to the success or failure of other countries and the rest of the worlds success depends on Americas. Got that World? Got that AMERICA. I voted for.....

actually, Americans citizens do post signs, write letters and demonstrate when others on others country's internal affair. America does try to influence one thing or another in some other country.

It only fair let others to do the same. If you think what others do is appalling, look into the mirror.

Sometimes, I wonder why the Americans wonder why the world don't really like them. It's like seeing A kicks B in the butt and then A wonders why B hates A.

I wish you every success, bro, wow power leveling.