Thanks for that. I remember well Ragnarokr and the other Baldwin Street Stores of the era. I interviewed Mary in the late 1980's and found her to be an impressive, idealistic, principled, and practical person. (She put on the interview release that she wanted unrestricted access to her tape, saying that anything she said was for the public record, even if it were be used against her some day.) I remember a story she told me during that interview, about circus elephants in Marathon, ON. I also remember that she mentioned the Grevous Angels, when your band was still new, and praised the direction that you folks were taking for social change. I did a series of interviews with Americans who emigrated to Canada that are deposited in the Archives of Ontario. I did so many interviews over the years that I've forgotten many of the people I talked to, but not Mary Manning.
Thank you for sharing your story. I met many memorable aging hippies and draft Dodgers when I lived in rural, small town, and northern BC, as well as integrated into social justice projects like Vancouver Cooperative Radio in the lower mainland. Your comments are right on the mark. I learned how to build roomy comfortable animal housing, greenhouses, root cellars, and many home and gardening secrets including seed saving, home canning, crop selection and composting. There were informal share, barter and roadside sales of community produced vegetables, fruit, and crafts. There was fair trade with indigenous communities in Central and South America. I learned more from living within these communities than I ever could from books or courses, and I'm trained as a teacher. Nobody ever went hungry, and we had common pots of stew or soup that anyone passing by could have a bowl. I agree with your statement that we need to welcome Americans from The Resistance who have practical skills. Not because we need them, which we do, but because we just should. It amounts to classism and discrimination to narrow the intake to the professional classes.
So glad you are making these equations, especially for people who might not know this history. My mother was on the ‘Underground Railway’ circuit in Toronto, and we had numerous drafters staying in the house as they transitioned to a new life in Canada. I recently wrote a book for young people about this (‘Focus. Click. Wind.’ Groundwood Books) and as I researched I was stunned by the way history repeats itself. Some of the statements made in 1968 are identical to what is being said now, on both sides of the border. (NB. Let me know if you would like a copy, Charlie. I’m a big fan of yours and would be honoured to send one.) I agree entirely that the American “invasion” (I’ve seen the number pegged at 50,000) benefitted Canada enormously, but it also changed the thinking of the Americans who came here to call Canada home. It’s time to open our doors and hearts again.
Thanks for the great story. One if my teenage epiphanies while a senior in high school in Northern Indiana in 1971 was that a local farmer publicly stated that he was going to help his son go to Canada to avoid the war. Not knowing the term, but this was my first experience with cognitive dissonance. I had to question my own right wingedness and began to think critically for the first time in my life. I owe much to that farmer.
You're right Charlie, at the risk of pissing the demented one off, we should be putting out the welcome mat to all Americans who wish to come here. Empathy in this truly shitty time should reign. Even if that puts us in harms way.
Delightful story! I shared it with my teen daughter, and she loved it. She shared with me how The Peaceful Invasion resonated with her. She studied Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried in high school last year, and The Peaceful Invasion validates one of O'Brien's most powerful points. The chapter, "On the Rainy River", tells of a young man, drafted, who considers fleeing to Canada but ultimately cannot bring himself to do so. Before receiving his draft notice, he had written articles against the war for his college newspaper. He's opposed to the conflict, and wants to stand with his convictions, but his convictions are complicated by fear and shame. He doesn't go to Canada because he fears the judgment of his small town, his friends, his family.
“They carried the soldier’s greatest fear, which was the fear of blushing. Men killed, and died, because they were embarrassed not to.”
“It was what had brought them to the war in the first place, nothing positive, no dreams of glory or honor, just to avoid the blush of dishonor. They died so as not to die of embarrassment.” This account of Mary and Philip and the peaceful invasion, validates this very interesting point. Many "draft dodgers" were not cowards, but were in fact those who were courageous enough to stand for their convictions.
In the 70’s, I worked with a woman who married a Vietnam veteran. He lost both his legs and died of an unknown type of cancer. In hindsight guaranteed caused by agent orange.
Mr. Einstein is presumed to have said, “The pioneers of a warless world are the youth who refuse military service.” Canada does her best to follow the road that leads to a warless world. American—not so much. Canada fought on the beaches in Normandy because people who violate international law must be dealt with. A supreme conundrum. Vietnam was a lie. Iraq was a lie. Vatel’s Law of Nations was a good place for me to start. Vattel told me human nature would never change. Madison told me the executive would crave war.
