Arthur Chrenkoff, in today’s Opinion Journal
The latest poll of 5,000 people in and around Baghdad suggests that an overwhelming majority are prepared to make a clean break with the past and pursue democracy–now. Some of the specific results:
What will you base your vote on?Political agenda – 65%
Factional origin – 14%
Party Affiliation – 4%
National Background – 12%
Other reasons – 5%Do you support dialog with the deposed Baathists?
Yes – 15%
No – 84%
Do not know – 1%Do you support postponing the election?
Yes – 18%
No – 80%
Do not know – 2%Do you think the elections will take place as scheduled?
Yes – 83%
No – 13%
Do not know – 4%
The long and detailed report is more than encouraging – it is a staggering indictment of a politically motivated mainstream media, intent on burying every sign of progress with “rising death tolls” (as if fatality statistics have the ability to drop) and “car bomb o’the day” coverage. There can be little remaining doubt that there is a determination to adhere to a “we told you so” agenda until the bitter end, even if it means taking an active hand in prophesy self-fulfillment.
I don’t know which makes me angrier, as a Canadian – the prospect of seeing the day in which a free and democratic Iraq looks to my country and asks “Where were you when we needed you most?”, or the sobering fact that there are substancial numbers of my fellow citizens who are not-so-secretly hoping they fail.
Well, ease your mind just a tad…Currently, there are 21 Canadian Law Enforcement experts training the new Iraqi Police Force in Jordan. This was a cooperative effort between Foreign Affairs Canada and CIDA (The Canadian International Development Agency).
A small contingency perhaps…but their job is one of the most important if the elections are going to occur on time. They have a goal of 32,000 police officers.
Personally, as an American, I’m very appreciative of any such efforts.
Cheers
IR
http://cicada.typepad.com/cicada/2004/12/q_whaddya_think.html
Q: Whaddya think of the latest Iraqi poll? A: Like she said.
Kate, the reason “K”anada did not join the coalition had nothing to do with the fact that “France,Germany, Russia and China have alleged to have received” billions” in kick backs to stay “out” of Iraq? and the fact that we had a “french” Prime Minister, and a “french” powered Ottawa that might feel a tiney embarrased if they cut off “Uncle” Characs golden goose, by ousting the Madman of Bagdad,thereby cutting off uncle Characs golden eggs? no the Canadian gov’t would not do a cowardly thing like that, just for money ? or would they?
Canamsteve ww 2 vet.
huh?
Steve, I tend to think Chretien’s cowardice can be simply explained by his perennial anti-americanism, our stretched military, and fear of becoming a terrorism target. That’s what his MPs would have been talking about. Plus many smug and resentful Canadians really do want the AMericans to lose this one (but that’s delusional resentment where the global situation and one’s place in it are so misread that questions of courage or cowardice don’t really come into it). But watching C. retire into roles – e.g. Russian oilman – where he clearly wishes to build on his already large fortune (thanks Senator Ross), perhaps he is motivated by the desire he took as natural among his friends in the Sponsorship and Shawiniga-tien years. Don’t you love how everyone in Ottawa knows Chretien is ultimately to blame for the Sponsorship scandal, but no one, not even Martin, will say it in public. Canadians who play along with the central Canadian game are cowards, perhaps that’s the bottom line.
Well, I assume that Canada will NEVER call on America for any military assistance in the future. I’m sure Canadians will be delighted to “up” their taxes to increase their own military complex…gee, they could ask our deserters to serve as generals in the enlarged armed forces.
And why, oh why, would Americans ever want to exhibit their Imperialism toward our Northern neighbor?
SO DON’T CALL US, WE’LL CALL YOU!
Your question is more important than you realize. Not only does it apply to the Iraqi Question, but more importantly, it applies to us.
Lets face it, Trudeau’s legacy is raviging our culture. Its created angst towards our closest neighbour, and divided our nation. I hear from many that the war in Iraq was unjust, and from some – an illegal adventure.
I’ve found that when I confront their balnket statements, I often find a puzzled gaze. More oft then not, they do not know what they are talking about. Interestly thought, many I have spoken too are more then willing to listen to another POV.
The question for us is to fight for a better Canada, and we are doing that. The question for Canada, is limit its scope and focus on what truly matters.
Robert Frost once said, “A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.” Which in my opinion, is the crux of the Canadian Problem.
Don’t lose heart, my Canadian friends- most of us still love you! As long as great folks like you continue to make the effort, I truly believe that it will all work out in the end. When Iraq asks where you were when they needed you, we’ll step up and say, “Hey back off- they were having some leadership ‘issues’- that can happen anywhere as you well know.” And then you’ll shake hands and we’ll all celebrate Kate’s innauguration as the new Canadian Prime Minister. Good days ahead, folks- hang in there!
Kate as PM? Where the HELL do I SIGN UP? Booya!
How quickly we forget. Kate is already an empress, guys:
http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/001009.html
Why would she accept demotion to PM of Canada?