- Harper, Could You Explain Again Your Authority To Spend 16 Billion on 65 F-35's

Posted: 12:40 PM on October 25, 2010
Canadians pick peacekeeping over combat,
Campbell Clark, Oct. 25, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/military/canadians-pick-peacekeeping-over-combat/article1771103/

The Nanos poll found 52 per cent of respondents rated UN peacekeeping as an important role for Canada's armed forces - a quarter rated it a 10 on a scale of importance from one to 10. Only 21 per cent of Canadians rated overseas combat missions as an important role for the military.

Also, only 40% feel military spending is important, whereas 79% feel health care is important.

Peacekeeping is, of course, the traditional role that Canada has played and for which we became so respected in the International community. It also represents the middle of the road, peace-seeking, non-hawkish traditions of our military.

These are the roles and Canadian traditions Harper and the Con's abandoned very soon after they took office and in Spring of '06 when they cranked up the Afghan mission to one of active combat. These are also the roles and traditions Harper and the Con's are planning to change in the future with the purchasing of 65 F-35 strike force, eye-watering fighter jets.

So, why then is Harper spending 16 billion of our tax dollars on 65 F-35's Strike Force, 'eye watering' jet fighters - certainly not because that is what Canadians want, neither the 'strike force' ability, nor the incredible expense.

This poll highlights the fact that Canadians don't want our military to assume such role that would make such jet-fighters needed equipment and we don't want to spend the money on them.

It also highlight that fact that Stephen Harper does not represent the majority of Canadians and his policies and those of the Conservative Party of Canada are not for the benefit of all Canadian.

Harper and the Con's are supported by a core of die-hard right wing, extremist supporters (33%) epi-centred in Alberta that provide the funds and support that keep him in power.

As long as the Harper policies do not consolidate the opposition then Harper can, and does, take the position 'Canadians be dam[redacted]d'.

Unless all Canadians are willing to stand up, be counted, and in unison say "I want my Canada back" Harper will continue to transform Canada into something Canadians just don't want.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html