Back in the days of the Vietnam War I was in high school and would go to the University of Maryland to watch the college kids protest. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant when my number (168) popped out of the draft lottery bingo machine. I never thought about Canada, as a place to live, and knew nothing of history. My history teacher took us to see the movie “Patton.” The Vietnam war was on TV and I didn’t know what to do. I had a paper route. That year the need for bodies decreased and my number was not called.
I have learned a lot since then.
Since then, I have stood next to the cannons overlooking the St Lawrence River, and I know why they are there. My Canadian son has done much better in Canada that he would have here (my opinion). My American son grew up in a dump truck and can drive anything with wheels. He has recently changed careers. I have thought about trying to get him into Canada—to unite him with his brother. I am immensely proud of both my sons.
Children are a poor man’s legacy and America is going down the wrong road.
Joining Canadians in the fight to make the world a better place for everyone will align me with the American Constitution that James Madison, et al., intended it to be. People I know speak of going to Canada. I tell them it is not that easy.
Madison’s vision of a constitution is gone. America has no character, no honor, no integrity. America is corrupt. Posting the Ten Commandments won’t fix it. In 1814 Daniel Webster described what it could become; what it has become:
"A free government with arbitrary means to administer it is a contradiction; a free government without adequate provisions for personal security is an absurdity; a free government, with an uncontrolled power of military conscription, is a solecism, at once the most ridiculous and abominable that ever entered into the head of man." [(Wiltse, pg. 28) -Daniel Webster, Speech in the House of Representatives, January 14, 1814]
America’s administration is arbitrary and contradicts a free government. Voluntary enlistment in the Army is an illusion. America is no longer a government of the people and the provisions for personal security are gone. We have the most ridiculous and abominable government that ever entered into the head of man.
ICE is state sponsored terrorism. I see it with my eyes. People live here in fear.
Lately I have been thinking more and more about trying to live in a place as close to Canada as possible, so close, I could have my morning coffee with one foot in Canada and one foot in America. A place where religious fictions are not governing principals. I feel a great deal of pain, as being torn in two.
It seems to be a bad habit of mine, to write about what I am learning, as I go along, in front of an audience. But I started and feel compelled. I suppose I will continue until told to stop.
I recently learned that I check 95 percent of the boxes on an Asperger “list” and have heard that people “with” Asperger’s Syndrome may demonstrate a strong sense of social justice and may have a great deal of empathy for others. The other day someone stared directly into my eyes, from four inches away, as though examining my brain, trying to test the theory of eye contact, I presume. I didn’t know what to do. That told me trying to explain autism may be a losing battle. Long ago my computer mentor told me to look people in the eyes. I did not know why but did as he said. I learned.
Lead on Mr. Angus. Maybe one day I will be “normal” and know what to do, until then I will follow.
Peace Out – American Citizen
July 21, 2025
Most Excellent Reference:
Wiltse, Charles M. (1986). The Papers of Daniel Webster Speeches and Formal Writings, Volume 1 1800-1833.
Not sure if this is an excellent reference or not: What Is Asperger's Syndrome?
Nicely said David. I agree with everything you said about the corrupted, bastardized system of government in the U.S. I always said it was a great place except for their ruling cadre. Dems are not too bad, but Republicans are weak willed followers, greedy as hell and as mean, grasping and mendacious as their current leader. I wish you well and sincerely hope your home can heal itself of the fascist fanatics of today. Peace brother.
I had to look up mendacious. I don’t mind disagreement if it is a reasonable argument. The so-called religious folks who contort themselves into pretzels to protect a rapist is beyond my ability to handle: meltdown. Greed here knows no bounds—keep it out of Canada. I couldn’t think of a better group to write to than the group that follows Mr. Angus—I appreciate those who liked what I wrote. I should reach out more. I don’t: autistic burnout. Hitler sent 60,000 freemasons to the camps. Thanks for the good wishes brother Tom.
Many of us here terrified for family and friends... and ourselves. Thank God for the judge who thought better of returning the artist. There are many more "artists" who don't know where to find safety.
During my undergrad years at U of T, many of our professors were American. I learned a lot from them and they were great critical thinkers. The same year I started in 1971, there were many draft dodgers living on our street in the west end of Toronto. They were many things, but most of all they brought a tremendous sense of community with food and child care co-ops, frequent communal dining, backyard picnics and street festivals. It was a beautiful environment in which to live. It saddens me to know there are millions such people whose hearts are breaking and they would make great Canadian neighbours!!
