It’s Canada Day. And while millions of Canadians celebrate across the country, the reality that we are a nation caught up in the most foolish proxy war that this nation has ever been lured into will no doubt go largely overlooked.
Fireworks and beer have that affect.
Our men and women in uniform, doing their duty, are the ones that will have to endure the reckless policies and military usury that will keep them in Afghanistan for years to come. ISAF itself is nothing more than a US military proxy, and one that has paid a heavy price dealing with yet another completely ill conceived post 9/11 US led invasion. The Taliban, which was overthrown in 2001, is stronger today than it was when they were sent packing following the initial invasion. In their wake, a wholly corrupted Western puppet regime has filled the void, one that is completely ineffectual and unable to govern the country without the presence of foreign forces. Of course, all of that has not stopped the dream of a natural gas pipeline from the Caspian to the Arabian Sea from being sidetracked.
I’ll not defend the Taliban, not in a million years, but the realities of history regarding the region have so blatantly been overlooked as to utterly stupefy.
June was the deadliest month on record in Afghanistan for occupational forces since the 2001 invasion. June was also the second month in a row that casualties in Afghanistan surpassed those in Iraq.
The problem in Afghanistan does not solely rest with the existence of the Taliban either. Corruption and political infighting are rampant, and the government itself shows no real signs of true consolidation. It is an apparatus wholly dependant on the support of foreign powers, powers that will, without question, extract every ounce of advantage from Afghanistan, and its people, if the military situation in the country’s volatile regions are ever quelled to an extent that outright exploitation can be viewed as safely lucrative. While we are fed tripe about helping the people of Afghanistan, the reality remains that they represent an untapped resource, one that will see them exploited as a mechanism of cheap labour – all under the banner of progress and self sustainability.
It is, in a word, a shit show – one that has claimed the lives of far too many Canadians.
We are a nation at war. Given the context in which we are involved, perhaps more time should be spent today contemplating what it is that this nation ultimately stands for. And if Canadians are comfortable with the fact that we represent little more than a military proxy for the United States and those Trans-Corporations that are patiently licking their lips like wolves waiting in the wings – then what does that ultimately make us?
The Prime Minister of this nation believes that our involvement in this ridiculousness will ultimately lead to this nation becoming more of ‘a player’ on the world scene. Since when has that ever been a Canadian objective, or, for that matter, a truly Canadian perspective?
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It appears that what our nation stands for is whatever the biggest bully on the playground wants us to stand for. The more our leaders wish to become “players” as you say, the more we lose our identity as Canadians, and the less we have to be proud of.
It’s heartbreaking to all those who truly love this country and believe those things that we “say” we stand for.
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wow “k” said exactly what I was going to so ditto to you.
I’m proud to be a Canadian and I have always been proud of our role in peace keeping missions….until Afghanistan. I’m not proud at all for our role in Iraq, and I highly doubt I ever will be. We shouldn’t be there helping that idiot down south clean up his mess…and there aren’t enough Mr. Clean and Swiffer products in this world to clean that up.
I will drink a few beers today, Sleeman Honey Brown, salute our troops and remember what this Nation stands for…not what the government feels we should stand for.
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Quoting k:
We used to be loved for how we were, but the love from the rest of the world is gone.
I find it rather coincidental that such a scandal would occur during an election and then, we have the Liberals held in what seems a permanent state of confusion. The only group left is the Conservatives. And as much as I don’t like what our federal government is doing, PM Harper IS a very talented politician. He knows how to keep the competition in confusing, so he can keep things going in his direction.
I don’t like the secrecy, because it shows the Conservatives know Canadians would be against it, and I don’t like how we once stood up against the US as Chretien said ‘no’ to Bush’s offer in the Iraq Attack. I was proud that day! I felt like our government woke up and said the correct answer.
Of course we suffered the consequences economically, magically there was a softwood issue. Once we enter the SPP with Bush (which I think Chretien would have refused) and once we entered Afghanistan, we suddenly do not have any softwood issues. Amazing isn’t it?
I can’t wait for autumn 2008, when Bush leaves power! I just can’t wait. Maybe then we can turn to our own government with accusing eyes and maybe then we can regain control.
