Too High A Price ESPECIALLY...

...you consider that our government and judiciary protect deserters from the US Forces!

A Leftist To The Very End!

Miller's speech an insult to our heroes


Was it an antiwar rally, David, or a Remembrance Day ceremony?

This Will Be Seen As Justice...

...by the likes of Olivia Chow and others who support the deserters from the US military.

Omar Khadr to serve 8 years; jury recommended 40


A jury has decided that Canadian-born Omar Khadr should serve 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to war-crimes charges, but a plea deal will ensure he serves no more than eight years.

Don’t welcome back Khadr


By EZRA LEVANT, QMI Agency

When life gets you down, what do you think about to raise your spirits? What’s the “happy place” in your mind? Someone you love? Something you’ve done that makes you proud?

How Typical...

...the fact that these "reports" might put solders in harm's way is irrelevant to this coward/deserter.

Deserters hope WikiLeaks release will help with asylum bids


A U.S. army deserter says he’s hoping the new WikiLeaks release of thousands of pages of classified documents, containing accusations of human-rights abuses during the Iraq war, will bolster his bid to remain in Canada

Identifying Traitors And Patriots And The Purpose Of The Military......

...and let's not forget that at the present time it is a volunteer army and the purpose of the military is to defend and one of the perils is possible death.

"The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his."
— General George S. Patton

"refusing orders, crossing borders": a report on the war resisters event in fort erie

US Appeals Court Overturns Stay On 'Gay Ban Order'? - 10 hours ago

Dan Choi Dan, a former US Army Lieutanant forcibly discharged after publicly revealing his gay orientatation, filed a fresh application Wednesday to ...

SEND THEM HOME...

...THEY VOLUNTEERED FOR MILITARY DUTY AND BROKE THEIR OATH/PROMISE TO DEFEND THEIR COUNTRY.

Ottawa urged to ditch army-deserter policy


U.S. army deserters and their supporters on Saturday urged the Canadian government to jettison an immigration policy they say prejudices their cases and violates international refugee law

A Copy Of This Editorial...

...should be posted at every border entry point into Canada and as I previously commented those politicians who voted in favour of the private members bill and those people who support the deserters should be banned from using the Highway of Heros.

Peter Worthington: War ‘resisters’ run into a wall of resistance

The "Landing Zone" painted by John Wehrle, Vietnam, 1966.

On its second reading in the Commons, Liberal MP Gerard Kennedy’s Private Member’s Bill C-440, requiring the government to cease deportation proceedings and grant permanent residency to Americans who come to Canada rather than go to war, was beaten 143 – 136.

It was a bit of a surprise, given that polls show most Canadians are fed up with the war in Afghanistan. Even more supported the past Liberal government for not joining the U.S. war against Iraq and Saddam Hussein. The Private Member’s bill which was originally introduced by Kennedy and seconded by NDP-er Bill Siksay, applied to those identified as “Iraq war resisters.”

Greatest support comes from aging Vietnam War draft dodgers who came to Canada. Many became productive Canadian citizens.

The Harper government has turned a cold shoulder to Americans who came here to escape going to Iraq and Afghanistan, and who call themselves conscientious objectors.

There’s a qualitative difference been Vietnam draft dodgers and today’s so-called “war resisters.” The draft dodger didn’t want to go to Vietnam, didn’t like the army, but since there was the draft (conscription) it was lump it, or leave the country.

“War resisters,” is a polite word for “deserter.” These are people who joined the U.S. army for whatever reason, and then decided they didn’t want to go to Iraq (or Afghanistan), or to return to the war zone, so decided to conscientiously object – not in their country, but a neighboring country.

Color it anyway you like, the bottom line is they ran away. In any army, “desertion” is an offence. If these Americans who are now seeking permanent residence in Canada truly oppose the idea of being in the army, why did they enlist in the first place?

Some sought an education or trade, and thought it was easy money. Others may have joined in a fit of patriotism after 9/11— and then changed their mind. Some went to Iraq the first time, didn’t like it, and deserted when they were ordered back for a second tour.

Some justify their actions by calling it an illegal war, and that they don’t want to kill innocent civilians. Pretty weak.

Those who think wars are stupid and unnecessary, and that soldiers are brutes who kill innocent people, do not usually join the army. Those who join the army and change their mind, should have the courage to endure the consequences. It is not bravery to run away and oblige a neighboring country to give asylum, against the wishes of a democratic ally.

So-called war resisters are not conventional refugees. They don’t face a death penalty or lifetime in prison if they are deported. Their lives are not in danger.