Great post as ......loving it all...I was and still am a hippie at almost 77 as I was at 15. In Toronto. Also, it amazes me that you and I are on the same wave link. I've posted about our taking in draft dodgers. I wrote a Substack titled "TRAVEL" with ideas that would help our southern cousins wishing to come to Canada. I also believe we need strong vetting for this. Knowing the reason they wish to come here, who their associations are with etc. We have enough Maple Maga here to contend with. But I want them to come. Remember, we had the underground railway for slaves fleeing the US. I feel we need to help those flee an oppressive dictator as we have done for others fleeing from other parts of the world. Many Canadians went south becuase of the brain drain starting in the 50's. As I have said I had a close family member who did and I did get to enjoy many years down south but I also got to see the "real" picture underneath it all which Trump and his MAGA have pulled back the sheets and openly allowed hate to emerge and all it's sickening evil....Have a great week Charlie....hope you drink some energizing smoothies and take vitamins to keep you healthy on this journey of saving Canada. 1 question....why did Jagmeet step away....we need him to unite and inform that segmant of the population. Hugs
I've met quite a few vietnam draft dodgers over the years. Not that suprising, given that most of the are "my kinda people", trying to make a better world. We keep bumping into one another. But we really, really need to seriously start thinking about how to accomodate more people coming to Canada without creating serious backlash from those already here and already feeling disadvantaged. It will not just be Americans - climate change is going to create millions of climate refugees that will have to go somewhere because their homes are becoming uninhabitable. I wrote a little FB post about that a while ago. Read if you feel like it: https://www.facebook.com/maria.castro.566765/posts/pfbid0VfzkwEcPFXhsVc9SQwxNaLQDtNki5VQLmKdPEkLjv8Ukpxo3Qk87Lg3JBHaAfkWtl
Charlie, thanks for this - came here in 1969 - the best place on earth! Kissinger never missed me.
Thanks for that. I remember well Ragnarokr and the other Baldwin Street Stores of the era. I interviewed Mary in the late 1980's and found her to be an impressive, idealistic, principled, and practical person. (She put on the interview release that she wanted unrestricted access to her tape, saying that anything she said was for the public record, even if it were be used against her some day.) I remember a story she told me during that interview, about circus elephants in Marathon, ON. I also remember that she mentioned the Grevous Angels, when your band was still new, and praised the direction that you folks were taking for social change. I did a series of interviews with Americans who emigrated to Canada that are deposited in the Archives of Ontario. I did so many interviews over the years that I've forgotten many of the people I talked to, but not Mary Manning.
Thank you for sharing your story. I met many memorable aging hippies and draft Dodgers when I lived in rural, small town, and northern BC, as well as integrated into social justice projects like Vancouver Cooperative Radio in the lower mainland. Your comments are right on the mark. I learned how to build roomy comfortable animal housing, greenhouses, root cellars, and many home and gardening secrets including seed saving, home canning, crop selection and composting. There were informal share, barter and roadside sales of community produced vegetables, fruit, and crafts. There was fair trade with indigenous communities in Central and South America. I learned more from living within these communities than I ever could from books or courses, and I'm trained as a teacher. Nobody ever went hungry, and we had common pots of stew or soup that anyone passing by could have a bowl. I agree with your statement that we need to welcome Americans from The Resistance who have practical skills. Not because we need them, which we do, but because we just should. It amounts to classism and discrimination to narrow the intake to the professional classes.
So glad you are making these equations, especially for people who might not know this history. My mother was on the ‘Underground Railway’ circuit in Toronto, and we had numerous drafters staying in the house as they transitioned to a new life in Canada. I recently wrote a book for young people about this (‘Focus. Click. Wind.’ Groundwood Books) and as I researched I was stunned by the way history repeats itself. Some of the statements made in 1968 are identical to what is being said now, on both sides of the border. (NB. Let me know if you would like a copy, Charlie. I’m a big fan of yours and would be honoured to send one.) I agree entirely that the American “invasion” (I’ve seen the number pegged at 50,000) benefitted Canada enormously, but it also changed the thinking of the Americans who came here to call Canada home. It’s time to open our doors and hearts again.
