Posted on 09/28/2004 7:08:53 AM PDT by Ashamed Canadian
OTTAWA - Canada should work with the United States in the controversial missile defence program for political reasons, not just security concerns, Defence Minister Bill Graham says.
"We are talking about the nature of the relationship we want with the United States and that's why I'm a strong proponent," Graham said in an interview. "My view is, on continental defence matters, we should be really accommodating of the Americans and work with them as closely as we possibly can."
Both Canadian and U.S. officials have argued the defence shield, costing an estimated $53 billion (U.S.), is needed to protect North America from a missile attack launched by a "rogue" nation or even a terrorist group.
(Excerpt) Read more at thestar.com ...
Is it permission to use our airspace that is at issue? I haven't had enough time to read up on it. Since, as of yet, there will be no missiles located on Canadian soil, what is the nature of our joining in.
As I understand it, the American airforce is allowed to use our airspace as part of NATO - that airbase in Newfoundland - Goose Bay is it? It's one of the biggest in the world and American aircraft are always flying in and out of it. Also, I recall an agreement signed where American jets can use Canadian airspace in the event of another terrorist attack. As for missiles on our soil, I thought we already had American missiles somewhere out in the tundra? It would probably be a good idea to have some in Canada, who knows, it may be better strategically to guard some of the northern American cities?
Also, we would be contributing funds, personnel and technology as I understand it.
NMD bump. Thanks, Canadians!
I understand that US fighters make use of Canadian airspace and bases. I guess the confusion is with the Canadian government telling us that it will cost nothing to join in. This is misleading of course in that if we agree to join in, it will be in principle at first. Then when we want to make use of the system for our own protection, it will require Canadian resources.
Well you know our government - this is the same government that refused to side with the U.S. in principle during the build up to the war in Iraq, and then sent the 4th largest contingent into the sphere - Canadian destroyers and frigates (4, I believe) operating with the various American Carrier fleets and interdicting foreign vessels in the Gulf. Canadian soldiers working quietly within American and British regiments. Canadian Princess Pats patrolling a key base in the United Arab Emirates, from which AWACS were flying to guide F-18's etc. on their bombing runs. That is the nature of our government - tell one story to the population, and to the world (that we will not be involved in Iraq) whom you've brainwashed for 40 years in order to appease them, then do the exact opposite and join the U.S. covertly (we should have given America overt support, but perhaps on the world stage, North America needs a 'good cop' - Canada, and a 'bad cop' - United States. How else do you explain that we still have an embassy in Iran? Is it because we have such good relations with the Iranians? I don't think so. I think we're there to observe. Just a theory on my part, but I think it holds water.
And the U.S. President should tell them to take a hike!
Yeah, 'cause that'll fix everything.
At least until your countrymen wake up and elect a government that will throw political correctness and all the other crap you have to put up with out the window.
Of course, it goes without saying, our government is perfect.
Yeah...that would be dumb. :)
Maybe you ought to read the article again.
Maybe you should at least read the first sentence. Speaks volumes.
I agree with this. But it's not likely, unfortunately. Let's hope the U.S. doesn't elect a like-minded gov't (Kerry and the Dems) in November.
Right-o!
Maybe you should at least read the first sentence. Speaks volumes.
I see you have conveniently left out this part: "not just security concerns.." in order to support your argument. Not that I'm trying to start with you, but that's the same type of thing Michael Moore and the Left is guilty of when putting forth an argument. At any rate, while I do like your government, I'm sure they are just as guilty on alot of issues in acting within their own self interest as my government - nothing new there, it happens the world over, I'm sure.
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