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.
Exellent question Mr. Worthington.
Peter Worthington Ping
They have all gone downunder perhaps?
They have all gone downunder perhaps?
Sorry, you don't have any. You're going to have to wait until you're all slaughtered in your sleep before you manage to find some, but then, when he steps forward your liberals will call him a war monger and toss him out.
Probably they are in the trash bin
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1459133/posts?q=1&&page=51
Radicals in UK warn of riots.
I don't see it like this. Seems to me that right around the time of the first London Tube attack (7/7) that very day, or so, some Muslim terror supported in Virginia was sentenced to life in prison for exhorting others to jihad. Britain's problem was that they allowed that which we were already prosecuting.
Canada Ping
I think our potential leaders left long ago.
Mostly to the states.
IMHO, the French snake we have entwined around our national throat has strangled our leadership.
Bad metaphor, but they're bad b*stards.
You forget that Alberta is the Texas of the north, and that northern Ontario is forever the true north, strong and free, and it still remembers that freedom has a high cost. That the Maritimes still remember the price of honour, as does much of Canada.
Now Canada sleeps, but when the terrorists jolt Canada, they had better watch out. Hell hath no fury like a disillusioned idealist.
"Now Canada sleeps, but when the terrorists jolt Canada, they had better watch out."
Sadly, it is going to take an attack to wake Canada up much as it has taken attacks aimed at Australia (Bali) and the UK to wake those populations up.
That's what I mean. Canada is like the Canadian grizzly bear. For the most part, lazy and gluttonous, idly wandering about, sleeping most of the time and good naturedly bad tempered (it'll make a few angry noises until it's left alone). But don't forget that Canadians proudly fought and died for their country from start to finish in the two Great Wars. Canada, as much as any other single country (and far more than most), suffered greatly in WWI. And WWII.
Because when you piss a bear off, or come near it's cubs? Then there's only one sure way to stop it.
Magnum: Buck, Slug, Buck, Slug, Slug. You could try a rifle, but most hunting rifles that aren't made specifically for big game likely won't do the trick. Bears have walked off with several shots of 7.62 (or the equivalent) time and time again.
And something tells me that the terrorists didn't come loaded for bear.
why would anyone attack Canada?
Are they a strategic target? no.
Are they significant part of any alliance? no.
Unless hockey is some kind of threat to islam, there is no significance to canada.
"And something tells me that the terrorists didn't come loaded for bear."
LOL, I like your turn of phrase.
Of course, we all know that there is nothing scarier than a mother bear protecting her cubs.
But hey, it's not all bad. Canada IS engaged in Afghanistan and the men there are serving with honor.
We're also in Iraq. We have men there embedded with U.S. troops, which many people seem to have conveniently forgot.
First of all, Canada would be attacked because it's a liberal democracy and it's in Afghanistan.
Secondly, we are a strategic target. Unless you consider NORAD to be unimportant.
Thirdly, it would negatively impact America's economy (what country do you think supplies America with more oil than any other one country: give you a hint, it starts with a C and ends with an anada.) 76% of our trade is with America and I think 24% of your trade is with us. A sudden drop in either demand or supply would send America's economy plimmeting again.
Fourthly, we are still a part of NATO, whether we pull our weight or not.
Fifthly, the terrorists just want to hurt liberal democracies. As we qualify, so we are a specific target.
Sixthly, it's easy to get into Canada.
Seventhly, the terrorists have networks already here.
I could go on and on, but I won't...
It seems, particularly with your last points, that it would be more prudent to just USE canada as a jumping point to attack the USA.
"why would anyone attack Canada?"
I guess you haven't been paying attentions to what the terrorists keep repeating.
Canada is part of NATO with soldiers serving in Afghanistan. This alone makes Canada a huge target and, as Americans, we should be grateful and maybe a little bit humble that there are folks up north who are standing by us, even if their support is not all that we could wish.
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