Thanks for the great story. One if my teenage epiphanies while a senior in high school in Northern Indiana in 1971 was that a local farmer publicly stated that he was going to help his son go to Canada to avoid the war. Not knowing the term, but this was my first experience with cognitive dissonance. I had to question my own right wingedness and began to think critically for the first time in my life. I owe much to that farmer.
You're right Charlie, at the risk of pissing the demented one off, we should be putting out the welcome mat to all Americans who wish to come here. Empathy in this truly shitty time should reign. Even if that puts us in harms way.
Killaloe Ontario was a haven for young American 'back to the landers'. They added so much to our unsophisticated rural lives, then and to this day!
Delightful story! I shared it with my teen daughter, and she loved it. She shared with me how The Peaceful Invasion resonated with her. She studied Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried in high school last year, and The Peaceful Invasion validates one of O'Brien's most powerful points. The chapter, "On the Rainy River", tells of a young man, drafted, who considers fleeing to Canada but ultimately cannot bring himself to do so. Before receiving his draft notice, he had written articles against the war for his college newspaper. He's opposed to the conflict, and wants to stand with his convictions, but his convictions are complicated by fear and shame. He doesn't go to Canada because he fears the judgment of his small town, his friends, his family.
“They carried the soldier’s greatest fear, which was the fear of blushing. Men killed, and died, because they were embarrassed not to.”
“It was what had brought them to the war in the first place, nothing positive, no dreams of glory or honor, just to avoid the blush of dishonor. They died so as not to die of embarrassment.” This account of Mary and Philip and the peaceful invasion, validates this very interesting point. Many "draft dodgers" were not cowards, but were in fact those who were courageous enough to stand for their convictions.
In the 70’s, I worked with a woman who married a Vietnam veteran. He lost both his legs and died of an unknown type of cancer. In hindsight guaranteed caused by agent orange.
Roots.
Mr. Einstein is presumed to have said, “The pioneers of a warless world are the youth who refuse military service.” Canada does her best to follow the road that leads to a warless world. American—not so much. Canada fought on the beaches in Normandy because people who violate international law must be dealt with. A supreme conundrum. Vietnam was a lie. Iraq was a lie. Vatel’s Law of Nations was a good place for me to start. Vattel told me human nature would never change. Madison told me the executive would crave war.
Back in the days of the Vietnam War I was in high school and would go to the University of Maryland to watch the college kids protest. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant when my number (168) popped out of the draft lottery bingo machine. I never thought about Canada, as a place to live, and knew nothing of history. My history teacher took us to see the movie “Patton.” The Vietnam war was on TV and I didn’t know what to do. I had a paper route. That year the need for bodies decreased and my number was not called.
I have learned a lot since then.
Since then, I have stood next to the cannons overlooking the St Lawrence River, and I know why they are there. My Canadian son has done much better in Canada that he would have here (my opinion). My American son grew up in a dump truck and can drive anything with wheels. He has recently changed careers. I have thought about trying to get him into Canada—to unite him with his brother. I am immensely proud of both my sons.
Children are a poor man’s legacy and America is going down the wrong road.
Joining Canadians in the fight to make the world a better place for everyone will align me with the American Constitution that James Madison, et al., intended it to be. People I know speak of going to Canada. I tell them it is not that easy.
Madison’s vision of a constitution is gone. America has no character, no honor, no integrity. America is corrupt. Posting the Ten Commandments won’t fix it. In 1814 Daniel Webster described what it could become; what it has become:
"A free government with arbitrary means to administer it is a contradiction; a free government without adequate provisions for personal security is an absurdity; a free government, with an uncontrolled power of military conscription, is a solecism, at once the most ridiculous and abominable that ever entered into the head of man." [(Wiltse, pg. 28) -Daniel Webster, Speech in the House of Representatives, January 14, 1814]
America’s administration is arbitrary and contradicts a free government. Voluntary enlistment in the Army is an illusion. America is no longer a government of the people and the provisions for personal security are gone. We have the most ridiculous and abominable government that ever entered into the head of man.
ICE is state sponsored terrorism. I see it with my eyes. People live here in fear.
Lately I have been thinking more and more about trying to live in a place as close to Canada as possible, so close, I could have my morning coffee with one foot in Canada and one foot in America. A place where religious fictions are not governing principals. I feel a great deal of pain, as being torn in two.
