Pst! Don't go to the easy 7 second sign up. Existing users: sign in.

FORUMS

all forums, active | friendly talkzone, travel tips, visa & paperwork, renting, selling & meetups, politics & the war, espanol

The Colombian Coat of Arms

Here is a picture of the Colombian coat of arms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Coat_of_arms_of_Colombia.jpg

It looks just a little like a Nintendo animation. I am curious about the map at the bottom. Do Colombians still dream of the Panama isthmus? Or just a hangover from history?

By Man Tequila on May 30, 2007, 00:05 in Friendly Talkzone.

podborski says on May 30, 2007, 06:15:

that url doesn't work Man t (or should I call you 'tequila man' jaja)

David in Idaho says on May 30, 2007, 06:18:

It worked for me And I also agree: the Panama part might need to be changed!

Gator says on May 30, 2007, 06:43:

Today... it represents the two oceans that border the country (Atlantic and Pacific). The only country in South America that borders on both the Atlantic and the Pacific. n the past it did represent that at one time the isthmus of Panama was Colombian territory

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

podborski says on May 30, 2007, 06:51:

on the main page I see it is complete, but not when I opened the thread...problem with my laptop, sorry!

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 30, 2007, 08:56:

And think the coat of arm should be re-design, we no longer own the Panama Canal,the Condor is nearly extinct, and all the gold is in Spain :P

Desideria (Moderator) says on May 30, 2007, 09:56:

Except the tesoro de los Quimbayas which is in Moscow.

Cheers,
Desi
"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Man Tequila says on May 30, 2007, 10:10:

Here it is.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Desideria (Moderator) says on May 30, 2007, 10:15:

I think that the red hood in the middle (symbol for liberty) looks pretty funny. It make me think of Santa Claus' little helpers....
Cheers,
Desi
"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Simon says on May 30, 2007, 11:18:

"On a serious note, far better seals can be found on the official sites but there's no getting around the fact that the condor, even when painted, is one ugly buzzard"

I recall once hearing that the condor is the only creature on earth that is resistant to anthrax. So while other national symbol birds would be nothing more than a dead bundle of feathers in case of an anthrax attack, the might condor would still by flying high!

"the Condor is nearly extinct,"

You ever heard of cloning?

I think our coat of arms is really beautiful! I suggest some of you watch what you say about other countries national symbols. I'm sure you don't like it when others rank on yours, like for example, by booing the hell out of your representatives in beauty pageants!

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Man Tequila says on May 30, 2007, 11:46:

I wasn't trying to be disrespectful. But the map at the bottom of the Coat looks pretty different from a map of Colombia one would find in a guidebook, which would also show both oceans. I'm aware of what happened in 1903. I have heard that Chávez talks in terms of Gran Colombia. I know some people in Isla San Andres think mainland Colombians affect their lifestyle.

I did not know Botero designed the Coat. It does have an animated look. Beauty pageants have less meaning in many countries than in Colombia, for better or for worse. Boo your lungs out at our representatives if it makes you feel better.

webmanco says on May 31, 2007, 06:54:

A powerpoint presentation with music
El Cóndor Pasa Plàcido Domingo

El Cóndor de los Andes

“El cóndor de los Andes despertó
con la luz de un feliz amanecer.
Sus alas lentamente desplegó
y bajó al río azul para beber.

Tras él la Tierra se cubrió
de verdor, de amor y paz.
Tras él la rama floreció
y el sol brotó en el trigal.

El cóndor de los Andes descendió
al llegar un feliz amanecer.
El cielo, al ver su marcha sollozó
y volcó su llanto, al fin, cuando se fue.

Tras él la Tierra se cubrió
de verdor, de amor y paz.
Tras él la rama floreció
y el sol brotó en el trigal�?.

Su nombre científico es “Vultur griphus Linné�? (Vultur por buitre en latín; griphus, por grifo, el animal fabuloso mitad águila y mitad león; y Linné por el apellido del naturalista sueco (Carl von Linneo) que lo clasificó.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

goin_south says on Jun 4, 2007, 22:45:

I'm curious about that weak lookin chicken neck on the eagle Voy para del Sur

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Monpirri says on Jun 5, 2007, 09:51:

Mantequilla Would you post the Canadian Coat of Arms? I would like to do a comprehensive evaluation of your Coat of Arms.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Simon says on Jun 5, 2007, 10:17:

Good idea, Monpirri.
While Good idea, Monpirri.

