Posted on 10/08/2012 5:56:16 AM PDT by Dartman
Predictable elements are uneasy that Foreign Affairs Minister John Bairds tough speech at the UN represents a shift away from Canadas usual tiptoeing around sensitive issues.
Baird scolded the UN for its inability to resolve crises (e.g., Syria), and its reluctance to take decisive action when rogue regimes run amok or defy international opinion. That sort of thing.
In taking a tough stand, Baird undoubtedly reflected Prime Minister Stephen Harpers attitude and Baird was filling in for Harper who, instead of addressing the General Assembly along with other heads of state, was accepting a Statesman of the Year award.
Speaking for Canada, Baird essentially called the UN useless kissing the butts of every dictator who violates human rights, making speeches that are mere rhetoric and sanctioning any nonsense that is critical of the state of Israel.
To some, Bairds speech was indication that Canada is abandoning its traditional support of the UN, signalling that its becoming more independent, dealing with friends and allies, and no longer bothering to appease or persuade enemies.
If this is the case maybe good, maybe not so good, depending on circumstances.
One thing Canada does not need to prove to the world is its good intentions.
More than most countries, Canada has opened its doors to the world. It is tolerant (sometimes to a ridiculous degree) of the social and cultural differences of others. We even adjust our own traditions, so as not to offend others. Again, sometimes foolishly.
The UN was set up after the Second World War to do what the old League of Nations was intended to do, but failed miserably: To resolve international disputes without recourse to war.
The Leagues abject failure was apparent when Italy invaded Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and Hitler made various land grabs with impunity until Britain drew the line when Poland was invaded in 1939.
The UN resorted to force when North Korea invaded the south, but that was only because the Soviet Union was pouting and boycotting the Security Council which OKd military intervention.
(We forget that when Katanga legitimately sought independence around 1960, the UN used force to prevent secession from the Congo).
Canada financially supports various UN agencies, some of which seem bureaucratic nightmares more attuned to totalitarianism than democracy.
For more than 60 years the UN has had limited effect in making the world a better place. Perhaps Canada, which has been a loyal supporter of the UN, would have more influence if we sided and identified with countries that worked for the same values to which we subscribe.
We Canada can do this because we have proved that we threaten no one; we deal openly and courteously with all countries; we have no hidden agenda. This may sound patronizing, sanctimonious, even arrogant. But its true.
What upset some people in Bairds speech and the PMs recent pledge of friendship and support for Israel is that its something of a break from Canadas past caution about possibly offending anyone.
Maybe its time we stopped trying to please everyone, and stood up for what we believe. If the UN is miffed, get used to it because we arent likely to change.
Perhaps its also time for the UN to change to develop a little backbone when confronting tyrants, even though its short of muscle to impose its will on anyone.
It’s past time for the UN to leave the US.
Do you perchance have a link to either a video or the text?
It’s time for EVERYONE to leave the UN, not just Canada. FTUN.
"GO CANADA!!!!!
Canada Ping.
I searched and the only place I could find the full text was here
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/10/01/john-bairds-speech-united-nations-text_n_1928907.html
Wash your hands after clicking on that link.
Ta Da PING
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
Lead the way, Canada! Show that it can be done!
Maybe Washington will have enough common sense to follow.
Canada Ping!
Good speech, but words are just that...the ONLY way the UN will ever change is if the US cuts the purse..
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.