So Peter MacKay gets shipped off to Afghanistan to lay on some classic conservative military patronizing - and keep him from commenting on Schreiber-Mulroney-Harper-MacKay-gate. So what does "el-dorko" (he of the inappropriate comments about a certain lady from down South) do? He decides he should spout off about Iran backing the Taliban with supplies.
There are a few serious problems with this: You don't come out to give a message of peace and support to the troops, and use the time as a platform for your own political gain (the cons LOVE to pretend the military is their baby - even though we know Pierre Trudeau spent more on defense than they do); You don't use such an occasion to take random potshots at another sovereign state - without the appropriate diplomacy and evidence; Looking like some imbeciles simply carting in the standard US messaging has never been Canada's place - we've always been more objective, and it allowed us (even being a NATO and Commonwealth member) to be respected for our opinions. Joining in blindly with the "you're with us, or you're 'agin' us" mentality is a sure-fire way to get hated really fast.
There are ways to approach a nation which could explode at any time - and being the schoolyard bully is not it. Someone will step up and be the peace-broker in this region. Unfortunately, a nation that is shamelessly aligning itself with one of the aggressor sides is not going to be that broker. A nation like Sweden is more likely.
I hope fellow Canadians are starting to realize what a shameful mockery these Conservatives are making of Canada's proud international reputation.
3 comments:
What a rhetorical, garbage post.
What else can you expect from a left wing spin doctor.
Why did Jean Chretien, Paul Martin and now Dion not visit the troops?
That must be because they were TRUE leaders.
What a joke.
even though we know Pierre Trudeau spent more on defense than they do
You think? So how much did "Trudeau" spend on the military?
Wow! Seems like I touched a nerve here... One over on the "extremities".
Firstly, how the heck anyone can construe this as a "right/left" thing is beyond me... (Johnathon)?
Secondly - posing in front of the troops doesn't make one a "leader". One need only look at our neighbors to the South (see Bush, Nixon, LBJ, etc.). Sure it's a good soundbite and video clip. Great PR. Now lead.
For the record, I'm a bit of a military historian. Have been infatuated with studying the World Wars since a young age, and have many family members in the forces. I have a lot of respect for the forces and our men and women in uniform.
As far as where I stand... For someone on the extreme right of the Canadian spectrum (you), I'm glad I'm to the "left" of you. Probably another 60% of Canadians would call me "right". Go figure - I'm a "centrist". A die-hard "centrist". Get used to it - there are a lot of us around.
I post to promote a free and open debate - partaken in a positive manner. Feel free to disagree. Just do it nicely. You'll notice I published your retort. I respect differing opinions - unlike extremists on either end of the spectrum.
Dante: Read further through my past posts. I believe there is a link with all the figures. Knock yourself out.
Thanks for the comments folks. Thanks for stopping by.
Post a Comment