i'm canadian, who along with the vast majority of canadians are constantly amused at how easily american sensibilities are offended

I find it difficult to believe you are the spokesperson for the majority of my Canadian Cousins.

I vividly recall the time in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics after Canada had saved "the bacon" of several American hostages in the Middle East crisis.....when Canada marched into the arena....it was to a STANDING OVATION by thousands of Americans who were most appreciative of our Canadian Cousins. There was hardly a dry eye in the place.....I know.....I was there.

And on a more personal note; on two separate occasions, years ago, MY "bacon" was saved by the intervention of some Canadians when I was in the Far East and again in Europe. The "locals" thought they had an easy mark in a bar and it was Canadians who came to the rescue of a "mate."

I would no more approve of desecration of the Maple Leaf than I would the Stars and Stripes and the Canadians that I KNOW would not either.

burn John Wayne in effigy.... not a bad idea; but for a different reason than yours.....turns out he was a wife beater and a drunk...but maybe "macho" John had a right?

Let me end this by saying....you are certainly not like any Canadians I know....the ones that I know respect the fact and are proud that we share the largest un-guarded border in the world.

And as tgf said....and alluded to the fact, that you can be in some countries and get shot for protest or saying unkind words about the leaders of said country.