While we're at it, why don't we post and analyze others, like the USA'a also.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

juancegomez says on Jun 5, 2007, 10:32:

Actually... Botero (or whoever it was) may have given it the recent "cartoonish" look, but the design itself and its elements are much, much older than that.

Man Tequila says on Jun 5, 2007, 10:35:

I await your analysis.

I await your analysis.

Man Tequila says on Jun 5, 2007, 10:36:

It looks pretty cartoonish too. Maybe this is a feature of many coats of arms?

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jun 5, 2007, 10:37:

I was joking about Fernando Botero and his fat, cartoonish figures. I think the original post has a bad reproduction in it.

;-)

Man Tequila says on Jun 5, 2007, 10:46:

If you go to the website, the larger reproduction does look very cartoony. The coins in particular look like a video game. This is an observation, but not in itself a bad thing. On reflection, most coats of arms look pretty cartoony. I'm not a huge fan of heraldry in general -- I like national symbols to be a little less pretentious.

Simon says on Jun 5, 2007, 11:13:

My question is what the hell is the Union Jack doing on the Canadian Coat of Arms?

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Monpirri says on Jun 5, 2007, 13:32:

No disrespect Why does the midget lion has two crowns, one tiny and one larger on the top of the other? and why the horse and the lion are females in the erect position?

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Rubito says on Jun 5, 2007, 13:37:

A better question might be... Why is the fluer-de-lis on there TWICE and the Union Jack only once? :p

The unicorn and the lion are out of the book of Revelation BTW. Thought you guys were Xians ;)

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

podborski says on Jun 5, 2007, 14:01:

Canada's national symbol is the beaver go ahead Simon and Monpirri, make fun of the lowly beaver, if it makes you feel better.

I'm really starting to think you two must be joking right? Please tell me you really aren't in defensive mode because some people think the condor is an ugly bird?

I'm pretty sure you are both argentines trying to make colombians look unbelievably insecure.

(BTW, we're talking about Colombia here, remember? You should go make fun of Canadians on a site about Canada. Knock yourselves out.)

podborski says on Jun 5, 2007, 14:06:

I think I like the Canadian coat of arms Man T unlike the flag, which looks like a 5 year old drew it, and the anthem which really is an embarrassment.

Rubito says on Jun 5, 2007, 14:14:

I always got a kick out of How if it were badly drawn it would look like a marijuana flag. Wishful thinking I guess ;)

I like the Ren and Stimpy version of the Canuck national anthem MUCH better! It gets MY vote! :)

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Rubito says on Jun 5, 2007, 14:45:

I think it's the artist's rendering of the "strange beast" ---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jun 5, 2007, 14:45:

The Lion and the Unicorn where fighting for the Crown. The Lion beat the Unicorn all 'round the town...

I always thought lions and unicorns were the heraldic symbols for the Tudors and the Yorks.

We've got a rampant lion even in the Finnish coat of arms. Lions in Finland...yeah, at the zoo.

Cheers,
Desi

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Lucas Freley says on Jun 5, 2007, 14:52:

Simon, don't forget that Canada is part of the Commonwealth Pod, Rubito, Man Tequila, corrijanme si me equivoco, en esta informacion q esta en todas las enciclopedias, incluyendo wikipedia:

Canada fue inicialmente constituida a través del Acta Británica de América del Norte de 1867 y llamada El Dominio del Canadá.
El Gobernador General de Canadá ejerce las prerrogativas reales delegadas por la Reina Isabel II, que es la Jefe de estado de Canadá. Canadá es una monarquía de la Mancomunidad Británica y miembro de la Mancomunidad Británica de Naciones (Commonwealth), así como de la Organización del Tratado del Atlántico Norte (OTAN).
El rojo y el blanco de la Bandera, fueron declarados colores nacionales de Canadá por el rey Jorge V. Y se le agregó la hoja de arce por deseo de la reina Isabel II en 1950.

