Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Hypocrisy
Image via WikipediaSoldiers as a rule are an easy going lot. They don't ask for much, and don't expect much in return. They don't want pity nor do they want scorn. They will only ask for what is fair and in most cases only take what is owed. They will do the biding of the nation and all that it asks. They will take life, and give theirs if necessary. When on Civie Street all soldiers will know another, sometimes without speaking a word, no introductions are required. All that is required for lifelong loyalty is that the enemy is met side by side and it doesn’t matter if you are black, white, Chinese, Hispanic or anything else, for that bond to exist. This form of respect is only known to those who serve. It is because of this bond that soldiers despise hypocrisy in all its forms. They hate those that say one thing and do another. Soldiers are no angels; they drink, swear, get drunk and at times become rowdy. When they can, they live their life and find the small pleasures in things that most people take for granted, like dry socks or a stick of gum. They also train hard to do the things that need to be done when duty calls. Canadian soldiers are the devils that are hidden from sight only to be unleashed when fanciful words of politicians are no longer enough.
On the battle field they may only know each other for a few minutes, spending those precious seconds with faces planted in the same piece of dirt. They eat together, sleep together, care for each other and sometimes even cry together. They may not know each other by name, but they are all brothers, and now, in the modern world sisters too. They would give there last bit of food or water to another soldier. They gladly undergo this hardship for they believe, that the nation and the people that elected the government that sent them, are worth it. All they ask of the nation in return is that it stands behind them.
They wear Canada’s flag on their shoulder, but if you look closer you will see that it is stitched to their heart and soul. They wear it with pride and honour, but there are those that think their Canada was made by those thugs that burn cars and scream that the rule of law is oppressive. There are those in the seat of power that see the soldier as a drain on the country, especially if they become injured. It has been stated that it would be better if our soldiers die on the battlefield to save costs. But these same politicians have no problem asking the soldier to help protect them from the thugs that burn the cars.
God and the soldier
All men adore
In time of trouble,
And no more;
For when war is over
And all things righted,
God is neglected -
The old soldier slighted.
All men adore
In time of trouble,
And no more;
For when war is over
And all things righted,
God is neglected -
The old soldier slighted.
By, Anonymous
So, for politicians to argue on whether or not to compensate those that have paid a price for answering the call that they themselves issued, is very hypocritical. There are those that believe that democracy and the rule of law is there only for when it is convenient, and to be hidden behind and made a mockery. They believe that the burning of police cars and damage to a city is justified and they think that civil unrest and destruction somehow translates into guaranteed rights and freedoms. Many of these people would be the first to mock and belittle a soldiers love and duty to Unit and country. But, these are the very same people that will cry “no blood for oil” as they plug in their iPods and laptops that draw electricity from the hydro plants that use the oil.
Soldiers bare their burdens with a black and sarcastic humour, and they are asked to do the things that only other soldiers know, but they smile and whip off a brisk salute and then turn and face the fog of war.
They don't do this because they want to be heroes or earn a piece of metal with coloured cloth attached. They do this so that the nation will continue and the joys that all free people have, live on. But when they return home the very people that sent them turn their backs and say your valour and sacrifice is only worth so much.
Why must a wounded soldier return home, to a place that he should be safe only to do battle again with the land he loves. Is it too much to ask that the men and women that enforce the will of the nation, be compensated in a fair and respectable way?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Social Media and Social Responsibility
16-year-old girl 'gang raped' at rave, photos posted to Facebook: RCMP
Normally, I write about military related topics but today I am going to digress from that a little to give my point of view on something different.
At what point does a Social Media Companies right to run its business end and the right of a gang rape victim begin? When does a company become responsible to the people to ensure that the right thing is done and that their safety is preserved?
These are some of the questions that I have been asking myself since I heard this terrible story. The short version is, a girl was raped by multiple men after being drugged and the act was photographed and videotaped and posted on the net. I cannot imagine what the victim and her family must be going through. The RCMP has reported that that possession of the photos is criminal offence and anyone possessing or posting them to the net could be prosecuted.
Then why aren’t they being prosecuted? Why is the Social Network not being compelled to give up information to the police about people posting and possessing these photos? Does this not make the operators of the Social network complicit in a criminal act? It would if it were me or any other private citizen. In my view, this girl, and her family have the right to justice no matter the cost or how big the undertaking. There are many ways that that the media site can do the right thing, my question is, do they want to? When every page on their site has advertisements and directed and targeted ads ranging from everything from tooth picks to sex, it begs the question do they really want to catch these people. If they wanted to, the social media site could shut down every account that has the photos and pass the names of the people posting to the police simple and done. Would it be good for their bottom line to have the public know that they gave up some of their members to police? what I say to that is, if you have done nothing illegal you should have nothing to worry about.
