Chrétien's Stand Makes the World Safe for Canadians

The Montreal Gazette ^ | April 28, 2003 | Joseph Heath

[quidnunc]

With all of the hand-wringing over Canada's decision not to get involved in the American-led invasion of Iraq, one little detail has almost escaped public notice. By refusing to participate, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has done more to protect Canadians against terrorist attacks than George W. Bush has done for the United States by attacking.

After the Bali nightclub bombing that killed more than 200 people, including 88 Australians, it started to look as though any and all Westerners could be the target of Al-Qa'ida attacks. Now, thanks to our government's decision to stay out of the war, we can be confident that Canadians are much less likely to be selected as targets by Islamist terrorists.

Everyone seems to take it for granted that tourists around the world can sew little Canadian flags on their backpacks and get treated to a much warmer welcome. We sometimes forget that this love of Canadians isn't part of the fabric of the universe. And it's not because we're such nice folks and everyone in the world somehow knows it. The reason people like Canadians so much is that we refused to participate in the Vietnam War. The moral standing that we enjoy in the world today stems almost entirely from this decision.

When the U.S. starts throwing its military weight around, Canada's resistance makes us very popular with the rest of the world. Setting aside the pros and cons of the American invasion of Iraq, the fact remains that the overwhelming majority of the world's population opposed it. Canada is very closely associated, in people's minds, with the United States. Thus, the fact that we refused to knuckle under to American pressure greatly improves our moral standing.

So regardless of whether one agrees with Chrétien's decision or not, everyone should recognize that he has, in effect, made the world a much safer place for Canadians. He has helped to ensure that future generations of backpackers will be able to display their little Canadian flags and once again be received with greater kindness by strangers.

Cynical? Maybe, but still true. Our puny military contribution to the war would have had no effect whatsoever upon its outcome. Yet the impact of Chrétien's decision to stay out has been enormous and has done far more to enhance our security. All the footage of tanks and explosions should not lead us to forget that political action can be vastly more influential than military.

-snip-

[truth_seeker]

It should ALSO be observed that our Canadian neighbors are SAFER, because America would protect them, regardless of their INSANE, self-serving policies.

[SouthernFreebird]

So regardless of whether one agrees with Chrétien's decision or not, everyone should recognize that he has, in effect, made the world a much safer place for Canadians.

They have no shame...I would rather die as a fighting American than live as a cowardly, terrorist a$$ licking Canadian.....it's gonna be real hard to feel any sorrow when they are attacked.

[timm22]

Setting aside the pros and cons of the American invasion of Iraq, the fact remains that the overwhelming majority of the world's population opposed it. Canada is very closely associated, in people's minds, with the United States. Thus, the fact that we refused to knuckle under to American pressure greatly improves our moral standing.

So regardless of whether one agrees with Chrétien's decision or not, everyone should recognize that he has, in effect, made the world a much safer place for Canadians.

What a wonderfully direct and concise example of the mindset plaguing the European world.

Forget about what may be right, wrong, or in the best interests of your country or the world at large; if you act, people might not like it.

Better to give in to the demands of evil people and hide quaking in the shadows so no one will be mean to you. Better to ignore the pleas of your allies and of suffering people than to be disliked by dictators, fanatics, and hate-filled ignorant serfs in far away lands.

I feel terrible for those Canadians who still have some life in them and have to be associated with cowards like this.

[Sam Cree]

"Is Chretien admitting that he is gave in to terrorist blackmail to not support us?"

Yes.

[TonyWojo]

Joseph Heath holds the Canada Research Chair in Ethics and Political Economy at the Université de Montréal.

and probably related some way to DeGenova of Columbia

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

Now, thanks to our government's decision to stay out of the war, we can be confident that Canadians are much less likely to be selected as targets by Islamist terrorists.

No, Canada is safe because, like New Zealand, no one cares what you think, do, or say.

[theDentist]

By refusing to participate, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has done more to protect Canadians against terrorist attacks than George W. Bush has done for the United States by attacking.

First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

I guess it can apply to nations as well. By refusing to participate, Canada (Chretien) refuses to speak up, because it's not Canada. What a dolt.

[wesdale]

24 Canadians died on 9/11/2001 and many more are still vulnerable, regardless of what the Canadian government says about US policies in Iraq.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Dang! Just when the Vast Anti-Canadian Conspiracy was getting into full swing.

[ndafill]

Canada has been living under the umbrella of the U.S. defense for years and sucking off our tit. They are not paying their way, yet spout off with this inane nonsense.
They have not earned the right to have an opinion.

