An observation from a Canadian cousin...
Let me preface this post. This isn't a comment on either political party, nor their policies. My own views are capitalist. President Obama (and I will use the caps and title out of respect for both the office and the person my favourite neighbours voted in) didn't win many friends up here with his "Buy American" policy. But, I get it. I also hope for your economy and mine's sake people buy into it and spend their money where it'll stay on this continent. I know I've been alot more aware of where products are made and am spending accordingly. When I buy new vehicles I've always bought big three. I hope GM's early debt payback and positive outlook build consumer confidence back up. Call me a protectionist, but I know how the economy works and it's going to take alot of us reading labels and voting with what money we do have to turn the boat around.
It's not easy fixing a broken economy, and he inherited the worst one in a very long time. Let's face it, it's been a bad time all around. Both our economies have been a large-scale version of the "spinning plate" circus act. Not easy being the guy who's gotta sweep the plates up.
I don't like commenting on US politics, but I think Carrot Top would be a better President than the lyin' chucklehead who held the job for the last 8 years. I was kinda embarassed for you guys whenever he popped his big 'ol empty head onto the world stage and showed just how much of a moron he is. If he wasn't a member of the lucky sperm club, that twit would have a hard time landing a job in the lube bay at Wal-Mart.
At least the new guy is intelligent. Might not agree with his views always but he seems on the right track. And universal healthcare isn't so bad once you get used to the whole "not-dying-because-you-can't-afford-treatment" thing. I know alot of people here being boat owners probably can handle expenses like that but I'm sure we can all think of somebody in our extended families who couldn't.
I can tell you from personal experience, my love of sports that require helmets

has paid off in many and varied hospital visits. I've been busted up and repaired so often I collect 'frequent bleeder' points. I've never paid a doctor's bill. I am however taxed heavily.
If you compared tax rates across the board down there compared to up here, you'd wake up and kiss that US soil every morning.
And in my opinion, we live in the 2 greatest countries in the world, and I don't mind paying the freight.
James