Just a Couple of Little News Items

[Newfie Canadian]

I've done my share of criticizing the CPC and Mr. Harper, so here are a few funny little items that make say "What the heck?" in regards to Mr. Martin.

Up to 40 troops could head to Iraq to aid in training of Iraqi forces. While I'm not opposed to this, I just find it a little odd since the government, both under Chrétien and Martin, have refused, rather emphatically, to send Canadian troops into the quagmire that is Iraq.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...?hub=TopStories

Apparently, the cabinet and bureaucracy can't come up with any fresh new ideas in regards to Canada's place in the world, so Martin is getting the help of a Canadian born, Oxford professor. If Martin has to do this, how can we have faith in the people who are running things in Ottawa, and I don't just mean the politicians.

I will confess, I was dismayed when I read the headline and story, but I've read Miss Welsh's bio and it's not like she's someone who has been out of Canada and Canadian institutions for decades, so my fears were lowered somewhat.

What's interesting is some of her proposals would fit more with a CPC idea of foreign policy than a Liberal one.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...78_8?hub=Canada

This is just downright idiocy.

I'm talking of course about the Big Canadian Flag Pin Caper.

It seems that the flag pins given to Senators and MPs were made in China, but star Liberal(?) MP and Public Works Minister Scott Brison said from now on those pins will be made in Canada.

China?!?!?

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...1107569879305_5

I just thought they were interesting little stories.

Carry on.

[caesar]

Up to 40 troops could head to Iraq to aid in training of Iraqi forces. While I'm not opposed to this, I just find it a little odd since the government, both under Chrétien and Martin, have refused, rathe emphatically, to send Canadian troops into quagmire that is Iraq.

That is a completely different story. Canada does support rebuilding Iraq; we didn't believe that the invasion was appropriate. That is a big difference and quite expecting in our Peace keeping type of role.

[Newfie Canadian]

Well casear, looks like it's moot. PM PM has said no troops to Iraq.

From CTV:

"We refused to send Canadian troops to Iraq two years ago. That decision stands,'' Martin told the Commons.

"Canadian troops will not be going to Iraq.''

There may be the possibility of sending a small number of troops to help with training in a third party country like Jordan.

[caesar]

Just as well. It is much too dangerous while the USA is still in control there.

[kimmy]

Up to 40 troops could head to Iraq to aid in training of Iraqi forces. While I'm not opposed to this, I just find it a little odd since the government, both under Chrétien and Martin, have refused, rathe emphatically, to send Canadian troops into quagmire that is Iraq.

That is a completely different story. Canada does support rebuilding Iraq; we didn't believe that the invasion was appropriate. That is a big difference and quite expecting in our Peace keeping type of role.

I completely agree with caesar here (which may be a first... )

I have also wondered whether things in Iraq would not have become such a mess had Canada and other nations become involved in the process sooner.

-kimmy

[The Terrible Sweal]

Up to 40 troops could head to Iraq to aid in training of Iraqi forces. While I'm not opposed to this, I just find it a little odd since the government, both under Chrétien and Martin, have refused, rathe emphatically, to send Canadian troops into quagmire that is Iraq.

That is a completely different story. Canada does support rebuilding Iraq; we didn't believe that the invasion was appropriate. That is a big difference and quite expecting in our Peace keeping type of role.

I completely agree with caesar here (which may be a first... )

I have also wondered whether things in Iraq would not have become such a mess had Canada and other nations become involved in the process sooner.

-kimmy

As recent history records, Canada and other nations were involved soon enough to prevent the debacle (i.e. before it began), but the U.S. bulled ahead without us.