The unity of our two countries has been unquestioned throughout my lifetime. In recent months there has been a severe strain on that unity brought about by  a divergence of opinion with reference to a war with Iraq without the sanction and agreement of the United Nations. I was among those who agreed with the position taken by the Canadian government. You will note the past tense. Prior to the onset of  war I did feel strongly that the right way to proceed was with the approval of the world community.

 Now, that position has been reassessed  and with our allies, Great Britain, Australia, and the United States facing incredible dangers it is time to set political rhetoric aside and stand with our allies, united against the danger faced by so many brave young men and women as they deal with the treachery and total disregard for the 'rules of war' by the enemy they face. 'Rules of War'- what a ridiculously macabre phrase ! This is no time to stand aside. We belong at the side of those  with whom our armed forces have historically fought and died. There is no other position our government should be espousing. No equivocation ..  no debate .. we BELONG there! 

I don't agree with the current  United States Administration and their handling of international affairs but I most assuredly stand in awe of the courage of it's young people who  have answered the call to service with such valour. I pray for the safety of those young men and women who have been called upon to enforce the will of their government.

Prime Minister Blair has exhibited courage  on a par with that of Sir Winston Churchill in my humble opinion. I can only hope the British people will repay that courage with more respect than that shown to Prime Minister Churchill at the end of  the Second World War. Tony Blair has shown a resolve seldom seen in politicians who make decisions with one eye on opinion polls and the other on their personal ambitions. He is a leader of whom Britain should be very proud. It goes without saying that their armed forces live up to British tradition.

 Canada may well again be sending troops to Afghanistan but they must also reverse their decisions on this war and support the coalition force now facing dangers  which we on the sidelines can only imagine.  There quite simply is no other alternative. Those young people are our family ! Family stands together. What our leaders can possibly be thinking that they even question this is totally beyond me. As a Canadian I expect my government to show honour. I, and a great many other Canadians,  will accept nothing less.

 I pray that the Allied Armed Forces prevail with as little loss of life as God allows as they deal with a conflict which was not of their choosing but rather was  the choice of the men now in control of the decision making for the Free World. I may not agree with them. I may well hope they are called to account by the electorate in the next election. But here and now ... young people are dying. It is a time for action not rhetoric.

 I believe most Canadians know that what I say is right .. and in the time honoured tradition of our country. How our government can take the stand they have is beyond my comprehension. Disagree with friends when you believe they are acting in a manner which is contrary to shared values and traditions but do it in a manner which  is in keeping with the shared friendship we  have always cherished and which must endure.
 
 

  May God help those responsible for the decisions which have led our world to this horrendous and dangerous conflict. May they never live to regret the action they have taken. But the present administrations in both our countries must not be allowed to destroy the bond our two countries have always shared. Politics may differ, politicians may disagree, but administrations can, and will change, and our mutual friendship  should be protected always.