Canada: American Deserter Must Leave

New York Times ^ | 14 Aug 08 | IAN AUSTEN

[PurpleMan]

Jeremy Hinzman, a deserter from the United States Army, was ordered Wednesday to leave Canada by Sept. 23...

Although the Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has not backed the Iraq war, it has shown little sympathy for American deserters, a significant change from the Vietnam War era.

[PurpleMan]

Enjoy Leavenworth, Jeremy!

[theDentist]

Welcome Home, Jeremy.

[Dr. Ursus]

I’m sure Pres.Obama will pardon the boy.

[Former Proud Canadian]

The Times gets things wrong again. The USA and Canada have an extradition treaty. The treaty covers laws that are common to both countries. For example, an American murder suspect would be extradited to the US because murder is also illegal in Canada. In the 60's and 70's draft dodging was not illegal in Canada because Canada did not have a draft. Therefore, no one was extradited on this charge.

Desertion from the armed forces is an offense in both countries. American deserters will find no sanctuary in Canada.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

Nah, I think the army discharged him along time ago. IIRC, when asked, the Army spokesman pretty much said he could come back anytime he likes...in other words, there’s no reason for him to keep hiding in Canada, since no one cares.

Also, IIRC, the deserter in question was somewhat nonplussed to find out that no one cares.

[fanfan]

[WayneS]

Excellent point.

There actually IS a difference between a draft dodger and a deserter.

Legally if not morally.

[Dr. Ursus]

What! He doesn’t get his Jengis Khan moment. Bummer!

[CharlesThe Hammer]

Perhaps now this cowardly bum will finally get his just consequences. It really bothers me that he has disgraced the honor so dearly earned by the brave fighters of the 82nd Airborne Division. In fact, it baffles me that someone could recall that storied litany of courage and sacrifice, yet think only of oneself.

[Clive]

-

[newnhdad]

They’ll be pardoned by President Hussein..

[exg]

Well said.

[Iron Munro]

I have been seeing this same headline day after day.

Let him leave already!

[Squawk 8888]

Canada’s policy during the Vietnam war deliberately mirrored the US policy of 1940-41 where Canadians evading conscription were allowed to stay in the US but deserters were sent back.