North American All Saints thread in 2026

Given the relatively low number of US and Canadian Shippies, I was wondering if there was any appetite for having a North American All Saints thread in 2026 rather than the two separate Canadian and US threads we have had for years?

Comments

  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    edited December 17
    Seems like a reasonable idea to me, and there’s no harm in giving it a try.

  • Ya, there are a number of us south of the border who would love to become a new province. Oops, did not mean to bring politics into the conversation, not
  • Happy to give this a try as well.
  • Not being Canadian or American, but being heavily involved with both, I rather enjoy the different perspectives. But that's just an observation; not a vote.
  • Not being Canadian or American, but being heavily involved with both, I rather enjoy the different perspectives. But that's just an observation; not a vote.
    I don’t think one thread would necessarily eliminate the differing prospectives, especially in an All Saints—meaning light banter, not things like politics—thread. I mean, even in the US-specific thread, we get regional differences.


  • I’m easy either way. I was thinking trying out a common thread might contribute some positive energy, but I can also see why some might prefer to retain the more defined communities.
  • CaissaCaissa Shipmate
    I was also thinking we could alternate the naming each year. Since the idea came from a Canadian, I propose that American Shippies get to pick the name for 2026.
  • Caissa wrote: »
    I was also thinking we could alternate the naming each year. Since the idea came from a Canadian, I propose that American Shippies get to pick the name for 2026.
    Hmmm. I was thinking we try to go with something inclusive of both, at least this first year. When I first saw your suggestion, my mind started playing around with something having to do with north and south of the 49th Parallel.

    How about we mark the first year of a joint thread with a nod to a treasured dual citizen: “Both Sides, Now” (with or without the comma)?


  • CaissaCaissa Shipmate
    That resonates with me. I would love to hear from other North American Shippies with their thoughts on my idea.
  • DoublethinkDoublethink Admin, 8th Day Host
    (Crewise, we are obviously happy to go with whatever you folks would prefer.)
  • I'd suggest giving Canadians priority/veto power on all such decisions on the ground that, if we go through with this, they will have to cope with the Orange One invading their personal discussion space.
  • I'd suggest giving Canadians priority/veto power on all such decisions on the ground that, if we go through with this, they will have to cope with the Orange One invading their personal discussion space.
    Hopefully not too much. I think you we usually try to keep politics in general, and Trump in particular, out of the general All Saints thread, leaving those topics for Purgatory and Hell threads.


  • We try, please God; but I'm aware of one Canadian friend who found his invasive presence difficult to cope with in another context. (I mean, what happens when I mention on the thread--as I might--that his ICE policies have caused a suicide among one of our church families? I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to avoid such horrors.)
  • I'd suggest giving Canadians priority/veto power on all such decisions on the ground that, if we go through with this, they will have to cope with the Orange One invading their personal discussion space.

    And we southerners have to put up with talk about James Carney?
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    We try, please God; but I'm aware of one Canadian friend who found his invasive presence difficult to cope with in another context. (I mean, what happens when I mention on the thread--as I might--that his ICE policies have caused a suicide among one of our church families? I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to avoid such horrors.)
    True, and no one could blame anyone for wanting to avoid it.


  • LeafLeaf Shipmate
    With all due respect to my American Shipmates, and to Caissa for the suggestion, I am registering my opposition to the idea.

    We are not the 51st state.

    I believe that the Shipmates who post here also do not believe that Canada is or ought to be the 51st state. I appreciate the sensitivity of those Shipmates who have expressed reservations.
    Gramps49 wrote: »
    And we southerners have to put up with talk about James Carney?

    Thank you for the timely provision of Exhibit A of why this may not be a good idea.

    Correcting Shipmates may have three likely outcomes: appreciation for being corrected, defensiveness or dismissiveness. I find the latter two very wearying, especially on our national thread. At this point in our nations' histories, I think it's probably best to keep our own conversations going.

  • Gramps49Gramps49 Shipmate
    I am afraid I am with Leaf on this one.
    From time to time, I have read the Canadian threads--helps me to gain perspective on their behalf. I have even interjected a couple of times, especially dealing with the advertisement that Ontario put out--not sure if it was on the Premier's dime or if it was government funded though (I take it you still have dimes).
    Canadians do not want to be treated as a 51st state. We need to respect that.
  • NicoleMRNicoleMR Shipmate
    With all due respect, I agree with @Leaf and @Gramps49 . I don't think it's a great idea.
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