The "A" Word • Overview

"We must keep foremost on our minds the unique relationship of friendship and trust that has bonded our peoples over the centuries. The fact that we share the largest undefended border in the world is a permanent testament to the natural affinity our peoples enjoy."		Overview of the "A" word
		The word "annexation" stirs difficult emotions for many who have come to associate it with coercion and military conquest. Let us confront these perceptions, and balance them with an honest investigation of their relevance, past and present. Use of this word in the political context has been positive at times, yet controversial in others. Here we look back on the historical instances where this word was used, and in so doing, we explore the history of this movement in North America as well. In order to confront and assuage the legitimate hesitations people may feel when using this word, we must educate ourselves on the matter, and dare look at both sides of the medal. There are different kinds of annexation, and this word by itself describes a function, that may carry good or evil with it, depending on how it is accomplished. Most people are familiar with the "A" word references having a military connotation, but at the same time, a majority are oblivious to the more common and benign uses of this word, in the historical and present contexts. Certainly, a military annexation is a violent coercion of a people and their territory, against their will, and with extreme prejudice against them and their right to dignity and freedom. On the other side of the medal, the concept of a democratic annexation embodies the very opposite. It is accomplished not by force, but through free-will and by the common desire of the annexed and those they merge with.
		Let us begin this tour into the darkness and the light of this word, while staying mindful of the friendship that Canadians and Americans share, and the less fortunate reality other parts of the world have faced when this word was used in their separate context.