United States - A positive take on what's in store for America from New York Times columnist David Brooks. "News of America's death is greatly exaggerated. In reality, the U.S. is on the verge of a demographic, economic and social revival."
Canada - Returning home from time on the road always gives you a new appreciation for things that you would otherwise take for granted. Having just spent a good deal of time in Brazil and Argentina, places where you begin to get used to keeping a hand on your bag or backpack at all times, I am shocked at just how safe our cities are. I keep staring at women with open purses casually slung over shoulders, or tourists touting cameras without a second thought.
My observations about crime in Canada are not unfounded. The latest available statistics from 2008 show that reported crime rates have been declining for the last five years. According to Ottawa Citizen columnist Dan Gardner, "the homicide rate - the best indicator of violent crime trend - peaked in the mid-1970s, fell until 2000 and has been flat since." Lucky us.