There may be individual cases among those fighting deportation, who deserve Canada’s generosity. But a blanket approval would be to insult and scorn thousands of our own citizens who join the army, and re-sign when their original contract expires, and endure repeated tours in Afghanistan.

Polls can be misleading. Many who say they support sanctuary for “war resisters” and/or “conscientious objectors,” might not be so quick to voice approval of “deserters” or “cowards.”

Bill C-440 seems another ploy to re-focus Canadian values, and in a way dishonors those who don’t like war, but do what they see as their duty and live up to their word. That’s what courage is. And that’s how 143 MPs voted last Wednesday.

National Post

Peter Worthington is the founding editor of the Toronto Sun and a regular contributor to FrumForum.com, where this originally appeared.

...from the Blogs

War Deserters Not Welcome
Gerard Kennedy's dream of making Canada a sanctuary for international war deserters died yesterday in the House of Commons. Too many of his colleagues skipped out of work early that his bill died on the floor. It would appear that Gerry doesn't have much influence over the Liberal caucus. Gerard had previously said "I am honoured to speak to a bill that requires the Conservative government t...


The Iceman more Comments
posted 15 hours ago @pragmatictory

liberal caucus, jason kenney, gerard kennedy, deserters, bill c, international war, barack obama, war in iraq, conservative government, house of commons, implication, canadians, sanctuary, colleagues, vote, canada

Where Will They Flee If Canada Is Attacked...

...there is no draft in the United States so it is assumed they volunteered and if circumstances arose that caused the reason for them volunteering to change then they should of stayed and suffered the consequences of break their word.

We Move To Canada writes:

war resister hinzman decision gives "new hope, but it shouldn't have come to this"

Wonder Women asks:

"Sincerely held beliefs"???!

I thought to be a refugee, you had to at least be fleeing from a place where you faced, I don't know, danger or persecution?
And who the &*@$% joins the army if they have "moral and religious beliefs against participating in war"?
There is something seriously wrong with this country.

Wonder Woman on July 07, 2010

Re: Give war resisters a chance, Tories urged, July 8
Canada proudly did not join the war in Iraq in 2003. At the time, tens of thousands of Canadians were in the streets saying no to George W. Bush's illegal invasion. By 2008, even Stephen Harper said that the war was “absolutely an error” because no weapons of mass destruction were ever found. It would be completely at odds with the Canadian position on the Iraq war to deport U.S. war resister Jeremy Hinzman to jail for agreeing with Canada and our Prime Minister that the war was a mistake. After six years of denial, it's time to let Hinzman, his family and all Iraq war resisters finally live at peace in Canada.
David Fox, York

 

 ...A PEACE paid for by those who continue to travel the Highway Of Heroes in Canada and those who gave their lives in the United States and other members of the UN.

 

A Valid Comment...

...and if I was putting my life on the line I would also like to know why my country is not more pro-active in sending deserters home to meet their obligations.

Not A Playground For The Faint Hearted...

...but nirvana for the peeking through the closed drapes cretins.

DiManno: When email critics can be corrosive and uncivil

Wed Jan 13 2010

Email etiquette is a work in progress. Even the modern-day Emily Posts have difficulty staying au courant on social graces in the rapidly mutating cyberworld of electronic communication.

Paying The Price For War Resistors And Deserters Freedom

weds july 8: vigil for war resister kim rivera

Toronto-area supporters of US war resisters in Canada, please join us this Wednesday, July 8, in front of the Federal Court on Queen Street. Lawyer Alyssa Manning will argue on behalf of Kimberly Rivera, her husband Mario and their three children, appealing the negative decision on Kim's Pre-Removal Risk Assessment.

Garthism

To air is human

By MICHAEL COREN

It was certainly a first. In almost 11 years of hosting a nightly television program I have never had a guest simply fail to show up, without giving anyone any notice whatsoever.

The Salient Point Is In The Last line.....

women making peace

Antonia Zerbisias celebrates women waging peace.

Not that all men are warmongers, but it's striking how, in recent years, the most outspoken, out-front, outrageous and out-there peace activists have been women.

And older women at that.

Is it because, as our baby-making hormones ebb, our anti-war-mones take over?

Here in Canada, we have the Raging Grannies, often seen at the front lines of demonstrations against everything from the U.S. attack on Iraq to the globalization of trade that exploits workers, including women and children, around the word.

Earlier this year, when Israel deployed its forces over and into the already besieged Gaza, it was a group of women who protested by occupying the Israeli consulate here in Toronto.