¿Cual es la situacion actual?, luego de la Constitucion de 1982, ¿Canada pasó a ser un pais independiente, o sigue bajo el Dominio Britanico? Como el caso de Australia.

Respecto a los simbolos, nadie debe reirse de los simbolos patrios de ningun pais. Cada pais tiene su Bandera, su Escudo, su Himno. Y cada uno tiene una explicacion historica. Eso es todo.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

Rubito says on Jun 5, 2007, 15:06:

Canada is no longer a Dominion. It got its own Supreme Court in 1929, and is officially considered a Constitutional Monarchy, although the British throne has no actual power whatsoever and serves only as a figurehead. And yes Canada continues as a Commonwealth member to the present day.

Even the Governor-General and Lieutenant-Governers have limited powers, and most real political power is exercised by the Prime Minister, and his/her Cabinet and the ruling party caucus. Canada has a Parliamentary system with an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate.

Lucas, yo no comparto eso contigo de no reirse a un simbolo. Para mi la libre expresion significa EXACTAMENTE eso, el derecho de burlarse de lo que el otro considera sagrado. Eso incluye cosas de la patrimonia, de las creencias, filosofias, simbolos sagrados etc. Para mi NADA en el mundo debe estar encima de la libre expresion, y si les ofenden, pues que vayan al mismo carajo!!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Monpirri says on Jun 5, 2007, 17:13:

So Canada is a Commomwealth of England So Puerto Rico has the same status as Canada except that Puerto Rico is a Estado Libre Asociado.
"The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: "Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico", IPA [estaðo libɾe asosjaðo ðe pweɾto riko]), also Porto Rico (archaic) and more commonly Puerto Rico, is a United States unincorporated territory with Commonwealth status[1] located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands;"
Thank you Lucas for sharing. Now that explains why there are two crowns one in top of each other.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Rubito says on Jun 5, 2007, 17:24:

Same word, different meaning The relationship between the USA and PR is VERY different. For one thing, Canadians are not automatically British subjects the way Boricuas are American citizens. There are a bunch of other significant differences.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Monpirri says on Jun 5, 2007, 18:16:

Podborski About your comments posted above. I will be respectful about other sites and I will not attempt to ridicule or to post any degrading information that would make them upset.

Let me tell you how I feel about the Canadians that visit these sites: I hear them very often say condescending comments about Colombia and South America or Argentina.
We had Rufus who claimed that the only reason to visit Colombia is to get laid. We had UTC whose posts were indicative of great deal of ignorance about Colombia. We have Proud_Canadian who visited Colombia and brought and posted photos of Colombia’ slums and we have Rubito the Leader of the Pack!
Indeed in retrospect, I am defensive when one of you guys post, after all, these posts are numerous.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Rubito says on Jun 5, 2007, 19:00:

I don't think any of us count though... Very few TYPICAL Canadians on here. A typical Canadian wouldn't even be interested in Colombia as a topic of conversation, to be perfectly frank. Not to mention with the way taxes are up there, most of them couldn't afford the friggin plane ticket.

UC is a Canadian expat who makes his home in rural Texas and loves it! That makes him probably even more anti-Canadian than I am!

Ironically, I HATE Canada, don't like the way the US is going these days, and LOVE Colombia, but that's somehow not good enough for you :P you seem to have a problem with the new Constitution down there and I'm severely disappointed at your lack of patriotism!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Gator says on Jun 5, 2007, 19:34:

I Will Never... forget what our waiter said at the hotel Santa Clara, in Cartagena one night:

"Los canadienses son tan tacaños que prefiern quarder el dinero en el culo."
The Canadians are so tight they prefer to keep their money in their ass.

Come to think of it they said the same thing in Santa Marta

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

podborski says on Jun 5, 2007, 20:20:

monpirri I think I have it figured out, seriously UC and the others (of various nationalities) say nasty things about Colombia, yet continue to go there themselves, because they want it all to themselves, those bastards!

Well I'm not falling for it. I have bought my ticket and will arrive next month. Nice try fellas.

podborski says on Jun 5, 2007, 20:24:

didn't you read any of the no tipping threads gator? all us canadians did, and you know how we are, we obey the rules.