You know, on second thought, why the hell should we wait for Bush to leave? Why can’t we get control now? Oh right, as my Econ Prof Larry Smith of Uwaterloo says “You dopey Canadians you… something goes scandalous, while other nations have anarchy, you lay down and have a nap.”
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wow… you guys just can’t enjoy Canada day can you? Knock Harper, meanwhile it’s your beloved Liberals who sent our troops into Afghanistan in the first place.
I choose to ignore your negativity for at least one day, and that day is today.
Happy Canada Day.
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Quoting pintosack:
hey- I’m in the backyard having an icy cold Keiths right now- I’m absolutely enjoying Canada day- The truth isn’t negative- or positive for that matter- it’s simply the truth.
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Quoting pintosack:
I am not, nor have I ever been, a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.
I have mentioned on this very website umpteen times that it was a Liberal government that was responsible for our participation in ISAF. But that does not mean that this government’s extension of that mandate should be at all overlooked.
Reality surely is an inconvenience when you want it to be, isn’t it. Welcome to the fantastic life in the brave new first world.
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Quoting Matthew Good:
Ha! sly verbal roundhouse from the far corner- DIRECT HIT!
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I only said Jean Chretien made me proud that one time when he stood up to the US and while the Libs may have started the Afghan support, they certainly would not have supported Bush’s ideas as much as Harper has.
Though, now I wonder, given Harper’s creative employment of chaos with the Libs and any competition he faces, could he be planning the same for the US? Could he be really creative enough to put the US government into a state of confusion so Canada could do what it wanted instead of the other way around? If so, what would be his plan?
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Couldn’t agree with you more Matt. I hate the way that we are currently watching everything that Canada has stood for in the past, all that made it great, all that kept us from being a “player” and yet still considered one of the best in the world, die. Or more exactly, be willingly killed off by our Prime Minister.
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The best way to honor the troops and the country itself is to be honest about what’s really going on, we stick our heads in the sand at our own peril.
Nice piece Matt.
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it IS amazing how some people can get by in life by just sticking their heads far down into the sand …
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Quoting Anna:
Yup, like almost 30 million?
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O Canada! (O shit the liberal government have fucked everything up!)
Our home and native land! (Finally the 1st Nations recieve an apology from our PM for screwing with their home land)
True patriot love in all thy sons command. (Our sons are definately not in command here or in Afganistan)
With glowing hearts we see thee rise, (maybe the rise of hatred and fear of other human beings)
The True North strong and free! ( I am living in the Northwestern BC and yes we are strong ,but we are not free of the cooporate tyranny that is taking place in this country)
From far and wide, (well our populations have gotten wider thanks in part to companies like McDonalds..fuckers)
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. (definition: 1. a military unit serving to protect some place or person…hmmm not sure about this one considering we have lost hundreds of our people in these wars… ; )who are we protecting again?)
God keep our land glorious and free! (Glorious yes, so let’s keep it this way!)
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. (if we could all just stand, more often I feel like I am shackled to the chair……can’t do nothing cause my “hands are tied”)
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. (But I will stand and do something because I would be a damn fool to sit and watch while our governement takes our beautiful land and people and turn them into shit!)
Thanks for listening…
I am angry, but I am proud.
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happy canada day… from an american neighbor.
i for one have always liked and been interested in
some of the differences in culture and ideas and people
found just across the border from me, in ontario-
and from vancouver to halifax.
i hope i get to see more of your great country
in the years to come…
and most of all hope that the world somehow
gets a break in the action-
and the hot wars of this early century
don’t turn into an even greater inferno.
vincent, in buffalo
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Quoting k:
As much as I agree with K and Matt that a reality check is always in order - like it or not, we’re at war - but there is another side of the picture.
