April 1, 2003: Pouring rain didn't stop thousands of ordinary Canadians from gathering on Parliament Hill, in Canada's capital during the weekend, for a rally in support of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. In an obvious symbolic slap in the face of official Ottawa, and Canada's senile Prime Minister, the crowds enthusiastically waved American and Canadian flags in support of the United States and the war to liberate Iraq.
"Our allies are going to win this war, they're going to win it with the silent majority of Canadians behind them," Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper told the cheering crowd.
Several marchers waved both American and Canadian flags, while some banners showed the two flags intertwined.
"The government of Canada has really betrayed the United States, our greatest friend and ally," one marcher told reporters.
"They (antiwar protesters) don't speak for the majority of Canada. They have no guts. They have no guts," agreed a woman nearby. "These are our friends and neighbors. If your friend was in a fight, you'd go help them."
Organizers proudly pointed out that despite the rain, turn-out was much larger than expected; and it dwarfed parallel anti-war rallies in several Canadian and American cities.
The Ottawa crowd heard from several Opposition politicians, but ruling Liberal Members of Parliament who were invited didn't show up at the rally. Smaller rallies were held in several other Canadian cities, including Red Deer Alberta, to show main-street Canada's support for their American neighbors. And these pro-America rallies will culminate in a giant 'RALLY FOR AMERICA' gathering in Canada's most populous city, Toronto, on Friday April 4th.
Canada's ruling elite may have turned their back on America, during that nation's time of need. However, ordinary Canadians are demonstrating that they haven't forgotten who their friends are. And a wave of anger against the ruling Liberal government is slowly building among the previously voiceless majority of Canadians.
If you live in Toronto, or anywhere near Toronto, then start making plans to attend the Friday April 4th Rally For America' rally, and let your voice be heard too.
You can find more details about the Friday rally, at City Hall at 12 noon, at the 'Rally For America' Web site.......