It's like the old and not very funny but true joke: How do you get all the Canadians out of a crowded swimming pool? Just have someone yell: "all you Canadians, get out of the pool".

We do what we are told, which makes for a very nice, safe place to live, but it's not too exciting.

Man Tequila says on Jun 5, 2007, 23:46:

Lucas pretty much has it right.

My impression is that Colombians are thrifty, like Canadians. I do not see this as a bad thing -- I was raised not to waste things unnecessarily. But it's honestly hard for me to picture a Canadian trying to chisel their cab driver out of twenty cents. All my friends tip well, and don't think of this as charity or a demeaning act that threatens the stability of society or keeps people in their place. Canadian and Colombian cultural norms differ -- I do not presume to judge Colombians by their views on a small topic; your Colombian waiter friends do not return the same courtesy. I would venture to say very few countries have the social mobility that Canada does, and this is reflected in the politicans, universities, elite society and law and medical schools. Canadians can certainly be cheap, bland and smug. It is unusual for them to be unfair, uncompassionate or pretentious. I really don't know many Canadians who would seriously object to their daughter marrying someone of a different race or culture. Not so in Colombia.

Canadians like their country, but they are not jingoistic. If you make fun of our anthem, or coat of arms, or international beauty show contestant, well, we take this in stride. No big deal. Knock yourself out -- WE DO THE SAME. Colombians are proud of their great country (and I genuinely like Colombia and Colombians and consider it a great country, else I would not squander so much time here), are justifiably tired of unfair criticism and stereotypes and don't take kindly to perceived insults. But real problems exist there, some criticisms are justified -- yet I've seen Colombians annoyed because I felt the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art mediocre, thus failing to appreciate its obvious greatness and deserved place on the world stage. I understand that. But one can attach too much importance to national symbols.

The world is a very different place from the Internet. If you want to learn about Colombia, visit the country, keep your mind open, learn. This site has some useful information and much more useless blather -- and Colombia is very different from what you read in the newspapers or on this website. Most Canadians know and care little about Colombia. (Many colombianas I met knew much more about Canadian beauty contest winners than I do, and nothing else about Canada). Judging Canada by the freaks on this website is about as accurate as judging Colombia based on googling "Medellin cartel"... you can do it if it pleases you; many people tend to believe what they want and change reality to fit their preconceptions. I've met gringos, and most of them are decent people.

I don't share Rubito's views on many subjects but there is value in having people who can think differently and creatively about things. I can speak only for myself and am not hear to condone or apologize for what some people say or do (or claim to) in Colombia regardless of whether they are Colombian or Canadian. But consider that I posted the Canadian coat of arms to allow you, in fairness, to critique it. I posted my own picture knowing lochdhu would make fun of it. If you cannot laugh at yourself than you are lost; I have my pride too, but am tacaño and don't waste my pride on things that aren't very important to me.

podborski says on Jun 6, 2007, 05:55:

typical Canadians spend their two week vacations on cheap package tours to Florida, where they line up at 4 PM to get a good deal on dinner, even if they are not hungry yet (this according to my mom, who spends some winters there).

They like Disneyworld, golfing and getting bad sunburns while doing as little as possible.

The Canadians (and it's just as true for some of the yanks and brits I would say)on PBH are, as rubito pointed out, not at all typical.

Colombia attracts people who like to go to interesting, undiscovered, adventurous, off the beaten path places, as far from Disneyworld as possible, in every sense.

Obviously these types of people are quite opinionated, and certainly not shy, at least on the net.

Gator says on Jun 6, 2007, 08:21:

"didn't you read any of the no tipping threads gator" It is my understanding that Canadians MUST sign a notarized statement agreeing not to tip before the government will issue a passport.

First words out of a Canadian baby's mouth, "Attention K-mart shoppers."

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Man Tequila says on Jun 6, 2007, 08:29:

K-mart went bankrupt in Canada in 1997 but our babies here are very precocious and have long memories.

