> Rumors (which I do not believe) tell of other, more frightening types of American protest against Canadians exist. There have been reports (unfounded) that Americans have verbally abused Canadians on the streets of America and have vandalised Canadian cars.

I don't know how severe or widespread this kind of thing is, but there is at least some truth to what you're saying.

Backstory: I'm an American, but my boyfriend (Kaz) is Canadian. Because of this and a spring break trip to Canada, I seem to have accumulated a number of Canada-related things. My favourite of these is a beret like those worn by the 2002 Canadian Olympic team. I wear it very frequently in cold weather, mostly because it's warm, but also because it's a souvenir from a very fun trip.

The actual point of the post: Since the war started, my biggest problem with wearing the beret has been people who, upon learning that I'm not Canadian, assume that my choice of hat means that I don't support the present war effort. Most of the time, these have been well-meaning people who are involved with the anti-war movement and assume I'm a kindred spirit. However, I have also been on the receiving end of shouted insults and impolite hand gestures. Despite this, it actually hadn't occurred to me to worry about something happening to my car, which has a small Canadian flag decal on the back of it.

-Cynth"eeep"ia