Social media sites hide behind their “terms of use policies” as though they were the Holy Gail, and that it will protect them from all evil. Well when a company becomes so big it that it has the ability to create society and to change it, it should also share in the responsibility to protect it and not just wash its hands when an evil and vial deed is done.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
No Welcome for Deserters
No welcome for deserters | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
I really don't understand why this is even being discussed in this country. Canada is a country at war and our soldiers are currently engaged in combat operations in foreign lands. In Canada, desertion is a criminal act under the National Defence Act and is punishable by a lengthy prison term. I commend the Prime Minister for his directive to his immigration officials. Currently admission in to the US Military is voluntary and anyone who joins the military now would have to be living under a rock not to know that there is a war on. Why should Canada become a haven for those that wish to hide from a duty that they willingly signed up for. No one forced them to sign the line, they did it all by themselves and when duty called they ran, choosing to not hold up their end of the deal they made with the American people.
If they don't want to fight, that's fine, stay in your own country and take the punishment. I mean they had no problem when they thought the US government was going to pay for college or university through the US G.I. bill. In exchange for accepting the job they get pay, benefits and assume the risk of deployment as the Government sees fit. All soldiers are made aware of the penalty of desertion and the consequences that this action has. I would have more respect for deserters if they stayed in their own country and did the time for the crime they committed.
Normally if Canadian immigration officials come across someone that has a criminal record in the US they deny entry in to the country,or if they are already in the country they send them back. In Canada desertion can hold a 14 year sentence and is a criminal charge. So why would some Canadian politicians want to give refuge to criminals, when our own soldiers are fighting and in some cases dying?
I really don't understand why this is even being discussed in this country. Canada is a country at war and our soldiers are currently engaged in combat operations in foreign lands. In Canada, desertion is a criminal act under the National Defence Act and is punishable by a lengthy prison term. I commend the Prime Minister for his directive to his immigration officials. Currently admission in to the US Military is voluntary and anyone who joins the military now would have to be living under a rock not to know that there is a war on. Why should Canada become a haven for those that wish to hide from a duty that they willingly signed up for. No one forced them to sign the line, they did it all by themselves and when duty called they ran, choosing to not hold up their end of the deal they made with the American people.
If they don't want to fight, that's fine, stay in your own country and take the punishment. I mean they had no problem when they thought the US government was going to pay for college or university through the US G.I. bill. In exchange for accepting the job they get pay, benefits and assume the risk of deployment as the Government sees fit. All soldiers are made aware of the penalty of desertion and the consequences that this action has. I would have more respect for deserters if they stayed in their own country and did the time for the crime they committed.
Normally if Canadian immigration officials come across someone that has a criminal record in the US they deny entry in to the country,or if they are already in the country they send them back. In Canada desertion can hold a 14 year sentence and is a criminal charge. So why would some Canadian politicians want to give refuge to criminals, when our own soldiers are fighting and in some cases dying?
Friday, August 06, 2010
Shaking hands with the Devil
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeOver the past couple of months there has been a lot of discussion in the media and political circles about a reconciliation with the Taliban. This war has raged on for 9 years with no conclusive end in sight. For me the concept of reconciliation with a terrorist group is a troubling thought. On the surface, the idea of reconciliation is a nice dream and the intent behind the idea has some merits. The thought of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is truly a tempting notion. No more deployments, our soldiers would come home and no more flagged draped caskets traveling down the Highway of Heroes. The Afghan nation could once again join the global family in industry and comers.
I have to ask myself what would I be willing to accept to make this vision a reality. What sort of concessions would the terrorist organizations ask for, and what liberties would be sacrificed by the Afghan people to maintain stability. Would you be willing to turn a blind eye to mutilation of women, would you be willing to turn a blind eye to the production of ridiculous amounts of narcotics and marijuana, destined for North American markets? Would you be willing to allow militant Islamic extremism to have a legitimized foot hold in a land that runs red with the blood of the innocent?
Before the war weary nations of the world press ahead with this idea, they really need to ask themselves a difficult question. Is the short term goal of creating stability worth years of potential religious extremism. Do they really want to go down to the crossroads and shake hands with the Devil, and make a deal were they could really lose their soul?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Intruders in the North
Image via WikipediaThe recent interception of two long range Russian Bombers over the Canadian North, should be a very big cause for concern. The frequency and length of time that these over flight patrols are taking is increasing, and keep in mind these flights are often conducted with live Nuclear Warheads.
When the U.S. Conducted armed and un armed Cruise Missile tests in Canadian Air Space in the 80's and 90's, people lost their minds. I recall seeing Cruise Missile Nets sent into the air with hot air balloons, in a ridiculous attempt to intercept these Missiles. But when the Russian's come knocking on our northern coastline, the worst people can say is that the government is playing up this incident to bolster its position on the purchase of new fighter aircraft.
Canadians need to pay attention to the world around them, and to this simple rule of thumb, "if you can't defend it, you can't keep it". The opposite to this is, that if our northern coast line is indefensible, or better to say if it can not be defended, Canadians need to be prepared to give it to some one who can.
