Published in the Midland Mirror
19 April 2011
Letter writer Vincent Barns is rather offensive with his letter, “Vote
to stop ‘diabolical’ prime minister” (April 8, Midland-Penetanguishene
Mirror). First of all, Harper was democratically elected, not once,
but twice. He did not “seize” power. Secondly, he is not an “acting
Prime Minister”. He is the legally serving Prime Minister, whether you
like it or not, Mr. Barns. If you don’t think you are living in a
democracy, then go live in places like China or Iran and get back to us.
Lastly, his statement, “Billions of taxpayers’ money for expensive
planes to satisfy the thirst for war. Billions more for warships and
sophisticated weapons that will kill large populations,” is a complete
insult to our military men and women. As a former naval reservist, I
can tell you that no one in the military wants to go to war and kill
people. Sometimes we do go to war (I’m not here to debate the merits of
Afghanistan or Libya), but thankfully it is not all that common for
Canadians. That said, in order to maintain the peace, you need a
strong, well equipped military that can act with force, if needed, to
discourage or repel any threats. Many Canadians still view Canada as a
“Peacekeeper Nation”, which is untrue (pick up a history book), but even
if you accept that, a peacekeeping military still needs to be
adequately equipped; that includes having jet-fighters, warships and
sophisticated weapons (and well trained personnel). Even a peacekeeping
mission can rapidly deteriorate into a war-zone, as happened in the
former Yugoslavia in the mid-1990s. In September 1993, members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light
Infantry, were forced to defend themselves during a 14-day battle with
the Croatian Army during Operation Medak Pocket, otherwise known as
“Canada’s secret battle”. For those who don’t know the story, I
encourage you to read about it. The Commander-in-Chief’s Unit
Citation was awarded to the 2nd Battalion,
PPCLI, although belatedly in 2002, for their actions during the battle.
This is the original letter, published in the Midland Mirror, that prompted my response:
Midland Mirror
April 8, 2011
PENETANGUISHENE – When our acting prime minister got caught usurping
Parliament, the opposition cried foul. This didn’t seem to bother him.
He gave the public a month to decide who will govern.
any government funds. Apparently, the unworthy parties will not get the
$2 per vote to fund the next election. He says it’s a waste of
taxpayers’ money.
autocratic party will get huge sums of money from the corporations whose
interests he looks after.
He and his friends have put Canada more than $57 billion in debt and
signed contracts for unlimited billions for new war preparations.
Billions of taxpayers’ money for expensive planes to satisfy the thirst
for war. Billions more for warships and sophisticated weapons that will
kill large populations.
power. We must return to responsible government; if it is a multi-party
government, all the better.
There is no reason why all should not come together in agreement for the
betterment of all Canadians. In this election, we can vote against war.
