I imagine many in the Canadian media and intelligentsia are surprised and confused by the admission that Canada actually has troops, and that they theoretically have combat capability.
But imagine the even greater surprise, and disappointment, of US opinion merchants who want us to be, if not like Europe, at least like Canada. The admission that Canada a) has a military, and b) is sending them into a combat area - to say nothing of c) under US tactical control - is likely to send them into a coma.
Which come to think of it, would not be bad. So that'd be three big ones we owe our neighbors (after hockey and the MacKenzie Brothers).
What does one think? That our military is only there for show. That we have one of the most highly trained militaries in the world, to just play GI-Joe in a back field somewhere?
Of course no one wants to see our men and women leave to a far off destination to see them in harms way. But what war is good and meaningful enough to send our service people away.
They do know the risks before joining, do they not? Of course they do not want to get hurt or see their comrads in body bags, not a reasonable person does.
Has anyone ever spoke to the majority of service people about how it feels to be fully qualified to do a job, and never be allowed to do it. Or when you do go you are only seen as a peace keeper, as if people invision soldiers walking around smiling and saying"EH" to everyone they meet.
What is the point of Canada having a military, if society never wants you to participate?
This simply can't be happening. I was assured that Mr. Chretien had wisely kept us out of harm's way.
Posted at 2005-12-05 13:18:49 [PermaLink]