I've been hanging my head silently, but I guess I need to say a few things.

Apology ... I got very rude, and apologies again to the Mods for having to clear up after me.

USA ... my comments about food were indeed over-generalised. But when in the USA, I want to eat American food - not Chinese, Indian or whatever.

Canada ... yes, I have been put off by the Canadians I have met and worked with. We're all Ambassadors for our Nation, and they just didn't sell it to me.
..............

As to the rest of the discussion, I'd best stay out of it. We love America and Americans, but perhaps what we like about it isn't what you like.