

Colossal Canadian Failures 2
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Sure, Canada was built on dreams and hard work, but it was also built on failure - mix-ups, mistakes, screw-ups, and boondoggles. Failing at things, and laughing about them, has long been a characteristic of our citizens.
Where else but in Canada would governments send farmers to land that couldn't be farmed? Where else would an argument over the metric system almost result in the death of hundreds? Who else but Canadians would march against non-existent enemies? Where else would lumberjacks be used to defend the borders?
Are there politicians better than ours at spending millions, against all odds and good advice, on things that just won't work? Is there any nation better at re-electing those politicians no matter what they do? What other country should adopt as its national slogan "If we don't laugh, we'll cry"?
Here are more of the things that seemed like a good idea at the time.
Randy Richmond is a typically average Canadian, with a good wife, three good kids, and a working car. Unfortunately, he continues to cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tom Villemaire divides his time between Toronto and Balaclava, Ontario, where he lives with his lovely and talented wife. He's the editor of three newspapers and an ardent reader of Canadian history.
Randy Richmond is a newspaper reporter and author of The Orillia Spirit, published by Dundurn Press in 1996. He lives with his wife and three children in London, Ontario, where he gets inspiration for stories about failure from looking at his home improvement projects.
Tom Villemaire is a newspaper reporter and editor and a freelance writer. He lives alone in Balaclava, Ontario, and, at times when she permits, with his girlfriend in Toronto. A failed astronaut and garbage man, Villemaire lowered his sights and settled upon writing as a career.
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