[Calvin Locke]

Chretien promised a goose to lay golden eggs, but they turned out to be lemons.

So, Mr. Heath is trying to make lemonade.

So, Canadians appear to be safer by kowtowing to the followers of the Religion of Peace and the one world under bureacratic dictatorship.

Who's to say Canadians won't be collateral damage in acts committed by those courageous Palestinian Freedom Fighters?

So, Canadians like paying extortion.

Canadians like paying a hundreds of millions in tax dollars for a gun registry that doesn't work.

Canadians like giving refuge to wanted murderers.

Canadians want citizens back that other nations want for terrorism.

BFD.

If Canada wants to help reduce tensions in the world, take back Peter Jennings and Ashley Talibanfield.

If they want to get a leg up on the US by being so highly moral, they can host the UN.

That, and maybe giving away free anti-SARS masks to the rest of the continent.

[Calvin Locke]

Chretien promised a goose to lay golden eggs, but they turned out to be lemons.

So, Mr. Heath is trying to make lemonade.

So, Canadians appear to be safer by kowtowing to the followers of the Religion of Peace and the one world under bureacratic dictatorship.

Who's to say Canadians won't be collateral damage in acts committed by those courageous Palestinian Freedom Fighters?

So, Canadians like paying extortion.

Canadians like paying a hundreds of millions in tax dollars for a gun registry that doesn't work.

Canadians like giving refuge to wanted murderers.

Canadians want citizens back that other nations want for terrorism.

BFD.

If Canada wants to help reduce tensions in the world, take back Peter Jennings and Ashley Talibanfield.

If they want to get a leg up on the US by being so highly moral, they can host the UN.

That, and maybe giving away free anti-SARS masks to the rest of the continent.

[Congressman Billybob]

Cowardice always looks like a good short-term strategy, especially by those who choose to hide under beds during thrunderstorms. However, cowards have a price to pay, when the threat is ended by the courage of others.

France will pay its price. Canada will pay its price. And the fool who wrote this article will be first in line to complain about economic and social consequences for Canada. As the saying goes, "Wake up and smell the coffee."

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, now up on UPI or FR, "All-American Arrogance"

Latest book(let), "to Restore Trust in America."

Also, latest article on UPI, "The New Iraqi Constitution," is also up on FR.

[Peter Libra]

Right with you Ivan. Please take all things posted by ye olde source with a pinch of salt. I just enjoy any criticism though- even of my adopted country Canada. What things an Englishman will put up with to hear and read honest old American free speech.

Cliche here. Having said that My adopted city of Sault Ste Marie, has a long tradition of service in the wars. Yellow is unkind. Anyway, forgive this little homily. My friend who has long roots in First Nations history, has his Canadian born son, out there right now with the American Forces- he has dual rights of course. Others from this area are also serving with - and are of the American forces.

Anyway, Edmund Burke was right and also Voltaire. Free Speech for all and nuts to calling Canada yellow.

[Let's Roll]

The degree of Canadian safety is in direct proportion to American military strength and resolve - i.e., if the US falls, Canada is next. Or the terrorists may have finally figured out that it is smarter to pick off the weak ones first instead of attacking the strongest - in which case, Canada is in deep doodoo especially since it has p!ssed off its neighbor.

[BluH2o]

Brings to mind something Churchill said about nations appeasing the Nazi's prior to WWII ... likening it to being thrust into a swamp with an alligator, by appeasement ... hoping to be the last one the alligator eats.

[KeyWest]

Were he in France during WWII, he would have pointed out the Jews so he could live safely under the Nazis. This, unfortunately was the norm.

So he is in keeping with his French heritage.

Someone should fumigate Canada. Forget France. It is past hope and on its way to third world status.

[Loyalist]

It doesn't surprise me that the Montreal Gazette would print this rubbish.

The Gazette claims to be the representative newspaper of Quebec's English-speaking minority, but it has long pursued an editorial policy of appeasing the Quebec nationalists.

Old habits die hard.

[Shermy]

this jerk forgets Afghanistan, where Canadian military is, the real concern of Islamists, not Iraq.

[LibertyJihad]

Ooops, he spoke a day too soon. It looks like an anthrax-laden ship was headed to - drumroll please ---- CANADA! That's right appeasers, you are the proud owners of the newest terrorist base. Your kind words and open arms have convinced international terrorists to base their operations out of you lovely, peaceful, appeasing country. Best of luck to you. Don't call if you need help.