The media and pundits have all recently raised flags of caution concerning our current economic condition. Housing markets in many cities are collapsing. Debtors are defaulting on loans. All of this is enough for the average layperson to be aware of a definite lingering dark cloud forming in the distance. However, will it be a mere passing drizzle or develop into a massive thunderstorm? Should one pack a simple umbrella or run to the nearest Sam's Club and stock up on provisions? It is unclear. The most relatable piece of news I've read that should be immediately accessible to every American is the announcement this week that the Canadian dollar's value is now roughly on par and equal with that of the US dollar. This is one of the shoes dropping that ought to make every American sit up and say "Wha? I don't know what the fuck a subprime mortgage is, but the fuckin Canuk quarter that D&D deli won't accept is now equal to our quarters?? How the fuck did this happen? Jimmy, this ain't good." They've been the punchline to our jokes for years. It appears our laughter has come to an end: all those jokes about how cheap it is to visit Canada can stop. On the flip side, it's a great time for Canadians to visit the US and utilize their increasing purchasing power. Pretty soon, Louis Vuitton on Fifth Avenue and lux condo real estate agents are going to hire French Canadian speaking sales people, er associates. In addition, with it no longer being the Costco (plentiful, lots of variety of products and most importantly cheap!) of tourist destination, Montreal is going to be spared of jackass Americans molesting their wholesome (and beautiful) strippers and contaminating their Canadian streets with the upchuck of bachelor party attendees.