I have also noticed waiters in Cartagena get upset when you take the money out of your ass and try to tip them.

kalder says on Jun 6, 2007, 08:47:

A long time ago I was invited to celebrate Burn's Night at the Canadian High Commission in London. And a great night it was too. The booze flowed freely, the haggis was flavorsome and everybody was charm itself. Including the steroidal security guy who took me to task for drunkenly lighting a cigarette in the (apparently non-smoking) lobby as I staggered out. I have never been 'bounced' out of a place with such manners and courtesy. Seriously. It was like being manhandled by Jeeves. Gents, those Canadians.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

podborski says on Jun 6, 2007, 09:36:

Are you saying we have alligator arms gator?! You know, too short to reach into our pockets?

If so, it's probably because we have a rich Uncle Sam who always helps pay our bills, or at least allows to get away with not having an army or navy to speak of.

So don't blame us, blame Uncle Sam, (everyone else does.)

podborski says on Jun 6, 2007, 09:42:

By the way if it makes everybody feel better, I quite like the Colombian flag and colours. Maybe not all that original, but they work very well together.

I'd like to buy a Colombian futbol jersey, but have not found a decent quality one with those colours. At the airport they sell Argentine blue and white and Brazil and etc., but no Colombia jerseys.

When I asked why I was told that Colombia had not signed on with Nike (or maybe it was adidas?)

I think lots of tourists would buy a futbol jersey with colombia on it and the national colours. My nephews would kill for one.

podborski says on Jun 6, 2007, 09:46:

smoking kalder! in a no smoking area! Unthinkable in canada didn't you know?!

Actually, that is ONE law that I get anal about myself. Oh yeah, that and picking up after your dog, oh and pedestrians have the right of way, and...

Lucas Freley says on Jun 6, 2007, 14:38:

Thanks Man Tequila and Rubito. When I study International Public Law, I research a lot about the British Commonwealth of Nations. Again, please correct me if I am wrong, Ok ?

Canada gained independence from the United Kingdom in an incremental process, started in 1929, 1931 (Statute of Westminster), that ended in 1982 with the The Canada Act, where for the first time refers only to "Canada" and, as such, it is currently the only legal (and bilingual) name. This was reflected again in 1982 with the renaming of the national holiday from "Dominion Day" to "Canada Day".

The Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state. The question is, do you feel (I mean the people) loyalty to the Queen ? And what about Quebec ? Do they accept the Queen as a Monarch, because they did not approve of the Canada Act of 1982.

Monpirri, in the Commonwealth Internet site, I found some interesting info. In 1867, Canada became the first colony to be transformed into a selfgoverning 'Dominion', a newly constituted status that implied equality with Britain. The empire was gradually changing and Lord Rosebury, a British politician, described it in Australia in 1884 as a "Commonwealth of Nations".

Other parts of the empire became Dominions too: Australia (1900), New Zealand (1907), South Africa (1910) and the Irish Free State (1921). All except the Irish Free State (that did not exist at the time) participated as separate entities in the First World War and were separate signatories to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Subsequently, they became members of the League of Nations.

After the end of the First World War, the Dominions began seeking a new constitutional definition and reshaping their relationship with Britain. The Conferences of Dominions begun in 1887 were resumed and at the Imperial Conference in 1926, the prime ministers of the participating countries adopted the Balfour Report which defined the DOMINIONS as autonomous communities WITHIN the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate to one another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by COMMON ALLEGIANCE to the CROWN, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

This definition was incorporated into British law in 1931 as the Statute of Westminster. It was adopted immediately in Canada, the Irish Free State, Newfoundland (which joined Canada in 1949) and South Africa. Australia and New Zealand followed. India, Britain's largest colony at the time, had still not achieved self-government and remained a Dominion under the India Act of 1935 until its independence in 1947.

There is a player tennis, Greg Rusedski, that was born in Canada, but he used to represents Great Bretain when he played the Davis Cup. And in the other hand there is the case of Marie Pierce, that was born in Montreal, and represents France in the Fed Cup of Nations.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

Rubito says on Jun 6, 2007, 21:03:

That question will have many answers But from my perspective and the way I was raised as a kid, nobody had much respect for the Queen, and saying "the Queen" was usually followed by "that fuckin bitch" or something like that.

