Being Good Neighbors
The headlines have read Canada is opting out of NORAD. Primie Minister Paul Martin is caving in to his constutuency. These are very strong words. I am a Canadian. I live in the U.S. Here is my viewpoint. Canadians want NORAD the North American Radar Defense. I doubt Canadians want back out of it. We know it remains necessary. Prime Minister Paul Martin is suggesting Canada should be at the table when a missile is launched in protection of any incoming missiles. Expecially, if that missile is fired over Canada. The prime minister is claiming Canadian sovereignty. Is the prime minister playing politics...no. He is reflecting the desire of Canadians, myself included.
So exactly what is happening here? Canada is standing up to the US... perhaps. Whenver I start these discussions, I have to add... Canadians do not hate Americans. In fact, we like Americans. So, let's not start with any anti-Canada demonstrations. In a nutshell, Canadians see a resident and an administartion that cannot be trusted with the button. They are pretty nervous especially when this missiles fly over our country. This would never have been an issue if Clinton or Kerry would be president. Canadians see a president who launched into a war on less than credible information, dare I say fudged. This administration is intent on launching another war. Canadians do not view President Bush as being very stable. Can you blame us for saying before you begin lobbying nuclear missiles over our country, we would like to be sure you ahev all your ducks in a row.
Canadians recognize the US has right and a duty to protect itself. Canadians would horrified at what happened on 9/11 and would do everything they can to see it never happnes again. They have always recognized its role in the defense of the United States continent. That is why NORAD exists. The prolem is not with NORAD. The problem is with the current administration. The problem is not with the American people.
An aside... President Bush spent last week trying to mend fences. He received a lukewarm reception. Nice words. Europeans saw a president who is losing the support of his greatest ally and neighbor, Canada. Perhaps is he spent more time regaining the trust of Canadians, he may find a better reception in Europe.
So exactly what is happening here? Canada is standing up to the US... perhaps. Whenver I start these discussions, I have to add... Canadians do not hate Americans. In fact, we like Americans. So, let's not start with any anti-Canada demonstrations. In a nutshell, Canadians see a resident and an administartion that cannot be trusted with the button. They are pretty nervous especially when this missiles fly over our country. This would never have been an issue if Clinton or Kerry would be president. Canadians see a president who launched into a war on less than credible information, dare I say fudged. This administration is intent on launching another war. Canadians do not view President Bush as being very stable. Can you blame us for saying before you begin lobbying nuclear missiles over our country, we would like to be sure you ahev all your ducks in a row.
Canadians recognize the US has right and a duty to protect itself. Canadians would horrified at what happened on 9/11 and would do everything they can to see it never happnes again. They have always recognized its role in the defense of the United States continent. That is why NORAD exists. The prolem is not with NORAD. The problem is with the current administration. The problem is not with the American people.
An aside... President Bush spent last week trying to mend fences. He received a lukewarm reception. Nice words. Europeans saw a president who is losing the support of his greatest ally and neighbor, Canada. Perhaps is he spent more time regaining the trust of Canadians, he may find a better reception in Europe.
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