It seems to be a bad habit of mine, to write about what I am learning, as I go along, in front of an audience. But I started and feel compelled. I suppose I will continue until told to stop.
I recently learned that I check 95 percent of the boxes on an Asperger “list” and have heard that people “with” Asperger’s Syndrome may demonstrate a strong sense of social justice and may have a great deal of empathy for others. The other day someone stared directly into my eyes, from four inches away, as though examining my brain, trying to test the theory of eye contact, I presume. I didn’t know what to do. That told me trying to explain autism may be a losing battle. Long ago my computer mentor told me to look people in the eyes. I did not know why but did as he said. I learned.
Lead on Mr. Angus. Maybe one day I will be “normal” and know what to do, until then I will follow.
Peace Out – American Citizen
July 21, 2025
Most Excellent Reference:
Wiltse, Charles M. (1986). The Papers of Daniel Webster Speeches and Formal Writings, Volume 1 1800-1833.
Not sure if this is an excellent reference or not: What Is Asperger's Syndrome?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdSzM3MHfOA
Nicely said David. I agree with everything you said about the corrupted, bastardized system of government in the U.S. I always said it was a great place except for their ruling cadre. Dems are not too bad, but Republicans are weak willed followers, greedy as hell and as mean, grasping and mendacious as their current leader. I wish you well and sincerely hope your home can heal itself of the fascist fanatics of today. Peace brother.
I had to look up mendacious. I don’t mind disagreement if it is a reasonable argument. The so-called religious folks who contort themselves into pretzels to protect a rapist is beyond my ability to handle: meltdown. Greed here knows no bounds—keep it out of Canada. I couldn’t think of a better group to write to than the group that follows Mr. Angus—I appreciate those who liked what I wrote. I should reach out more. I don’t: autistic burnout. Hitler sent 60,000 freemasons to the camps. Thanks for the good wishes brother Tom.
Many of us here terrified for family and friends... and ourselves. Thank God for the judge who thought better of returning the artist. There are many more "artists" who don't know where to find safety.
Ragnarokr may the best business name I've ever heard of in my life.
Viva los Vikings!
During my undergrad years at U of T, many of our professors were American. I learned a lot from them and they were great critical thinkers. The same year I started in 1971, there were many draft dodgers living on our street in the west end of Toronto. They were many things, but most of all they brought a tremendous sense of community with food and child care co-ops, frequent communal dining, backyard picnics and street festivals. It was a beautiful environment in which to live. It saddens me to know there are millions such people whose hearts are breaking and they would make great Canadian neighbours!!
Great post as ......loving it all...I was and still am a hippie at almost 77 as I was at 15. In Toronto. Also, it amazes me that you and I are on the same wave link. I've posted about our taking in draft dodgers. I wrote a Substack titled "TRAVEL" with ideas that would help our southern cousins wishing to come to Canada. I also believe we need strong vetting for this. Knowing the reason they wish to come here, who their associations are with etc. We have enough Maple Maga here to contend with. But I want them to come. Remember, we had the underground railway for slaves fleeing the US. I feel we need to help those flee an oppressive dictator as we have done for others fleeing from other parts of the world. Many Canadians went south becuase of the brain drain starting in the 50's. As I have said I had a close family member who did and I did get to enjoy many years down south but I also got to see the "real" picture underneath it all which Trump and his MAGA have pulled back the sheets and openly allowed hate to emerge and all it's sickening evil....Have a great week Charlie....hope you drink some energizing smoothies and take vitamins to keep you healthy on this journey of saving Canada. 1 question....why did Jagmeet step away....we need him to unite and inform that segmant of the population. Hugs
I've met quite a few vietnam draft dodgers over the years. Not that suprising, given that most of the are "my kinda people", trying to make a better world. We keep bumping into one another. But we really, really need to seriously start thinking about how to accomodate more people coming to Canada without creating serious backlash from those already here and already feeling disadvantaged. It will not just be Americans - climate change is going to create millions of climate refugees that will have to go somewhere because their homes are becoming uninhabitable. I wrote a little FB post about that a while ago. Read if you feel like it: https://www.facebook.com/maria.castro.566765/posts/pfbid0VfzkwEcPFXhsVc9SQwxNaLQDtNki5VQLmKdPEkLjv8Ukpxo3Qk87Lg3JBHaAfkWtl