Dear Prime Minister Harper,

I believe, in general, that Canadians are very proud of some of their unique
traditions. I believe that Canadians feel good about way we assisted
Americans who did not wish to serve in the Vietnam War. There is a strong
sense that it was the right thing to do and it has become a proud part of
our national identity. For a moment in history, we stood up for a justice
that transcends borders and nationalities. We stood up for humanity and
decency.

Unfortunately, I am concerned that this Government is moving us farther away
from some of the positions that made Canada the envy of the world. You are
beginning to change the face of Canada in ways that many of us are
uncomfortable with. I am beginning to feel like the Government of Canada is
attempting to adopt an ideology as our national identity and I am very
disturbed by that. I feel that some of your policies are beginning to depart
from deeply held traditional Canadian values. And you are transforming the
face of Canada with the mandate of a minority Government. You also have a
majority in the House of Commons who voted, on behalf of Canadians, to
support the request made by American War resisters to remain in Canada. I
believe you are turning your back on a majority of Canadians on an issue
that is very important to us. That is not the sign of a democratic Prime
Minister. Somehow Canada has always been a little bit different and we have
always been proud of that. We don't want to be more like anyone else.

Sir, I believe that the Iraq war lacked any justification whatsoever. The
evidence now makes this painfully clear. America has lost its credibility at
this time in our history. This war in Iraq is only a notch above the Vietnam
War in terms of sheer brutality and the lack of any meaningful
justification. The main difference is that the lies and the spin this time
around have convinced some people otherwise. Others have just concluded,
"Well, there is no justification for it that I can see. However, there must
have been a good reason for it." Most people are now wising up and
recognizing the truth about this war and we are all seeing and reading about
the unbelievable toll it is taking on young American soldiers and their
families. Many returning veterans, especially those had to undergo the
psychological torture of the "stop loss program", are coming back completely
destroyed. Many of them are beyond the reach of others who would like to
help them. The number of suicides amongst returning vets of the Iraq War is
so very high. This tragedy has to cause your heart to sink, as it does mine.
Would you really want your own son to serve 2 or 3 tours of duty in Iraq
sir? Wouldn't you worry terribly about his physical and mental health?

Sir, in the name of decency, compassion, and a higher justice, I request you
to allow American War resisters to remain in Canada as conscientious
objectors. Please don't send them off to have their lives and families
destroyed by an unjust war. Your decision to begin deporting American war
resisters lacks decency and compassion. I strongly urge you to reconsider
your position.

Sincerely,

Spencer Spratley

Mississauga, Ontario




Global Research Articles by Spencer Spratley
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