jay74

I believe that intervention is needed in Sudan. If the diplomats cannot get the job done, then force may be the answer. As for Canada, there is not much we can do. Our Foriegn Affairs Dept. has no real leverage because: A) Our diplomats are pussies! and Our military is weak! Whether we like it or not, a great number of countries gov'ts only understand the language of force.

The "dirty work" I am refering to are the situations that have happened throughout world, such as Rwanda and present day Sudan. Don't get me wrong. I do not think that we need to build some massive force and spread "freedom and democracy" around the world (aka USA). I do agree with you, we need to protect ourselves first and foremost but, we also need to be capable of helping others when the time arises. Peacekeeping was an ideal born in Canada and we need to lead the way.

I must admit, all this moanin and groanin (a true Canadian pastime) about the helicopter issue gets tiresome. Maybe the decision was right, maybe it was wrong. We must look at it as a positive move forward. If we do so maybe, just maybe, the government will be encouraged by the "positive reaction of Canadians" and begin to realize that our military does mean something to us as Canadians.

Time and time again we the screams, "our military capabilities SUCK!". And it is true. So what do we do about it? Do we sit on the sidelines and allow other nations to do the dirty work (or do nothing), or, do we spend the money to rebuild and modernize our forces, so we to can have a say in what goes on in the world. Really, it comes down to us Canadians. How do we want to conduct business around the world? Regardless of our relationship with the USA, we can no longer ride on their coat tails. If we want a strong and separate foreign policy from the states, then we will need a strong and separate military.