posted 04-02-2003 07:56 AM         

An Open Letter to U.S. President George Bush from Concerned Canadians

Dear Mr. President:

Yesterday, in an extraordinary speech, Paul Cellucci, your ambassador to Canada, expressed sadness and disappointment that our government has failed to back up your efforts to rid the world of Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction.

Canada, said Mr. Cellucci, "is not there for us".

We want you to know, Mr. President, that many Canadians, including the 40,000 supporters of our organization, share your ambassador's sense of sadness. We believe Prime Minister Jean Chretien is not only turning his back on our allies, he's also turning his back on Canada's proud tradition of standing up for freedom and democracy.

Canadians fought beside Americans in World War II and in Korea. We stood with you during the long years of the Cold War. We battled shoulder to shoulder in the first Gulf War and in Afghanistan. We are continuing to fight with you in the ongoing war against international terrorism.

In other words, it has never been Canada's way to sit on the sidelines and watch while others fight for what is right. And that's why many Canadians are embarrassed and ashamed that our Government has opted not to join the "Coalition of the Willing".

Our hearts go out the brave Coalition soldiers who are fighting to make the war a freer and safer place. Canada and the world owe them a great debt.

Yours truly,

Colin T. Brown
Chairman
National Citizens Coalition

posted 04-02-2003 08:09 AM         

Thanks!

posted 04-02-2003 09:32 AM         

Hate to ask a question on a possibly sore subject, but is this war opposition a Province by Province thing, a French Canadian thing, neither or both?

posted 04-02-2003 10:46 AM         

For what it's worth, every Canadian I've had the pleasure to deal with was A-OK. I go to Myrtle Beach, SC quite a bit and that's a haven for Canucks. I'm not saying there is not some jerks in Canada, just that my experiences have always been positive.

posted 04-02-2003 08:25 PM         

Last weekend we had a surprize 40th b-day party for my youngest brother and some of the people at our house we're from our military, one is even a Major of course the conversation comes up about the war. Everyone of them has been in a war conflict somewhere in the world and they all said the same thing "Why is HE doing this to our Country and our Fighting Men and Women" I just hope that our American neighbors realize that just because he is our Prime Minister and although he speaks for Canada in these situation's "HE DOES NOT SPEAK WHAT'S IN OUR HEARTS"

Our War dead are rolling over in their graves I'm sure. As a proud Canadian I salute the Coalition Fighters and prayer for their victory and safe return home to their loved ones.

PK

posted 04-02-2003 08:51 PM         

Further, our ambassador also said this in his address:

"If it was a Canadian city and Canadian citizens that had experienced the terror of Sept 11th, 2001,,,,,you can believe your United States neighbors would be standing shoulder to shoulder with you to avenge this tragedy"

posted 04-02-2003 10:09 PM         

PK

posted 04-03-2003 01:20 PM         

We in Canada have had issues with our Quebec “ anti Canadian “ citizens for years.
Ever since the British defeated them on the plains outside Quebec City.

I was born in Montreal Quebec in the late 40’s and have lived in Ontario since 1963. When I lived in Montreal we would look for fights with the “ French” and they would look for us, the FLQ was born only blocks from where I lived. (Formation of Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ); marked the beginning of several waves of terrorist actions taken in Québec from 1963-1973.For my American friends these are French people who in the 60’s and 70’s killed elected officials “Pierre Laporte Minister of Labour” kidnapped “James Cross British High Commissioner” and terrorized the public by planting bombs in mailboxes and homes. To this day they have run their Province and still talk of Separating from the rest of Canada and joining the USA. They feel that the US would welcome them and allow them to run their separate State speaking their own language and conducting their Foreign Affairs, as they see fit. “Feb 27, 1965 First International Agreement of Quebec with France. Beginning of periodic clashes with the Federal Government over role and presence of Quebec in international affairs.”

We have over the past decades elected some of these same officials to run our Federal Government. P. Trudeau was seen on the streets of Montreal with his motorcycle and a Nazi Flag waving off the back of it, during WW II. He went to study in Russia in the 50’s and 60’s , yet we still elected him to power. Our current Prime Minister (ex-Finical Minister under Trudeau) was part of a group of French Quebecois who in the 60’s decided what they wanted Canada to be on the world stage.

One went on to be head of the seperatse movement and became Premier of Quebec. Rene Levesque. He was also a leader of an Anti War Group during WW II; the French Quebec People did not believe they should have to fight in Europe even though the Federal government sent our troops to fight..

We have an election process in this country that makes the method of electing a President look like the best thing since sliced bread, even after the last US election.
The Quebec Population due to our election process, (26 % of total population ) controls our current parliament and they reflect only some of the views of the people within that Province and less of those across Canada.

We have elected more Prime Ministers from the Quebec region during the past 6 decades (4 of 6) then any other region within Canada. Most have reflected the views established in the earlier 60’s.

Hopefully this little history lesson on OUR Government and the issues affecting us, will allow you to understand why, our Current Federal Officials are acting in a manner that does not reflect the view of the majority of Canadians and why some of the people of Quebec act as they do at Sporting Events.

Other Provincial Governments have come out against the current stand our Federal Government has taken on this issue.

Most Canadian people as many have already stated support the United States and Britain on their stand against Terrorism and the Freeing of Iraq’s people.

I have spent more vacation time in the USA then in my own country and hope to continue to do so in the future. We share many common interest and beliefs and enjoy many of the same freedoms we are hoping to allow others to do.
Randy Cobb asked “ Hate to ask a question on a possibly sore subject, but is this war opposition a Province by Province thing, a French Canadian thing, neither or both? “ Hope this helps explain some of which you asked.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to express my opinion on this very sensitive issue.

posted 04-04-2003 07:00 AM         

Thanks for clarifying things. I thought that sentiments among the Canadian citizens were different that what is being portrayed by the federal government.

I was just curious and your history lesson explains a lot.

Thanks again from your brother in the South.