Happy to be American on Grindstone Island

While I can sympathize with Edward Barlow's tax woes, we all have them on Grindstone Island and everywhere else. There is no doubt that the Canadian national anthem is much easier to sing, but I don't think the Canadian government would be interested in another secession movement. Between Quebec and the current Indian problems, Grindstone is hardly noticeable.

Besides there are a few others who live on Grindstone year-round, like myself, who are pretty happy being an American. Complaints about government services are hardly unique to Grindstone.

The Postal Service is probably one of the better services we do get. Our postman, Brian, is pretty much committed to the slogan "in rain, sleet, snow or ice." On those rare days Brian does not make the trip to Clayton, as W. C. Fields noted "it is not a fit day for man nor beast."

As far as the police are concerned they are certainly not in short supply. We have Border Patrol, Customs, sheriff, conservation police, Coast Guard and state police as well as the their equivalent Canadian numbers patrolling just a few feet away across the border.

The roads sometimes get a bit rough, but Jay, the town of Clayton's man on Grindstone, is often out there grading when they dry enough.

Then there is the one big issue of health care, but give President Obama a chance and we will be all set there too. Better off Canadian, I don't know, but then there is that easy anthem.

Rex Ennis

Grindstone Island