US deserters flee to Canada to avoid service in Iraq

[Stockholm]

By Charles Laurence in New York
(Filed: 09/01/2005)

American Army soldiers are deserting and fleeing to Canada rather than fight in Iraq, rekindling memories of the thousands of draft-dodgers who flooded north to avoid service in Vietnam.

An estimated 5,500 men and women have deserted since the invasion of Iraq, reflecting Washington's growing problems with troop morale.

snip

The Pentagon says that the level of desertion is no higher than usual and denies that it is having difficulty persuading troops to fight. The flight to Canada is, however, an embarrassment for the military, which is suffering from a recruiting shortfall for the National Guard and the Army Reserves.

snip

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/01/09/wus09.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/01/09/ixportal.html

[toymachines]

1. so they are saying 5500 people deserting is normal?

is that right. it sure doesnt seem like 5500 army personell would flee to canada in a normal two years. dam hypocrisy, thine name is government.

[chelaque liberal]

16. When is the last time the government issued a statement that

didn't smack of out right deceit? It gets so damn insulting!

[jeff30997]

2. "the level of desertion is no higher than usual"

Yeah right !

[tavalon]

6. Say it twenty or thirty times

and apparently it will be true.

[AZCat]

8. The level of desertion is... Aww, fukkit.

I'm sure the RW talking heads will finish the job for me. :eyes:

[leftchick]

3. Will Canada let them stay?

I hope so.

[evolvenow]

4. I thought that Canada issued a statement that would accept people avoiding

joining the %^&*#$%^!! illegal war.

Those are my words. Canada is the best. Humane, smart and Emotionally intelligent.

[saigon68]

5. The way out is----

Not to join this Cluster Fuck in the First Place. Anyone who joins the military now is either crazy, or has a DEATH WISH like Pat Tilman

[amber dog democrat]

9. you've got THAT right.

i'd say if you just HAVE to do some kind of military service, I'd opt for the Coast Guard or the Navy. Even then, with the leadeship we have I am not sure if even THAT would keep you out

There is NO WAY I'd even consider ground forces. It would be a good way to get greased or disabled for life.

[0007]

11. The stories that ESPN and FAUX told abut Pat Tilman were

indeed rich!

[AndyTiedye]

13. Many of them Joined Before the 2000 Coup

and before the Crusade. They never imagined what our country would become
in a few short years.

[Stockholm]

15. My thoughts exactly! n/t

[theresistance]

7. As soon as some right-wing war loving loon

rants about these deserters - get them to sign up and go to Iraq to fight the war they support.

[Vidar]

10. Bless these true patriots & Canada.

[wildwww2]

12. As a former Marine. I say more power to them. They are the real heroes.

Refusing to be cannon fodder. In a war of aggression that goes totally against our constitution. Is a brave thing. And a good example for "We the people" That we should stand up against this war criminal Bu$h and his band of lunatics. It is our country to protect. Not his to destroy. And Bu$h is destroying our country. Mark my words.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[DFWJock]

14. This just in...

BushCoInc: Canada has "tons" of WMD's - let the bombing begin!