Posted on 03/27/2006 4:13:09 AM PST by Clive
Pardon me if I don't cheer for the three survivors of the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) freed in Iraq, whom I consider misguided, arrogant and foolish and who cause more problems than they solve.
Of course, I never wished them dead and, like everyone else, am relieved they were rescued from a situation they brought on themselves. Four of them were kidnapped in Baghdad Nov. 26. Their American colleague was murdered because of his nationality.
Nice guys.
Not all of the 400 or so who've been kidnapped in Iraq escaped so lightly. In Sault Ste. Marie, Jim Loney's mother calls his rescue "a miracle," while Loney's pastor says, "God saved them."
Sorry, folks, it was soldiers who saved them -- the very soldiers scorned by the CPT.
CPT co-director Doug Pritchard's reaction is both idiotic and churlish. "They knew their only protection was in the power of the love of God and of their Iraqi international co-workers," he said.
What nonsense.
Their salvation was American, British and Canadian soldiers, working with the RCMP, who risked their lives to rescue these clots who seem to despise their liberators.
Mr. Pritchard added: "We believe that the illegal occupation of Iraq by multinational forces is the root cause of the insecurity which led to this kidnapping, and so much pain and suffering in Iraq."
Not a word of thanks or gratitude to the soldiers who carried guns and were prepared to shoot or be shot to save them.
Not a word about Saddam Hussein, who, more than any, is the "root cause" of misery in Iraq. Not a word about the suffering Saddam inflicted on Iraqis -- the mass graves, genocidal bio-chemical attacks on Kurds, wars against neighbouring countries, torturing Iraqis, homicides and fear that was imposed.
Christian Peacemakers didn't protest the 30 years of Saddam's imposed "insecurity ... pain and suffering." Why?
Because they'd have been gobbled up, that's why.
In their initial reaction, Loney's family expressed sorrow that Fox had been murdered, but "we don't bear any grudge or ill-feeling towards (the captors)."
Oh? What sort of people are these "Christian" zealots? Do they suppose the Swords of Righteousness Brigade assassins who kidnapped their loved ones are just ordinary Iraqi patriots who want to live quiet lives and praise Allah?
The CPT philosophy is selective -- and oriented towards anti-Americanism and anti-Western values wherever possible. Great injustices are tolerated, but American involvement must be protested, just as they protest Israel's defensive measures.
CPT's motto of "Get in the Way" boomeranged for them in Iraq. In Canada, CPT protests mostly on behalf of Indians in disputes in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and B.C. Any opposition is branded "racist."
SHOULD HOSTAGES PAY?
Now that the two Canadians and a Brit are rescued, one can safely note that CPT's presence in Iraq encourages violence, resistance and even suicide bombings against the "occupiers" who are their rescuers. That verges on betraying their country.
A CTV poll asked the question whether hostages should be required to pay the costs of their rescue if they were kidnapped in a country they'd been advised not to visit. Of the first 6,479 responses, 74% said they should pay, 26% said they shouldn't have to.
On a CBC radio phone-in show, a caller opined that the hostage ordeal was phony and that the U.S. military had the individuals in custody so as to garner publicity when they were released. The host didn't demur -- par for CBC.
Now we'll have to endure the inevitable book honouring the Christian Peacemakers and a movie glamourizing them. But reality remains: They are imprudent and foolish pacifists consumed with their own righteousness who depend on those they disparage to rescue them when they get into trouble.
Here is an extract from this morning's Globe and Mail story:
"I am grateful in a way that can never be adequately expressed in words," Mr. Loney, 41, told reporters at the airport three days after he was rescued, along with fellow hostages Harmeet Singh Sooden and Norman Kember. "It's great to be alive."Mr. Loney's praise was effusive compared to the more guarded expressions of gratitude uttered by some of his colleagues at Christian Peacemaker Teams, a pacifist aid organization that has been working in Iraq since 2002. Mr. Loney thanked both "the British soldiers who risked their lives to rescue us" and "the government of Canada, who sent a team to Baghdad to help secure our release." He made no mention of the U.S. troops who were also involved.
I don't think making the hostages pay a fee for their rescue is the best approach. They will simply raise the funds from their adoring fans and it will make the US govt look like money-grubbers.
However, isn't there some kind of criminal charge we can apply that would be similar to what we use if a citizen intereferes with a police officer? I like treason, but I don't think it would stick.
I wouldn't even dare be so bold as to say God had no hand in these people's rescue. There is great power in prayer. Its arrogant to conclusively declare, as the author does, that God had no hand in this rescue.
Not only are they anti-American, but they are pro-Democrat. Rush had this story last week and pointed out that the CPT website had an expired "action alert" for it's members to write editorials bucking up the Democrat response to a GWB speech.
Nail on the head here. This group is anti-American, but pro-Democrat.
Who would have guessed? /sarc
"I don't think making the hostages pay a fee for their rescue is the best approach."
I think a very serious look into every aspect of their entire life should be undertaken and published. Jerk every single skeleton from the closets of all of them.
They probably would have done more for Christianity if they had died as martyrs. OTOH, their group probably would have capitalized on their deaths to further denounce the U.S., who... wait, remind me again exactly how our soldiers were responsible for anything that happened to them.
Then why was their colleague killed? Why didn't his co-workers and God's love protect him?
The thing that really offends me is the reference to the "co-workers". I can respect someone (yes, including Muslims) who put all their faith and trust in God and give Him credit for their salvation,corporeal as well as spiritual. But to add that their only protection included mortal humans - their co-workers, but not the guys that actually did the intelligence and went in there and got them out - that a real slap in the face to the people that saved him - something I would really, really like to do this guy - whop him up beside the head.
The miracle is that there are indeed men such as these fine soldiers, men who are willing to risk their lives for God and country and the cause of FREEDOM.
God save these former-hostage ingrates from themselves, because it was their self-important, misguided liberalism that got them in trouble in the first place.
"Anti - American, but pro - Democrat" is , at least from folks like this, logically consistent. Sadly, it is not oxymoronic.
20.58% - Yes
79.41% - No
Freeped!
Well, living in a free country allows Mr. Pritchard to be an idiot in total safety. I hope the irony isn't lost on him...
His son was not so lucky.
I love the poll results.
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