Posted on 08/08/2005 9:30:38 PM PDT by NorthOf45
Where is OUR Leadership?
By Peter Worthington
Toronto Sun
August 8, 2005
Good on Tony Blair! Finally, a leader of a democratic country who understands the nature of terrorism and is prepared -- nay, eager -- to do something about it.
Going to war in foreign lands is one thing, and essential at times to preserve or defend the freedoms we too often take for granted. British Prime Minister Blair has gone a step farther than even U.S. President George W. Bush and declared war on terrorism at home, risking condemnation from the faint hearts in his own party.
He's announced new measures to deport those who are foreign-born and who preach terror or violence to further their religious or ideological beliefs. As Blair puts it, simply and succinctly: "The rules of the game are changing." About time.
It's long overdue for Canada to show it too is serious about combating terror at home, even though we've not been physically attacked the way Britain, the U.S. and other countries have.
Britain, birthplace of the Magna Carta, the foundation of democracy and individual liberty everywhere, is prepared to amend its Human Rights Act to get rid of terror advocates who threaten freedom, stability, security.
The U.S. has a problem this way, handcuffed by the free speech terms of its Constitution. But it also has taken measures to excise the terrorism malignancy.
Canada, to the discredit of the Liberal government of Paul Martin and the previous government of Jean Chretien, relies mostly on rhetoric in its anti-terror campaign.
Oh, we send soldiers to Afghanistan but our politicians fear for their political lives if casualties occur. But we continue to accept potential terrorists into Canada in the form of illegals who, when caught at the airport with phony passports, claim "refugee" status and can't be deported without years of appeals.
The Supreme Court has ruled that a refugee claimant is entitled to all the protections of citizens. Unless there are extreme circumstances, they are released on their own recognizance, complete with welfare, medical and legal benefits. We can't even get rid of al-Qaida supporters who advocate suicide bombings against decent democracies, of which Canada is one.
Canadians see the folly in this but nothing is ever done except more pronouncements, declarations, warnings and soothing platitudes from those we elect to govern us. Where is our Tony Blair? Or John Howard of Australia -- now there's a PM of conviction and guts who doesn't shy from doing the right thing.
These guys are America's staunchest allies and lead their countries firmly and clearly. No Mr. Dithers they.
Britain's new and tough stand against those who advocate violence threatens no Muslim or resident who is law-abiding and decent. Legislation will be introduced in the fall, and Canada should pay attention and not wait until terrorism happens here before we act.
The main problem for Britain deporting terror advocates is whether they'd be tortured or killed in the countries they are deported to. That's also Canada's concern -- which also needs re-thinking.
Canada won't risk deporting any terror suspects to the Middle East for fear they'll be physically punished. This is nuts. Maybe if preachers of hate and violence knew they could be deported quickly and decisively, they'd be more circumspect.
Tony Blair is doing what Canada should do, but sadly we have a PM whose most daring venture is to appoint a Haitian-born CBC journalist in Quebec to succeed another CBC personality as governor general.
Ho-hum.
They do, but they'll do more besides.
"We have men there embedded with U.S. troops..."
I did not know that. I have learned my first thing for today. Thank you for enlightening me.
Interesting to see that even conservative Canadians view Free Speech as "handcuffing". Try speaking out against homosexuality in Canada, Mr. Worthington - you'll then be the one who is handcuffed.
I guess the author felt that it was necessary to remind the readers that, yes indeed, Canada IS a democracy.
He has. Peter is a good man and a damn good writer. I've met him personally. Also, as I said before on other threads, conservative Canadians and British are different than American conservatives. Many are Burkean and Hobbesean conservatives as much as Lockean. There are improtant differences. Regardless, we still value free speech highly in practice and theory.
The belief of free speech here that might be confusing you is a close adherence and preference to a social custom of civility, and military custom of silence. i.e. a combination of, if you have nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut (even if you have the right to do otherwise) and loose lips sink ships (and talking can still be grounds for sedition and treason).
It pretty much goes back to Tories and Whigs and the Revolution of 1648.
If you have a Peter Worthington ping list started, would you add me to it? Thanks! Ryle (in the West)
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