So what is the difference between...

[bush_cheney2004]

You raise some good points BC but I still maintain the comparison is invalid. Chretiens government acted after the fact in a sort of damage control mode. That does not in anyway justify what they did, it merely serves to illustrate what I've always said about them, that they were a dishonourable dishonest lower form of life. They were more concerned with their personal reasons than with honesty and the good of the country.

Understood, but the Americans were/are tarnished in the same consistent way (e.g. My Lai Massacre). If we are to make exceptions because of the nuance of "official policy", then we abandon the practical impact of decisions and policies whether it be American military intelligence or the former CAR.

As for Matchee, well I'm sure you are already aware that he removed himself from the entire judicial process by turning himself into a catatonic vegetable so no prosecution could ever occur. Personally I have my doubts as to the validity of the claim that he did it to himself. I believe that some of his fellow soldiers decided to enact that old military tradition of expunging dishonourable conduct in a draconian manner.

You do realize that this undermines your original contention vis-a-vis official / military policy? Who gave the "Code Red"?

The disbanding of the Airborne was just a political publicity stunt and should never have been contemplated in the first place. It turns out that it was neither here nor there though since we still have our Airborne, they just cant call themselves that publicly anymore.

Right...they were sacrificed on the political alter. Wose yet, all Canadian Forces felt the stinging rebuke and shame....it was their honor that was tainted.

Why didn't anyone react more quickly to Browns information? Thats a damn good question and one I've asked myself over the years many times. I think it can only be explained by the Ostrich principle, that or fear of being deemed disloyal and untrustworthy. Never the less I have always believed that such concerns should be subordinate to the truth and doing the right thing.

Correct....and it should eat at the guts of any professional soldier. Certainly it was not official Canadian policy to torture Somalis, but it was official policy not to do anything about it until it became a political liability.

Anyway I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on the validity of your comparison.

My comparison was meant to invoke introspection at all levels and circumstances for torture if "hitler" be the benchmark.

[AngusThermopyle]

Right...they were sacrificed on the political alter. Wose yet, all Canadian Forces felt the stinging rebuke and shame....it was their honor that was tainted.

Very true, I still remember the emotions I felt during this whole affair even though one served well it tends to be a case of being tarred with the same brush. Chretiens government did nothing to disabuse any ill feelings or will directed toward the forces at this time. In fact they did quite the opposite, the press were in a feeding frenzy seeking to spread the dishonour as widely as possible.

One must keep in mind that the Liberals have never been friends of the forces and in fact have more than once publicly voiced their disdain for the Military and serving members. I believe that this actually goes a long way toward explaining the scorn and dislike many in Canada feel toward our military to this day.