They used to play "God Save The Queen" at the beginning of each school day, but it was VERY unpopular and it got dropped in 1982. Most Canadians I know think the very idea of a monarchy in this day and age is ridiculous and that Buckingham Palace should be seized and sold off and the money used for some useful purpose.

As for Quebec, that's a totally different ballgame. English-French politics in Canada is as complex as it gets in politics, period. As far as I know the Quebecois don't really feel an affinity with anybody else but themselves. They don't particularly get along with the French anymore than Colombians or Argentinians particularly get along with the Spaniards.

And in case you're interested IIRC the Canadian flag was invented in 1964.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Man Tequila says on Jun 6, 2007, 23:16:

Quebecois feel almost no affinity to the Queen. She remains popular with the older generation of Canadians in other provinces. Most young folks do not feel any loyalty towards Queen Elizabeth or England.

The big cities in Canada -- Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal are cities with many immigrants. Forty years ago, they were primarily from Britain and Western Europe. These days, many Asian, Arican and Caribbean immigrants. It is far easier to emigrate to Canada if you are young, educated and speak English or French. English immigrants felt affinity for the Queen. But now English immigrants are vastly outnumbered by other countries. In Toronto, you might hear any language walking down the street.

Monpirri says on Jun 7, 2007, 03:26:

More information While trying to find an article on the Internet on Canada, I ran into lots of information or problems with Canada and I did not find my article.
I found out they are very unhappy people because some said there are two Canadas within Canada. I did notice lots of complaints about their bilingual status, about the Monarchy or the Queen, about the national health, about the schools and about poverty.
Many appear to be eager to make an immediate change in their country and ASAP, these motives are evident by looking at the videos clips.
Now, I understand why some Canadians on these sites want to change Colombia, some want to change the national anthem, and some are a vivid opponents of the President and some are against any relationship between Colombia and US.
Some are very strong critics about South America, I now understand why they want to move and change or contemplate the opportunity to change other countries.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Man Tequila says on Jun 7, 2007, 13:02:

Monpirri, information is not knowledge. Your information is not wrong, but it is outdated and not complete. Canadians in general do enjoy complaining. It makes them feel better and is a substitute for action or changing the status quo. Far from being eager for change, complaining helps keep the peace. They would complain even more if the government tried to change Québec, bilingualism, the monarchy, national health, schools and taxes. These complaints have little to do with the Canadians on this site, some of whom espouse views which the average Canadian would likely disagree with. Canadians are generally pretty happy, but less so than the Colombians. This outstanding happiness under duress was one thing that impressed me greatly about Colombia.

For the sake of argument, you could phrase your argument in Colombian terms. Some people in San Andres are unhappy because they would rather be independent than Colombian. Some complain about the government, schools, poverty. (Canadian schools are good, their health care system objectively delivers better results than the US, the Canadian government is sometimes incompetent and often short-sighted, corruption and nepotism is less in Canada than in most countries). Many more people would complain if they could -- but Canadians can and do express their concerns freely over the Internet and in the media. People persecuted by paramilitaries may have no real political or economic power and complaining would both be dangerous and futile. Canada may whine about its little problems. Colombians live for the moment and try to forget the severity of their problems -- and this is the greatest strength, and perhaps the greatest weakness, of a wonderful people.

Monpirri says on Jun 7, 2007, 18:11:

Many of the sources that I checked were from youtube or information up to date. Anyway, I wish Colombia would do something similar to the anti-poverty campaigns that Canada has been doing or is doing.

Make Poverty History Canada - Click Ad (English)

A child dies every three seconds as a result of extreme poverty. Poverty is not inevitable. If we have the will to act — we can Make Poverty History.

Visit www.makepovertyhistory.ca

I liked this ad, simple and straight to the point!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Man Tequila says on Jun 7, 2007, 19:22:

You could take Québec, the French speaking part of Canada, as an example. I lived there for five years. A certain percentage of Quebeckers would like to separate from Canada. A much greater percentage are satisfied with the status quo -- pay lip service to the idea of separation, and continue to receive extra bribe moneys from the federal government to keep them happy. Ten years ago, Québec very nearly did vote to leave Canada. These days, such a sentiment really isn't very popular at all -- they are content to be a nation within Canada. No one really knows what that means. A vocal minority still pushes for separation, and produces youtube videos, and is (these days) marginalized. You could watch their videos but it wouldn't really reflect mainstream political views. In that sense it is outdated.

