Actually, I don't think we are getting remotely used to it. This was the cover of the main newspaper, the first or second story of every major Canadian network (at least the ones I watch). I think it is very, very complicated for Canadian politicians and others to handle the Canadian myth about our role in NATO, helping the U.S., Canada as peacekeeper, etc., in this situation. This may be one reason why Paul Martin showed up. But (to give him credit) this is what his predecessor did, and I think that (to give him credit) Paul Martin is a pretty decent guy, and probably didn't think twice about not going. It doesn't mean that they will give the armed forces decent funding, however.

What I cannot figure out is how people can let George W. get away with not going to any of them at all. After all, unlike in our country, he is the Commander-in-Chief! Shouldn't the Commander-in-Chief at least show up once or twice to the funeral of his men (women)? Once a month? I think someone made some sleazy decision based on fear of polls, or fear of pictures of him at a funeral, or some nonsense like "hey, he's too busy". The turkey episode showed him in his true colours: happy pictures, no sad pictures. I think it is disgusting.

yours,

Peter T.