Canada doesn't deserve slice of Iraq reconstruction pie

The Star ^ | December 17 2003 | Rosie DiManno

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Redbob]

Canada involved in rebuilding Iraq?

What would the Iraqis need beer, snowmobiles, and cheap imitation Frenchiness for?

[Travis McGee]

GREAT!

[keri]

Canada ping. (There's hope for you, yet.)

[chs68]

"They are indignant over Washington's announced intention of offering reconstruction contracts — those posted for bidding thus far are worth $18 billion — exclusively to the 61 countries that constituted the coalition-of-the-willing, including those who gave nothing more than rhetorical support."

It's all really quite simple.

In fact, I believe Canada's former Prime Minister (Chretian) said it best a few months ago. His remarks were cheered by a group of Canadian Parliamentarians.

I will never forget what Chretian had to say.

He said, "Canada will not participate!"

That's for sure -- Canada will not participate!

[cynicom]

"But we are not worthy"...Fer sure, sad sack losers.

[KC Burke]

The one qualification that must be made is the Canadian support in Afghanistan. A support paid in blood as well as treasure. Americans haven't forgotten that and won't despite subsiquent geopolitical shuffling.

The size of the community of nations (over 60) that tied in with us in Iraq is seemingly overlooked due to a few major countries that worried that we were a soverign nation and not a UN outpost. I know some Europeons fear the so called US hegemony, but we are baffled by the concept. We see so much of the world driving Japanese and German cars, enjoying continental food and beverage, talking on scandanavian cell phones and buying every sort of consumer good from the far east that the concept is silly to us.

[McGavin999]

We'll jump at the opportunity. But we are not worthy.

We all knew this day would come, apparently the Canadians didn't. In poll after poll, the Canadian people were against the war. I would hate to be them as they watch the trials of Saddam and his henchmen. Will they have the courage to watch, or will they bury their heads in the sands once again?

The good people of Western Canada should make sure that the people see the result of their attempt to prop up Saddam. That could sweep conservatives into power for the first time in many, many years.

[CWOJackson]

"Canada is not the bosom friend and ally to the U.S. it claims to be (when it serves our purpose), not if friendship and alliance is measured either by deed or moral support. We continue staking ownership to this special and intimate relationship, yet we don't act like pals. We act like morally superior harpies."

Yep.

[ElkGroveDan]

She must have been switched at birth. Maybe a vacationing Canadian mother gave birth in the US and they took home the wrong baby. I guess that also means there is some sniveling, sour, insecure and angry liberal in the US that is really a Canadian.

[headsonpikes]

Yep.

I agree. ;^)

[CWOJackson]

We shouldn't make a habit of it.

Seems like the attitudes of French, Russians, Germans and Canadians have a way of bringing a lot of people together.

[what's up]

Germany and France may get a few crumbs because Iraq has debt owed to them. However, Canada is just out the in the cold, all alone, just like she should be.

[anoldafvet]

The one fact everyone seems to forget in this whole deal is: IT'S OUR MONEY!!! The American Taxpayer is funding this reconstruction, why should we give the Canadians (or anyone else) any share of it?

[surely_you_jest]

We act like morally superior harpies.

Close, but no cigar. Canadians have acted like future ex-wives.

[xp38]

I'm shocked this came from the Star. Occasionally Rosie Dimanno has had a lucid column or two but its still a shock. It's like finding some colunm you agree with in your typical lefty rag. Just the other day I got a telemarketing call from the Star and I simply said I could never buy it because of the political stance they take in general.

[inyurhed]

I'm glad to see that not all Canadians run and bury their heads in the sand when a crisis erupts. However, the fact remains, your country should have been there with us. Even if you weren't able to send troops, there were other ways that an ally could have aided. That's what an ally and a friend should do. Even if you had doubts and concerns, you don't turn your back on your friends, unless you're French. But,your government made a decision. By announcing your non-participation, your government took it's stand. Why now, should we allow you to retract it? It's too late to try to cozy up to the U.S. now that there's money on the table. This is not the behavior of a friend, and Americans have long memories. Just as many Americans are boycotting anything French, I urge anyone reading this......Spend your vacationing dollars elsewhere. Buy British ales if you must have an imported beer. Stay away from Molson and LaBatt's. Just as the French, we need to hurt the Canadians where it hurts most.......in the wallet. Let's face it, the only way to get these "allies" to pull their heads out of the sand, (or *sses, as is the case with the French) is to take away our financial support. Perhaps when the people of the countries realize that there are consequences to their actions, or in this case inactions, they can take these lessons with them into the voting booths. Don't forget who your friends are. You can be sure that we won't.

[albertabound]

Canada and the Iraq War: Two Solitudes Emerge
Nationally, Equal Numbers Support (48%) and Oppose (48%) the U.S. Led Military Action Against Iraq
However, A Majority (54%)of English Canada Now Support War While Just 29% In Quebec Do
Half (51%) of Canadians Support Offering Help to Coalition -- Six in Ten (58%) in English Canada Support Move Compared to 28% in Quebec


The above is an exerpt of an Ipsos poll take last April whis illusstrates that the majority of English Canadians supported the war and the coalition. The true culprits are in Quebec. Saddam was not the only despot smoked out of his hole this week as Chretien scuttled out of Ottawa and back to his home Province. This article from the liberal mouthpiece Toronto Star (read NY Times clone) is proof positive that the hypocritical left wing media from central Canada sees the writing on the wall and big changes acomin'. Canada, as usual, is one election behind.

[albertabound]

http://www.canoe.ca/Columnists/macdonald.html

This from the Toronto Sun.