Posted on 03/26/2003 10:34:02 AM PST by quidnunc
We once entertained hope that Canada's cop-out on Iraq would pass under Washington's radar screen. In the lead-up to war, U.S. officials focused most of their anger on France, which threatened to use its Security Council veto to quash any resolution authorizing military force. The Congressional cafeteria renamed its french fries "Freedom Fries." Last time we checked, though, Canadian bacon still hadn't become Patriot Pork.
But that may change. Speaking in Toronto yesterday, U.S. ambassador Paul Cellucci made it clear that Canada's non-contribution to the war had been duly noted. "A lot of people in Washington are upset that Canada is not fully supporting us," he said. Asked about repercussions, he added Canada would have to "wait and see," and that "security trumps trade." Later in the day, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien downplayed the ambassador's comments, declaring vaguely that relations between the two countries are "important for both of us." But Mr. Cellucci's message can't be dismissed so lightly. Notwithstanding his diplomatic language, he is clearly signalling that the United States is fed up with Canada.
If Mr. Chrétien wants to heal the rift, his short-term priority must be ending the slew of juvenile anti-U.S. posturing issued from within his party. Various Liberals have declared recently that Americans are "bastards," and that Mr. Bush is a "moron" who is "not a statesman." The last quote came from Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal on March 19, the same day the United States began sending its airmen and soldiers into Iraq.
Till now, Mr. Chrétien has been unwilling to denounce such ad hominems: Apparently, he sees them as an escape valve for the anti-American sentiment that pervades his party. Indeed, he's taken some shots of his own — implying, for instance, that U.S. greed was at the root of terrorism, and suggesting in Mexico last month that controlling the United States was a more important goal for the UN than containing Iraq. All of this sniping is taking a toll in Washington. "We find [it] ironic … that when [Alberta Premier Ralph] Klein issues strong support for the United States, the Canadian government comes down hard on him," said Mr. Cellucci yesterday. "When Mr. Dhaliwal makes totally inappropriate remarks about the President of the United States, they kind of ignore it."
In the long term, though, Ottawa must do more than simply watch its mouth. What we need is nothing less than a full-blown overhaul of our government's institutional attitude toward the United States.
-snip-
(The National Post editorial, March 26, 2003)
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One has to wonder what more Mexico has to do to America before it too joins the ranks of Black Sheep of the WH.
Why would they care, they don't seem to like us yankee bastards any more anyway. I feel sorry for those Canadians that are on our side, seems they have been effectively silenced.
Not for long. Resentment is building. We are having pro America, Pro Freedom rallies here next week. In a way, I'm hoping Washington turns the heat up on Canada, it is a surefire way to get the Liberals ousted, should they decide they've had enough of them. I can't wait. There's a lot of angry Canadians who love and support the US and our time is approaching.
As well as Marines and sailors. Let's not forget them.
"Mr. Chrétien speaks for the Canadian government, but he does not speak for all Canadians. Contrary to the Prime Minister's Natural Resources Minister, Herb Dhaliwal, we do not believe Mr. Bush lacks "statesmanship." Nor do we think he is a "moron" or "bastard" as other Liberals would have it."
"Many of us, rather, agree with Stephen Harper, who declared on Tuesday that Ottawa's position embarrasses the country. "The Prime Minister's behaviour is gutless," the Opposition leader said. "We have historically as a country stood beside our best friends and allies, the United States and Britain, whenever they have been together. This is where we should be now." We also applaud Ernie Eves, who similarly declared that "The United States of America is our greatest neighbour [and] our greatest trading ally," and that ... "you have to be there in times of need for your friends and allies." (( National post // FR thread ))
"The Ontario Premier has spent this week watching the lines at the U.S. border getting longer, and rightly wonders what effect Ottawa's position will have on trade relations."
How True.
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