Thanks Teribus for clearing up my error re the time lapse between Dieppe and D-Day (again)!

Yesterday I noted that in his statement to Parliament March 17, Prime Minister Chretien did not mention the withdrawal of Canadian troops already stationed in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. Looks like I spoke too soon ... withdrawal of Canadian troops from Qatar began yesterday. Article here.

A couple days ago my father, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, told the family that the most pressing reason for Chretien's decision is that most of our military equipment is out-dated and in deplorable condition (unlike our fine servicemen and women of course). Last night's CBC story about our Sea King helicopters seems to confirm his statement. Apparently, Canada's
"failure to provide new electronic night vision gear has forced missions to be scrapped, and makes Sea Kings unwelcome as participants in missions with allied forces." Not exactly a proud Canadian moment!

However, kudos to Jean Chretien for refusing to participate in an illegal invasion of a sovereign nation. According to his statement in the Commons yesterday, "the goal of disarming Saddam Hussein could have been achieved if Iraq was given a few more weeks to comply with UN weapons inspections," and "forcing a regime change is not desirable. Many leaders in the world are not his friends, but, he adds, only the local people have the right to change government. "If we change every government we don't like in the world where do we start? Who is next?" Good question!

Way back in Sept 2002, Mr. Chretien said he needed clear evidence that Hussein possessed WMD before he would join in a US-led attack without UN auspice. He said ""A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven."

Not exactly Shakespeare, but his level-headed eloquence still outshines Dubya's in my opinion!

And he makes a lot more sense, from the perspective of humanitarianism and international law than the Canadian Alliance Party's Stephen Harper, who says "The important thing is that always Canada should work closely with its closest allies, particularly its military allies… That's where our bread is buttered."

Hey Mr. Harper - ever tried your bread without butter? Still tasty, less calories and a lot better for your health!

daylia