Posted on 03/26/2003 11:05:41 AM PST by HamiltonJay
No, Canada’s problem with the war in Iraq is not a moral objection to removing Saddam, it’s the fact that the coalition, led by the United States and Britain did so without the approval of the UN Security Council or more precisely without the approval of the impotent French. Furthermore when members of her own government confronted their PM’s stand on the matter, his response was not “the war is unjust”, or anything meaningful, his defense for not joining the coalition centered around the fact he would never apologize for Canada being a sovereign state.
So there you have it, Canada is refusing to liberate Iraq, not because it is wrong, but because they feel they must show the United States they are their own country. So, Canada’s government is opposing the war because of what effectually boils down to geopolitical penis envy and spite. The US action is right and just, but we aren’t going to go along because the US did it in a way we don’t feel they should have, we’ll show them…. Oh how very French of you Mr. Chretien, becoming a sheep to French global ambition shows the world just how much of an independent and free thinking nation Canada is … now if you could just find a way to make Eh sound as aloof and homosexual as a frenchman’s laughter, you’ll be all set.
Various politicians up north have taken to US bashing in the past few weeks, calling the the United States citizenry a bunch of “bastards”, claiming our President is a chap of very little brain, it’s almost like listening to a the DNC talking points memo. Crowds booed the US National Anthem at an NHL game. Funny, I wonder if those fans ever wonder why it is “their” national sports biggest players play in a league where the National in its name doesn’t refer to Canada?
Is this the behavior of good neighbors having a difference of opinion? No, it’s the behavior of pathetically small minded individuals attempting to pretend national pride equates to competent leadership, and it does not.
We have been friends and neighbors long enough to be frank, so lets just be honest here. You know as well as I America is not a nation that uses cudgels (I don’t know why but Canadians seem to have a kick for that world lately, at least the CBC news reporting seems to) to expand her influence or on those who get in our way. We respect the opinions of just nations, even if we do not agree with them. While America unquestionably has the military might and capability to conquer the globe, we have not, and have no desire to do such things. We project our power effectively, use it justly and when its use is required, we apply it sparingly. We are not a nation that goes looking for a fight. We may at times be crude, rude and even ignorant… but we are not a nation quick to anger and violence. We protect our friends without hesitation and defend and expand the reach of liberty around the globe.
We aid all peoples of the globe, even those who openly despise us. We can be counted on to do the right thing, regardless of the cost to ourselves… we are not motivated by moral relativism or political expediency. When faced with an undeniably proper path, we will walk it, even if it means we must do it alone! We know right from wrong, and good from evil, and we will not hinge our leadership blindly and wholly to what others think. We go to liberate Iraq because it is the RIGHT THING TO DO, not because the UN or anyone else said its ok. We do not walk hat in hand when faced with Evil asking for others to sanctify our cause, and up until recently we did not believe that Canada did either. Sadly we found that French-Canadian has far more to do with being French than being Canadian… but somehow I think most Canadians already knew that.
I still have hope for you neighbor. I am not going to write off a long time friend over a short term lapse in moral clarity, particularly a neighbor who has had to deal with French ideological bombardment since his inception. Make no mistake however, when the abject horrors of the Saddam regime are exposed to the light of day, his WMDs are paraded for the world, the victims of his brutality are free to speak out about their experiences… where will Canada be? Will she be standing shoulder to shoulder with the coalition? Proud for helping to make the world a better place? Or like most of the nations of Europe post WWII will you be holding your head in shame as the truth about what you decided to let slide comes out? I know that I will be able to look myself in the mirror at the end of the day. Oh Canada, will you be able to?
“Remember, I’m rooting for you, we’re all in this together.”
(Thanks!)
This current streak of Canadian belligerent excessive snotiness will be remembered here in the USA...
Chirac I see as merely shameless in asserting France's perceived interests and satisfying French cultural inferiority complex. And hiding/protecting deals with Saddam.
Chretien is not so complex. His failure to help after 9/11 (remember Bush's 9/01 speech leaving out Canada, and expressed concerns that the Canadian border was a greater threat than the Mexican). His reluctance to go to the WTC. Etc. Coupled with Chretien's statements that 9/11 occured because of the "poverty" in the world that America was tacitly causing.
No amount of intelligence about Saudi and Islamism can dissuade this man. He's a true believer. His ideology is corporate/leftist/globalist, essentially unifying Corporate interests in stripping America and Canada's people of wealth in the pursuit of "free" trade, and having the taxpayers subsidize it. The cover story is helping the poor of the world, and tacitly there is a dislike for people of the West.
I'd bet Chretien's ingrained anti-Americanism comes from elitism, insecurity, and other typical sources. But he keeps talking "globally", seemingly disconnected to the real world and the causes of 9/11. He has shown he will stay disconnected and will not reform his anti-Americanism. It seems to be an anchor for his identity.
I recall the phrase; "Scratch a socialist and he will bleed blue, like a monarchist". Socialist don't want to get rid of kings, they just want their own king. I think the French mind struggles with this paradox. So much the ill for Canada.
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.