Here in Sarnia, our Canada Day celebrations are one of the largest in the country, per capita of course - we’re no Ottawa, but when the entire town shows up to this extremely glorified birthday party from 11am to 11pm, it’s no town picnic. My afternoon was spent at the park, watching the parade, watching my sister do her Irish and Highland dancing in the multicultural display, all the other dances in between - the Filipino dancers, the Indian dancers, all of it - and trying to figure out just what I was going to have for lunch. Walking around with my mom’s cousin visiting from England, I gave her the run down: she could have Greek, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Polish, Filipino, Chinese, Italian, Indian, or a plate a chips/fries. And before I left the left the park, there was no way I was leaving until I had gone for a quick visit to the beach. It would be the first time I’d be in the lake this year and what a better day to do it - it’s a fucking gorgeous day, it’s humid as Hell, and the water is still freezing from the winter. And what am I doing in an hour? Getting my ass in gear and getting down to watch the second fireworks display over the bay in a week. In the past few years, Port Huron has been getting into the celebration mix, and they’ve been offering up a display of their own.
Essentially, I spent the day in celebration that I live on one of the safest border crossings in the world in a sea of a thousand different faces - faces who’s parents and grandparents are here because they want to experience this freedom of celebration along side me and anyone else who wants to come along for the ride. Bonus, we got free birthday cake.
Yes, we are at war, it’s a sham, and the majority of Canadians are more interested in the fact there’s going to be booze than why we gather on July 1st to begin with. But there are those of us who don’t drink, you know.
Happy Canada Day to all, regardless of opinion. You’re still my brothers and sisters. :)
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This is what our nations stand for:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-594683847743189197
This is a link to a film called Zeitgeist. The three parts of this film deal with religion, false flag wars and federal reserves. I suggest that everyone who reads this, takes two hours of their time to watch this film.
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As much as this country and government are corrupt, I am thankful that I am Canadian. Certainly not proud, but thankful.
Happy Canada Day everyone.
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Matt, you say that the region’s history has been overlooked, and yet you don’t talk about Al Qaeda’s freedom to operate there (until the U.S. invasion in 2001). We can certainly debate the reasoning behind giving the fight against terrorism such high priority around the world, but I don’t think it’s fair to label our ISAF participation in that venture as reckless: al Qaeda’s strength then is what brought U.S. and ISAF involvement there years ago, and AQ’s strength today would be a more meaningful measure of our success up to this point.
Unfortunately, all the news isn’t good from that perspective either, however. AQ traded one willing host (i.e., the Taliban) for another in the tribal areas of North Warizistan. I read an interview on CBC recently with Pakistani journalist Ahmed Rashid where he urged Canada to develop its foreign policy regarding Pakistan — http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/25/f-forestellqa.html — and I think this is an excellent idea, both WRT to the AQ issue above and the more immediate sheltering of militants on their border with Afghanistan.
So where does this leave us? Punishing the Taliban for sheltering AQ is one thing — we don’t want any regime thinking that’s a good idea, or even not a bad idea, ever again — but there seems to be some agreement that trading them for the warlords (and the Kabul government that you’ve effectively labeled) was in no one’s best interest (well, other than the warlords, I guess). Should we talk with the Taliban? I think that option should certainly be on the table; we need to step back and look at what will stabilize the region in the longer term. I think we spent too much time talking about how we’d modernize them, if you will. Sending girls to school is great, but in the grand scheme of things, I never would’ve supported our government knocking out a stable government if it weren’t for their poor policy of being at least indifferent to AQ.
Finally, a comment on our country and the world stage, as it were. In a word (or date): 1956. I know I’m not alone in my nostalgia when I think about Lester B. Pearson’s contribution in that crisis. We’ve done a lot of damage to our international reputation since then (e.g., even in recent memory, there’s Kyoto, Harper’s quick “me too” re summer 2006 in Lebanon), but I still hope we can get back to a place where we are considered a socially and morally responsible nation that is trying to do its part. Because it’s only from that position that we can be seen as respected negotiators by both sides in any future conflicts.
I like how the Conservatives talk about making us relevant again. I just worry that they think an excellent military is the answer, as opposed to an important part of a complex effort.
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Pride is easy to come by in this country - the fact that we enjoy our daily lives should be enough to promote even a small amount of it.
Canadians are collectively passive - but when asked to help out we always do.