Canadian parliamentarians voted to outlaw poverty fifteen years ago, and things haven't changed. Canadians are good at paying lip service to noble goals. They often come through, but also often fail spectacularly (though their campaigns are slick). WIth regards to poverty, I think real changes and leadership have come from the examples of Ireland and Sweden. Canada -- we could do better.

Simon says on Jun 7, 2007, 19:54:

You're right, they should use Wikipedia instead.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Rubito says on Jun 7, 2007, 21:40:

News flash -- Colombia has term limits on its president, and this time Uribe is gone in 2010 come what may, but Colombia will continue to exist as a nation after he's gone!!

I personally don't think they should EVER let a President sit more than 4 years again. I like the way the Constitution was written with strict term limits. The Paisas say that you should change politicians often just like a baby's diapers and for pretty much the same reason!

The two of you seem to be the ones who want to change Colombia much more than I do. I just want them to officially recognize how they have (THANK GOD) secularized and started taking civil liberties much more seriously since 1991. It was a big step forward for the country, and we can see the results from Arica to Zipaquira. The two of you are the ones who want to turn back the clock and change things, not me!! I like Colombia just fine with its legal drugs, legal prostitution, legal gambling and minimal police presence!!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

kalder says on Jun 8, 2007, 00:54:

Minimal police presence? I was in Bogota two years ago and there seemed to be an assault rifle-wielding gendarme on every street corner. And, in Cali last year- the place was crawling with cops. Thankfully.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

Monpirri says on Jun 9, 2007, 07:59:

Tinto About your comments above, Youtube grants the same or better information that many computer enthusiasts or members find info in text format on the Internet. Youtube, on the other hand, employs video formats, many of the video clips posted on Youtube are produced from all sources of agencies; Government and from Independent professional producers. There is also lots of inaccurate information on Youtube but I the clip I used about poverty was from an ad from www.makepovertyhistory.ca
Mantequilla, thanks for sharing facts about poverty in Canada. I congratulate Canada for embarking on an anti poverty campaign since feeften years ago. I was happy to find more than six pages of video pages on Youtube about Canada and Poverty, on the other hand Colombia only has two pages, I therefore believe that Colombia needs to follow Canada’s exemplary campaign how to fight children poverty in Colombia!!!

Although Canada has not reached their goal to eliminate child poverty in Canada, their eloquent project that they launched fifteen years ago it’s worth to follow by every country where poverty still plays a major issue.

Canada has failed in its pledge to eliminate child poverty, activist group says
Norma Greenaway, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, November 23, 2006

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=89b8662f-a5c1-4f90-a295-4b4d6b2696de&k=86316

In rich Canada, welfare worsens
Recipients get less than 20 years ago
Public is turning a blind eye to issue

http://www.canadiancrc.com/articles/Tor_Star_In_rich_Canada_welfare_worsens_25AUG06.htm

One Million Too Many:
Implementing solutions to Child Poverty in Canada
2004 Report Card on Child Poverty in Canada
http://www.canadiancrc.com/Child_poverty.htm

Youtbube was a key element that gave me the tools to show a facet of the situation, just like Youtube was instrumental and allowed us to exhibit clips of Colombian music here on PBH since a great deal of members had a huge misunderstanding or had an evident lack of knowledge about the different rhythms and the origin and popularity of Colombian music.

Many Colombians left Colombia to live abroad, they were kids when they migrated to other foreigner countries, some never came back, others return to Colombia every major holiday with their spouses but they still do have the slightest idea if Cumbia came from Cuba, Canada or Colombia because the information posted was misleading and because the information posted back then on PBH was overwhelmingly aimed at another subject that had or has a mass appeal among some guys but it was not necessary a positive matter about Colombia.

Monpirri AKA “Yo me llamo Cumbia�?

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Man Tequila says on Jun 9, 2007, 19:52:

Well, Monpirri, I must say how much I have ebnjoyed many of the youtube music videos you have posted. The last time I was in Colombia, I must have come back with 30 CDs of music which have served to remind me of some happy times in Colombia.