What I noticed about the statue prototype is that the two Americans draft dodgers represented are child sized. There's a big Canadian guy bending over them. The symbolism of this I find to be so ridiculous that it's hysterical.
Posted on 09/23/2004 11:38:40 PM PDT by anymouse
NELSON, B.C. – U.S. draft dodgers who fled to Canada are finally getting some recognition - in Canada.
Artists and activists in this picturesque lakeside town have announced plans for a bronze monument and festival to honor them.
"This will mark the courageous legacy of Vietnam War resisters and the Canadians who helped them resettle in this country during that tumultuous era," said Isaac Romano, director of Our Way Home, a celebration set for 2006. Dennis Klein, a sculptor and teacher at Kootenay School of the Arts, and artist Naomi Lewis have been chosen to make a memorial depicting Canadians embracing the hands of American resisters.
"I've met so many draft resisters over the years and some of them are local peers of mine that are artists and others are a part of the community," Klein said. "It would be nice to honor them and all those that actually took a step toward peace."
Galveston County activists;
Because things I write to "Richard Cheney Texan" go Bcc go directly to people in every corner of the United States including Hawaii but excepting Alaska, I get e-mail back from people I do not know as a result of synergism. I have never known Fred Hope from the state of Washington, but have added him (as others) to my address book because of his political bent. He asked for documentation regarding my "Canadians make monumental decision" offering, and went beyond being appalled; he has taken up the cause with the below results. Please utilize your mailing lists to further promulgate this movement by distribution of the below correspondence!
I first knew of this from an item on Fox News Channel, but written account can be found at: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/9/10/163418.shtml Dick
----
Dick, This is what I received back from the Nelson web site. Maybe we can spread this around. My next move is a letter to the editor in the Nelson newspaper.
Fred Hope
-------
I'll get the ball rolling. Thank God not all of Nelson is for this ridiculous ""monument". It has been suggested that if this "thing" is unveiled, Bill Clinton ( the most prominent draft dodger ) should be there for the ceremony!!
We always enjoy coming to BC for the wonderful skiing in the winter. I'm sure we will be back to Nelson sometime.
Fred Hope Ocean Shores WA
------
Greetings
I am a private individual who owns the Nelson Community web site at http://www.nelsonbc.ca
Like your self I am appalled at the idea of a Draft Dodgers Memorial. Please find below my letter to the Editor which was published in the Nelson Daily News 3 days ago.
After reading my letter I strongly encourage you to send your letters to the the editor at these 2 local newspaper email addresses
Nelson Daily News
and
express@expressnews.bc.ca The editor has asked to tell you that you must include contact information including telephone #'s before he publishes your letter (libel laws) and he fully intends to make your statements public.
I also encourage to express your outrage at these Nelson online discussion boards
http://www.city.nelson.bc.ca/guestbook/view.php
and here
http://www.nelsonpc.com/bb/
and here
http://www.discovernelson.com/phorum/list.php?f=1
Here is my letter which was published yesterday.... I support you all.
""Draft Dodger Monument
It is my opinion that erecting a "Draft Dodger Monument" celebrating the actions of a few Americans would be a grave error.
It is generally agreed that the Vietnam war was a pointless tragedy.
That being said, who has the right to erect this monument on behalf of Nelson residents? The overall perception would be that Nelsonites do not respect those who have gone to war to fight for our freedom. Does anyone remember Hitler?
I do not condone war but I am very grateful for those gave their lives when war has been necessary. As owner of the Nelson Community web site I have received several emails from Americans and Canadians who are appalled by the very idea of erecting this monument. Here is the comment which just arrived. "After I heard that "Draft Dodger Monument" story tonight, I wouldn't go to your city if they were giving out $1,000 dollar bills. You have got to be nuts!"
I personally know quite a few draft dodgers who made Canada their home many years ago. Their decision has to be respected but to erect this draft dodger monument to commemorate a few Americans is an insult to hundreds of thousands of others.
I suggest erecting a monument to recognize the sacrifices of the freedom fighters... Canadian and American.
This "National Story" has already tarnished the reputation of Nelson and we will all feel the repercussions, unless this ridiculous and offensive fantasy is immediately withdrawn from the realm of possibilities.
JP Gregoire Procter BC
OK... Time to close the northern border and cut off diplomatic relations. Fvck the Canuks.
Wasn't this a Mad Magazine parody many years ago?
About 10,000 American cowards and hippies went to Canada to dodge the draft or after deserting the military. More than half of them came back when Carter pardoned all the deserters and draft criminals (his first act in office). But many of them remain, either because they have jobs and families, or because they are tapped into Canada's generous welfare system.
On the other hand, about 50,000 bold Canadians came to the States, joined the Armed Forces, and served in Vietnam. Some were very highly decorated (at least two dozen served in Special Forces). Most of them stayed in the USA afterward and became citizens.
Tell me the Canadians didn't get the stinky end of that stick!
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F
I must be dreaming...making parodies can't be this easy.
They'll never be able to erect it as the paint will always run.
Look, it's clear that a lot of countries are just going to do things like this to tick us off. It's like when someone wants to get your goat and push your buttons. It's natural to fall for it the first time.
We should just let things get icy the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time, etc. Don't get mad, don't make noise - that's what they want.
Just be ice....
A simple question: Why? It's not like dodging the draft did anything to stop the war. They were in a situation they didn't want to be in, so they left the country to start in another. Why does that deserve recognition? And what's next, a monument to people who waited for the WALK sign before crossing the street?
God, what a puke-inducing bunch they are up there.
Perfect! I always said that there weren't enough public restrooms in Canada.
if that is true, I have gained enormous respect for some Canadians....
you know what galls me though, is that people seem to think that RUNNING AWAY is somehow a more superior act than staying and fighting the system and gaining your CO status...
I read a book once about guys who were sent to jail and did hard time for refusing to be soldiers....
now that is what is courageous and standing up for your principles, not running away and hiding til its over....that's chickenshit, if you ask me....
Are you sure it wasn't this one?
except for a quickie trip to Victoria that I had to take, I haven't been to Canada for probably 3 yrs...and its just a 100 miles away and a beloved trip.....oh well....
CANADA:
Leading the world in being just north of the USA!!!!!
I say we start supporting Quebec's drive for independence right now.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.