Death in Afghanistan: The media scent blood

The killing of Cpl. Anthony Joseph Boneca gives some in the media a chance to pile on. I wonder why.

1) "Slain soldier 'disillusioned' by Afghanistan duty"

Cpl. Anthony Boneca had recently become "disillusioned" with Canada's role in the conflict, his girlfriend's father Larry DeCorte said Monday.

Boneca, a reservist, didn't have the proper training to serve on the front lines where he died Sunday, DeCorte told The Canadian Press.

The same story reports what National Defence Minister O'Connor said today at 17 Wing, Winnipeg:

O'Connor said reservists who travel to Afghanistan get the same training as other military personnel but that once they are in the region, they cannot choose to opt out.

I watched the minister on TV. The CF members present cheered him several times, especially when recalled what a sergeant had told him when he was a young lieutenant in the army: "You only volunteer once". Actually this was the first time I have been impressed by Mr O'Connor; he handled himself well (except for saying our troops are in Helmand province vice Kandahar).

2) "Reservist was disillusioned with military: family"

Only one family member is quoted, an uncle. A girlfriend's father is not family.

3) "Slain soldier felt `misled': Patrols ran long, rations fell short, friend's dad says; Man considered talking of suicide to get discharged"

At least the Star does not call him "family".

Video of Minister O'Connor speaking in Winnipeg.

And a generally outraged thread at Army.ca; followed by this editorial. I urge you to read it. In particular this comment.

Mark C.

Posted by markc at July 10, 2006 07:40 PM