Our troops abroad are a shining example of this - yeah its a shitty fucking tour in the worst area of that shit hole country but then as always Canada pitches in. Of course the decision was a bad one - who could disagree?
Still that is what we do - the little guy that is always there for someone - unrecognized and never a complaint about the bad cards weve been dealt - quiet reserve.
And through all of our years as a country we still are one - a country that is.
Pride is easy to come by - don’t ever forget that - Canada is a survivor. A country that has more to offer to its citizens than most.
Count yourself lucky you live here.
Peace
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aw man, I just logged on here to see if you’re performing with Loverboy in Cloverdale tonite… and the freaking Payola’s…. or anywhere for that matter?
I take it you’re not performing somewhere today?
boooooooo ya
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Quoting basicmagic:
Visit soon, Vincent, before the differences are gone…because they certainly are going.
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I’ve seen (and been responsible) for enough pyrotechnics in my time that I’ll pass on the festivities tonight.
I’ll still take the beer though.
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Happy Canada day everyone. Ill hold my tongue on the political comments as I am probably the only conservative thinking person who frequents this site :p
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On this Canada Day I co-hosted a Memorial Day-Canada Day gathering for the residents of my long term care home (rec therapist). We honoured our war heroes and paid our respects to our amazing troops doing the dirty work for our government. We actually have a woman living with us whose husband was one of only 68 who answered the roll call the day after July 1, 1916 at Beaumont Hamel. He eventually made it back home after being severely gassed. We also have alumni of our airforce from WW2 and in my lifetime I have actually lost one highschool classmate who was killed in afganistan.
Today on Canada Day I could not stop thinking about each and every one of them, thinking about our founding fore-fathers, our native peoples, and each one of us (2nd generation Immigrant from Italy). Tears filled my eyes, so many people have had a hand in trying to make this the best damn place to live and yet we can’t even tackle homelessness, end poverty and care for our neigbours, we can’t do a single good thing without looking for praise or at least bragging about it in some form. I often wonder why do we walk around looking for comfort in what everyone else thinks or feels why don’t we approach our lives the way our mothers would tell us, “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself” ? Perhaps it is because we’re wise enoughto realize that even moms are hypocrites too. Better yet we’re too fucking chicken to stand up for something we believe in and much rather debate about it on a website. I say admidst all the fire works, beer, and sex, let’s use our balls for standing up for something and each of us write/call and visit our MP and tell them you’re not happy. Brag about that and while you’re at it head to your local armed forces base and drop off a special card of thanks.
I’ll be doing both tomorrow, because Canada Day is a reminder of everything I have and everything I can provide the world.
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Sitting with a guiness and listening to the fireworks, my 41/2 year old gone with Dad to the hill to watch, my 2 year old sleeping peacefully and I enjoying some time to myself ~ I am a GRATEFUL and very PROUD CANADIAN!
Peace to all…
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Quoting pintosack:
I’ll take that as an insult. I hate the Liberal party. You passed judgment quite quickly that we were Liberal Party supporters. I have always supported the Progressive Conservative party, not this hybrid “Conservative Party”. Never liked the Reform Party nor it’s reincarnation Alliance Party. I don’t like Harper, never have, and like Matt said he is the one responsible for extending what the Liberals started.
I have enjoyed Canada Day so far, played baseball and had a few beers.
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While I don’t disagree with the original post in its entirety, as a European citizen I can say its rather narrow minded to suggest ISAF is “nothing more than a US military proxy”. If this were so, it would be in Iraq as well. Germany and France(under Chirac) can hardly be counted on as an unconditional US allies. While I don’t doubt that there are ulterior geostrategic motives for the war in afghanistan, and while I don’t doubt for a second the heavy handed bombardment of soft targets by the US air force has turned it in a mini-quagmire, as someone of Afghan descent I can say this: it is good to intervene when a nihilistic foreign entity(the taliban, essentially a pakistani creation) highjacks a country and allows it to be a training ground for terrorists. Although I most certainly don’t agree with the whole “war on terror”, I think there was a legitimate case of self defense at issue. I think this is a major reason for a truly international coalition which exists in Afghanistan today.
