Canada Geese

Canada Geese seem to be attracted to Golders Hill Park, Hampstead Heath and they've taken over the boating pool in Regent's Park. Are they pests or do you like them?

I'm certain James Higham Shasinka Girl with a One Track mind Stephen Pollard and of course Ellee will have something to say on the matter.

Meanwhile, you may enjoy the latest offering from Alan Caruba

Mexican, Canadian or American?

By Alan Caruba

The discussion arising from the birth of a Mexican child, born to Mexican parents, on a Mexican airliner, over American territory has aroused my interest. Lawyers assert that the child is technically American, having been born over the territorial area of the United States of America.

I live in New Jersey where, for decades now, we have been home to large flocks of "Canada Geese." However, many of these flocks have taken up permanent residence in New Jersey and have given birth to many "Canada Geese" who in turn poop all over New Jersey without regard to either sanitary or environmental regulations. Frequently aggressive, they have been known to chase small children and dogs from "their" favorite parks and other areas.

While it can be argued that this aggressive behavior is likely the result of their residing in New Jersey, the larger question is whether, in fact, they should be called "American" or "New Jersey" geese?

If a Mexican new-born child can be accorded all the rights and privileges of being an American citizen merely for flying over our great nation, surely these "Canada" geese should be accorded a more proper identification as "American" geese.

Nor do I think "Canada" geese should, having been born in New Jersey, be given another State's name simply because they may, on occasion, fly over or to other States. I have traveled widely throughout the United States and am still identified as from New Jersey no matter where I am. I am, however, prepared to compromise on this in favor of the generic "American" geese.

Regrettably, a most esteemed legal advisor, a former judge, has advised me this is not feasible due to the North American Migratory Waterfowl Treaty that has established their nomenclature. No change can be made to the designation of “Canada” geese without the concurrence of all the signatories to the treaty.

This is manifestly unfair and unjust! Given the obvious increase in the population of these "Canada" geese in New Jersey and the fact that few of them, if any, have ever been to Canada, the time has come to assert our sovereignty by fully assimilating and identifying these great honking and pooping geese for what they are—American!

Alan Caruba writes a weekly column, “Warning Signs”, posted on the Internet site of The National Anxiety Center, www.anxietycenter.com. His new book, “Right Answers: Separating Fact from Fantasy”, has been published by Merril Press.

© Alan Caruba, December 2006