Canada's military too taxed for Iraq: Harper

[True_Blue]

Halifax — Fresh from his first inspection of the charred insides of HMCS Chicoutimi, federal Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said Saturday he has reservations about possibly sending Canadian troops to Iraq as part of post-war reconstruction.

The Canadian military is stretched far too thin and often faces dangers with inadequate equipment, Mr. Harper told a standing room only crowd at the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party's annual meeting in Halifax.

"It took a terrible tragedy aboard a submarine, HMCS Chicoutimi, to remind us of some of the challenges our military does face," he said during a luncheon speech.

"I have great reservations about whether we have the capacity to safely send additional troops on yet another mission."

more....
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050206.wharper05/BNStory/National/

[Maple]

1. He'd been damning the govt

up and down about NOT going until Iraq turned into a quagmire. He'd been a major Bush supporter until then.

He's been quiet on the subject for a long time.

Now suddenly he's opposed to our being there, even for help in reconstruction and training. He's using our military as an excuse, although he thought they were in fine shape to go before. Maybe the polls saying Canadians were totally opposed to the war finally got through to him, and he's now seeking to salvage his image.

Maybe he thinks we'll forget.

[JohnyCanuck]

10. A few days ago I got a fund raising call from the Conservatives

As soon as the guy said he was calling for the Conservative party I said there was no way I'd ever be supporting the Conservatives and Stephen Harper because for one thing I was thoroughly disgusted at his toadyism to GWB and eagerness to buy into the propaganda and lies about the non existent WMDs, and if it was up to Harper with his eager beaver, brown nosing attitude to GWB we would have been sucked right into the Iraqi quagmire. It sure felt good to unload on the aholes. The guy then asked me if it was just their policy on Iraq that I was pissed off over, and I said no it was the whole range of conservative policies as well. That was the end of our conversation.

[LibertyorDeath]

2. "federal Conservative Leader Stephen Harper"

is an opportunistic Shitweasel of the first order. imo

[Maple]

3. LOL Thank you!

Perfect summation of the man!

Concise and to the point! :D

[LibertyorDeath]

8. Well there's not much to summate... is that an actual word

summate...works for me ...

[u4ic]

5. I'll have to remember that one!

Shitweasel. LOL

[LibertyorDeath]

7. OMGawd you're in Deadmonton

Condolences :)

[sonicx]

4. Will Canada have an election this year?

or was Martin just bluffing?

[Maple]

6. It's always possible

with a minority government, although it seems unlikely.

Martin was being subtle...he reminded all his MPs he could call one over this issue, and they definitely don't want that, so most maverick wannabees will vote yes.

The Opposition parties are always chest thumping, and announcing they'll take out the government, but they can read polls too, and Canadians don't want another one so soon. Plus of course the Opposition parties can't afford one.

[daleo]

9. Even Harper can spot a quagmire.

I think he also wants to make sure the focus stays on same sex marriage. Thus, he is trying to inoculate himself on some other issues, like Iraq.

I don't know if it will work, it seems doubtful. If I was Martin I would say something like "well, Mr. Harper, you now admit you were wrong about sending Canadian troops to Iraq. How many other things can Canadians expect you to be wrong about?"

[CHIMO]

11. Maybe A Play For Star Wars

Or is he being pushed from the right?

Campaign intensifies against same-sex marriage
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/02/05/rally-samesex050205.html

This rally, and others planned for traditionally conservative Ontario ridings, was spearheaded by David Krayden, the national chairman of Concerned Christians Canada.

Do some goggling on this chap.

Seems to me that politics and religion is getting mixed up. Wonder why they are tax free?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

12. I am sure the neo"CONS" can issue the Canadian military

a tax cut.... need to make sure that most of the Canadian military earns over $200,000 a year first....

[Spazito]

13. If Martin sends troops, he will be in big trouble...

because Canadians want no part in the US's quagmire. Martin has to walk a fine line because of his minority government and that's fine with me.

It is interesting that, on this issue of sending troops now, the faux Conservatives and the NDP are in agreement. The NDP on principle, the faux Conservatives for political expediency.

[Minstrel Boy]

14. How many years until Ann Coulter thinks Canada sent troops to Iraq?

:shrug: