Posted on 09/14/2004 1:09:02 PM PDT by LibFreeOrDie
Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for your email on Missile Defence/“Idiots” statement. We received over 7000 letters & emials and therefore cannot respond to them individually.
If your comments were positive: They were generally based on a fear of missile defence for a variety of sound and thoughtful reasons, a respect for free speech or an understanding that Canada was well down the path toward signing on to this fiasco without a thorough public debate. You obviously recognize I was not criticizing American citizens as a whole, I was in fact criticizing politicians on both sides of the boarder who were blindly committing to such an outrageous proposal! For your support and kind words, I sincerely thank you.
If your comments were constructively critical: I appreciate your arguments and points of view. The basic arguments presented were: a) The language used was hurting the cause b) The U.S. deserves complete support because they’re our main trade partner or c) The U.S. defends us and ensures our safety.
To respond: a) The language used was perhaps bold, but it expressed an honest frustration at the lack of attention Canadians were paying to such an important issue, allowing it to slip “under the radar” of public debate. I offer no apology for passion or moral indignation.
b) Our trade partnership with the U.S. is reciprocal and interdependent. Trade did not end when Canada refused to enter the war in Iraq. My off-the-cuff comment will have no effect on trade.
c) Based on the serious criticisms of hundreds of scientists, scholars and former U.S. military personnel, one must conclude that the missile defence system, as proposed, will not work. You can’t “shoot down a bullet with a bullet.” It will challenge our mutual enemies to develop more exotic missiles and therefore accelerate the arms race, making us an even greater target for terrorists.
If your comments were crude, vile or threatening: I offer no response. Thank goodness you were part of a very small group.
For those that naively believe that Canada would never join such an enterprise, consider the words of former Defence Minister David Pratt…
“In light of the growing threat involving the proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction, we should explore extending this partnership to include co-operation in missile defence.”
“We should continue to explore appropriate technical, political and financial arrangements related to the potential defence of Canada and the U.S. against missile attack… Our staffs should discuss ways in which Canada could contribute to this effort.”
Proposal by David Pratt, former Minister of National Defence January 15, 2004
For more information and the truth about missile defence, please visit my website at www.carolynparrish.ca
Again, thank you for your messages and your concerns.
Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish, M.P. Mississauga-Erindale
Hmmm. I also sent her an email but didn't get a respnse. Of course, mine was a bit more pithy and only consisted of two words.
"we should explore"
Translation: The US can foot the bill for something we approve.
...Can we assume the first word was another term for copulation?
'Twould be a prudent assumption, yes. :^)
CAROLYN, YOU ARE AN IDIOT....I offer no apology for passion or moral indignation...
1)Check your facts : Missile defense works.
2)Once again Canada will sleep peacefully because Americans are "On the wall". It's got to feel funny calling yourself an "independent" and "sovereign nation" all the time you are relying on your neighbor to keep your family safe.
Very good. Well done then!
What if someone called her an "idiot"?
She didn't understand it....shoulda made it three words; the last being 'eh?'
Sorry, Carolyn, the spell-checker won't catch this one; you actually have to be literate.
Literally LMAO...................woman's a total moron. Good heavens.....how did THIS one get elected???????
Just like state employees everywhere...
How much extra would it cost to have the system merely deflect incoming missles to the north rather than destroying them?
Not so fast...she was probably at dinner at the bording house and was speaking across one of the guests.
P.S. I emailed her the very funny line "Canada. America's big, furry hat." I'm sure she enjoyed it.
what really got my goat was the reference to the "psychological damage caused by 9-11", not this missle defense nonsense. What a clueless dimwit -- she has no idea why she even angered so many people with her comments.
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