Author-activist Judy Rebick (Transforming Power: From the Personal to the Political) explained her being part of that to me: "When Israel attacked Gaza – and I know how few options the Gazans have, and that Israel was bombing (what many critics describe as) an open-air prison – I was just so outraged. So, when I was asked to participate in the sit-in to help make it more high profile, I said yes. And I got involved."

Not coincidentally, it was a female MP who publicly took a stand against the bombing of Gaza, the NDP's Libby Davies.

Last month in Toronto, at a meeting to support Iraq war resisters fighting deportation to the U.S., it was all women at the podium, including Michelle Robidoux, the group's principal co-ordinator, as well as current NDP MP Olivia Chow and former MP Peggy Nash.

Please click through to read more - but, as always, best enjoyed without comments.

Posted by L-girl

Heaven Forbid that peaceniks and supporters of deserter/cowards might be exposed to the perspective of the majority.

The Fact He Deserted Not A Factor?

cliff cornell jailed for having morals, speaking out

According to peace activist and lawyer James Branum, Cliff Cornell's one-year sentence was longer than the punishment meted out to 94% of US soldiers who go AWOL. It's clear that's because Cliff isn't not being punished for desertion: he's being punished for speaking out against the war. Soldiers, check your right to free speech - and your right to your own moral compass - at the door. MORE

Maybe The Justice System Does Work......

Breaking news: Negative decision in Hinzman appeal of h&c

If Not Us WHO?

Afghan men hurl stones at 300 women protesting law that allows husbands to rape their wivesSome 300 Afghan women have been pelted by stones as they gathered to protest a new law that critics say legalises marital rape. Police struggled to keep counter-protesters away.

300 women swarmed by 1000 Afghans pelting stones

MPs furious law stifling women's rights passedCanada's ambassador to Afghanistan says some of the men who sit in the Afghan parliament are furious that a controversial new law stifling the rights of women was passed without their input.

Afghans chase off rape law protesters
An angry crowd of more than 500 Afghans chased off a few dozen protesters in Kabul on Wednesday who criticised a new law for imposing Taliban...

Afghan female provincial legislator shot dead

Canada lobbies Karzai government on women's rights

Get troops out of Afghanistan, fallen Canadian soldier's family says

Fallen soldier 'our ray of sunshine'

I Saw Nutting...........

3 men shot in crowded club
By CHRIS DOUCETTE, SUN MEDIA
Three apparently innocent young men were wounded early yesterday when gunfire erupted in a crowded nightclub on the city's waterfront.

Has IGGY Voiced Some Negative Comments On Deserters?

two new, scary, cliched thoughts on a liberal-ndp coalition

The prospect of a coalition between my party of choice and an Ignatieff-led Liberal Party has got me thinking of two cliches.

"Be careful what you wish for."

and

"You lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas."

I will still agitate for a coalition to stop Harper. But now it's quite a bit scarier.

Deportation Orders Are Issued......

....why in the f*&k aren't they being carried out?

another war resister denied refuge, another deportation order in effect (more updated protest information)

I've just received word that war resister Patrick Hart, his spouse Jill and their son Rian have been ordered to be deported from Canada on October 30.

Tomorrow we will find out about war resister Matt Lowell, who lives in London.

If you are in London, Toronto, Vancouver or Ottawa, come out tomorrow to raise your voice against this unjust and inhumane decision.

The Harper Government is doing the US's bidding, punishing people who resist the invasion and occupation of Iraq. We want a Canada that reflects the will of the Canadian people! Let Them Stay!

Send ‘em all back

Aug 13th, 2008 by Backseat Blogger

This is good news and doesn’t come soon enough. The sooner all these shmucks are sent back, the better.

They knew what they were getting in for when they volunteered. To run away when the going gets tough is just disingenuous on their part.

Shame! Shame! Shame!

This decision is an insult to everyone of the brave men and women who have given their lives, to those who are putting their life in jeopardy on an hourly basis and to the families and friends of those who died.

Deserter granted last-minute stay of deportation

Updated Mon. Sep. 22 2008 4:04 PM ET

The Canadian Press

TORONTO -- A high-profile American deserter has won a last-minute stay of deportation.

A Federal Court judge says Jeremy Hinzman can stay in Canada for now.

Hinzman was due to get the boot to the U.S. Tuesday morning, where he would face prosecution for fleeing to Canada rather than deploying to Iraq.

Ottawa has refused his family's application to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

The 29-year-old Hinzman, his wife and two young children asked for the stay while the courts decide if they will review that decision.

His lawyer argued today that deserters who have been publicly critical of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq have received harsher punishment.