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"Closer ties between U.S., Canada inevitable: Ridge," by Michael Den Tandt, Globe and Mail 23 April 2005, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050422.wunion23/BNStory/International (from Democratic Underground).

Former moderate Governor of Pennsylvania and congenial Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is talking up North American integration

Canada and the United States will inevitably move toward closer economic integration, including a customs union, in response to the formation of major trading blocks around the world, former U.S. secretary of homeland security Tom Ridge said yesterday.

...

On further economic integration — a hot-button issue for Canadian nationalists, who view it as a step toward political integration —

"The integration of the European Union, the growth of China and Asia, the emergence of a strong India on the international scene, as well as other regional economic collaboration — if we're going to stay competitive in this part of the world, we're going to have to do some of those things."

North American competitiveness will require common standards and common goals, Mr. Ridge said, echoing a sentiment business leaders on both sides of the border have voiced.

This is great news. Besides minor benefits like helping the Global War on Terrorism, uniting North America is a great step forward.

It increases all manner of content flows and connectivity between North Americans. It allows North American businesses greater economies of scale, and North American citizens more choices and options. It gives North America a stronger voice on the world stage.

Tom Ridge is announcing a new American foreign policy: make North America domestic policy. North America is composed of three great, continent-straddling states. We should be one free and secure union.