Make no mistake that the Americans are well aware of Canada's defense capabilities and would have no problem "Assisting" in defense of the north. We must also keep in mind that if Canadians fail in their responsibility to defend Canada's sovereignty, the US Government will be more than happy to do it for us and in so doing strengthen their claim to our north as well.
It wasn't that long ago that the US Navy poked a nuclear Sub's Conning Tower through the Polar Ice cap, also without the permission of the Canadian Government. They did nearly the same thing as the Russians did and for the same purpose, to show, the flag and to say "we can do this anytime we want".
Canadians need to wake up to the fact that the natural resources within our borders make this country an industrial power house. In the not to distant future, as natural resources around the world dwindle, the ability for Canada and Canadians to defend our own borders proportionately to emerging threats brought on by dependence on country sustaining necessities such as oil and natural gas, must increase to maintain our own sovereignty.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The lose of the Message
A true activist wants their message heard and presented to the masses so that it can be understood and supported. They wish to be visible and have their stories told. Activists do not cover their faces to hide their identity because they are not afraid; typically they hold the courage of their convictions. The Black Block, or “Protestors" wear masks, and they cover their faces they hide and run. But then again the people like this don't really have an agenda or any real cause. They just bring destruction and kayos to what may have been a very public platform for legitimate causes and Issues.
Over the past couple of major events here in Canada, efforts have been made by the powers that be and the media to give protest groups a voice to allow their issues to be heard. If interest groups and social activists don't want their message to get lost in pointless and mindless violence, they themselves need to police their own organizations and show greater cooperation with security forces. Organisations that wish to put on a protest should also share some of the responsibility and the cost of ensuring that violence does not happen.
Organizations that wish to protest have the responsibility to ensure that there event is not hijacked by infiltrators that have nothing more than destruction on their mind. They have a responsibility to safeguard public safety just as the police or security forces do. If they wish to bring their message to the masses they also share the responsibility of protecting the masses from the message.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Poem Worth Reading
A Poem Worth Reading
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simply headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."
Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
The Final Muster
I write this post with a feeling of great sadness. A truly great and storied generation has passed into history. With the passing of John Babcock, Canada's last First World War I veteran, the living memory of Canada's bloodiest and most heroic period is gone. I cannot help but think that something has been taken from me, something that I cannot hope to recover. Like a physical piece stolen from my heart and mind, and from my soul. Never again will I have a chance to hear their stories from their own lips, never again will I hear their tales of youthful valour, or see the distant pain of remembered horror. Never again will I see the slight smiles that cross their faces when remembered comrades visit from their clouded memories.
My wife and I attended Vimy day ceremonies here in St. Catharine's. It was a cold day and we were clearly not dressed for the weather. The police had blocked off Church and James Streets in anticipation of a crowed that would never arrive. There were local dignitaries and politicians, a Piper and a Bugler and a few members of the public that happened by. It saddens me to see that sacrifices of Grandfathers and Grandmothers, Great Uncles and Aunts, no longer matter to the current generation. Growing up in this country as an immigrant, I read stories of these men and women and their acts of valour and bravery. These people were heroes to me, people to be revered, even if they themselves did not think so. They heeded the call to arms for King and Empire. For the first time the New World coming to the rescue of the old.
Where ever soldiers go when they pass away, each man in his turn, smartly dressed took his place in rank and file. The Canadian Corps is complete, all four divisions present to the last man. All the companies can now be formed, the final Muster can now take place, and the final roll can now be called. Canada's greatest army is now once again complete.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Child Soldier
The assertion that Omar Khader, didn't know what he was doing when he threw the grenade that killed a US medic is totally ridiculous. This young man grew up in an area ruled by the Taliban, and was part of a family that supported its rule. He has been captured on video footage manufacturing bombs and being a full participant in that process. Every armed force in the world has employed young soldiers, some of them receiving the highest awards for bravery. Those young soldiers participated in battles and killed enemy soldiers. They knew full well what they were doing when they volunteered for active duty in the military in time of war.
What he did is no different than what any soldier would do, when faced with imminent death from an enemy. He killed them. He is an enemy combatant and should be treated as such, until this conflict is over. When the worlds armies are no longer at war then he should be released and repatriated to Canada if he chooses.
Let us not forget that during the Second World War there were many people of German heritage that returned to Germany to fight in the Nazi cause, only to return to Canada after the war.
Omar Khader, did kill in the name of his belief and faith, but it is not murder. Should he be held in captivity for the duration of the conflict? I say yes, he is a captured enemy, a POW, and should be treated accordingly.
What he did is no different than what any soldier would do, when faced with imminent death from an enemy. He killed them. He is an enemy combatant and should be treated as such, until this conflict is over. When the worlds armies are no longer at war then he should be released and repatriated to Canada if he chooses.
Let us not forget that during the Second World War there were many people of German heritage that returned to Germany to fight in the Nazi cause, only to return to Canada after the war.
Omar Khader, did kill in the name of his belief and faith, but it is not murder. Should he be held in captivity for the duration of the conflict? I say yes, he is a captured enemy, a POW, and should be treated accordingly.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
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