Has it been mismanaged? Absolutely. Is Afghanistan better off? Probably. Should Canada, or Germany, be proud of its mission and the nobility of the cause in a world where apathy towards humanitarian atrocities in Palestine, Congo and Darfur is the rule, rather than the exception? Most definitely. Soldiers are heroes because they are willing to risk their lives in duty to their country. Its a pretty simple deal, and anyone not willing to die for their country, or for a greater good shouldn’t sign up. Their deaths should be mourned, but their mission must be celebrated.
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The question is, is this what Canada is all about? And is this what we want for the future of this country to continously be used by another? My opinion is that we are just a call girl for the United States. Okay, so we don’t get paid, and the fourplay sucked too. But in all honesty here, do you really believe that there is to be any positive outcome to all the death that this country has seen? Regardless of how this bloodshedding war ends there is still the underlining question for the families that have lost their sons or daughters, was their death worth it?
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I was planning on attending the Matt Good show on July 13th. But now I think my time would be better spent at home pondering why I’m proud to be a Canadian and what this country stands for. With all that’s wrong in the world it just wouldn’t seem right for me to go out and enjoy myself for 1 day.
Nothing wrong with beer and fireworks. Happy Canada day.
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Well, beer and fireworks might be distractions, but I guarantee that shuffling through work on a mundane Wednesday isn’t directing anyone’s attention to the war, either. Today’s the day after Canada Day, and I’d say most Canadians will still overlook (or just not care about) the reality that we’re in a foolish war, as they will tomorrow and the next day, just as those who DO recognize that reality continue to recognize it, regardless of the day. I love my country and celebrated yesterday, but I don’t think love of country means thinking your country is perfect or that everything is going along swimmingly. There’s a helluva lot I’d change about the way our country is run, the policies it embraces… yet I’m still proudly Canadian.
Your last paragraph is bang-freaking-on. I do not like Stephen Harper’s vision of, and for, Canada… and I suspect (or maybe just hope) many others don’t, as well.
Actually, speaking of having the war on one’s mind, Pitt’s last entry has been stuck in my head, and it came back to me several times yesterday, specifically yesterday, thinking, “I am so lucky. I am so lucky. I am so lucky.” I’m able to sit outside on a gorgeous day and listen to music and enjoy a BBQ with friends and play with my dog, and the explosions in the sky are for entertainment purposes only.
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Quoting Mark Mallett:
I’m tired of hearing how we’re better than other people… even though that’s not the intention, that’s how it comes accross. Think about it a bit before you call other places shit hole countries.
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Quoting FirstJusticeThenPeace:
I agree. Being a soldier myself, I have some friends going over there, and they’re going because they want to, not because they’re being forced to. I have been given the impression that most of the Canadian soldiers who are there, support the mission and want to be there.
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Quoting proxy:
Yeah, I thought the same thing when I read that comment. I wasn’t sure if the bigotry and ethnocentrism was intentional or not, so I decided to let it slide.
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Knowing the truth makes it hard to enjoy Canada Day……
but for a few hours it was nice to pretend that all Canadians are free to enjoy life.
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“I have been given the impression that most of the Canadian soldiers who are there, support the mission and want to be there.”
Is that why retention is at an all time low and suicide rates at an all time high in the CF?
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Great read Matt, but what exactly would you say is “a truly Canadian perspective?”
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I’m personally insulted my the idea that Canada is a US proxy. Are we in Iraq? Let me check….no.
Has everything gone smoothly in Afghanistan, of course not. Should we leave, allowing things to get even worse? The Taliban is at the same strength; imagine where they could have been now if they hadn’t faced any resistance.
What I find most concerning is that we would actually consider quitting when our help is needed; that we lose resolve this easily.
Yes, the Afghan government is a joke and maybe corporate interests are ready to move in, but that’s still better than the alternative - half time stonings at soccer games, terrorist training camps spreading death around the world. Maybe with our help the government can become independent. What you call corporate exploitation an afghan, who is poor beyond belief, might call a job that can provide a better future.
There’s the ideal world and there’s reality. You can either work with what you’ve got or do nothing.