Hi, as per unclebeers announcement in MPSIMS I will post this here since it is about the war and isn’t really lighthearted.
I hope you guys didn’t come in here looking for another Canuck bashing americans, (per Machinehead,) which isn’t to say that I support the war, but I don’t condemn any of you who may or may not believe it necessary either. I simply wanted to say that I’m worried for you guys. Specifically the military members, like Airman, and their families, like Robyn. As a fellow Air Force member, although from north of the border, I wanted to say good luck, Godspeed. I know you’re going to serve your country to the best of your ability whether you agree with the orders or not. As would I if we were going. All of you supported me during my time of sorrow when my baby died, I won’t turn my back now because I may or may not agree with what your president is doing. I just wanted you to know that your whole country is in my prayers and thoughts. Sorry I can’t cover your six, but I would gladly if I could. Take care.
We live just outside of Washington DC. (Soon to be) Mrs. Feather works in DC about 2 blocks from the White House. We are nervous. We are not happy. What a mess.
I’m not sure a thread this nice should stay in the Pit, but I’ll leave that call up to my pit colleagues.
I, too, happen to oppose this war. Doesn’t mean I think any less of the men and women out in the Iraqi desert night right now. Some of them friends of ours, from this board. I hope for a speedy and healthy return for them.
Coldfire, what the heck happened to get the Netherlands government to support Bush’s war effort? That factoid goes against all my pre-conceived & cherished notions about your nation! Which I have always loved. Your nation that is. Not my pre-conceived notions. Although I have loved some of them too.
Once again, a nice message from a Canuck. Thank you.
[mild hijack]
I was in Edmonton (sp?) right after 9/11, and I was astounded by the support. Street signs, strangers, the people I was working with, all very concerned, supportive, helpfull, wonderfull. My favorte sign said, “We are ALL Americans.” I only wish my country was as friendly as yours.
[mild hijack/]
We’re currently under a demissionary government. Meaning that after the January 15 elections, coalition negotiations are still underway. But, even before Jan 15 the cabinet was demissionary: it fell in October because of continuing feuds in the LPF, the political party of Pim Fortuijn, the politician who got shot on the eve of last year’s May 15 elections. That early fall was the reason we had elections again. The Jan 15 election where a landslide in the opposite direction of last year’s landslide, meaning the power balance is somewhat “normal” again: the Christian Democrats (party of demissionary Prime Minister Balkenende) and the Labour Party were negotiating a new coalition, and they were close to completion.
Due to a scandal in the royal family (read all about it here, although it’s not the best article I’ve read on the matter), and the subsequent way Balkenende handled the matter, his popularity has been spiraling down.
When he took it upon himself to grant GWB “political support, but not military” (whatever the hell that means :rolleyes: ), he was doing so against the will of his potential coalition partner Labour, who want nothing to do with this war - an opinion shared by the majority of the Dutch, I might add.
The Labour Party, smelling blood, broke off coalition negotiations, furthering Balkenende’s dire popularity straits. Both parties are expected to proceed coalition talks in a few weeks or so, but Labour undoubtedly will have a better bargaining position than it had now.
So, in short, our PM acted like he alone ruled the country, shot himself in the foot, and is paying for it. And all that for a vague and hollow promise, which landed my country a spot on the Coaltion of the Fucking Willing. Gah.
The last 2 years have been a low in Dutch politics. I hope things shape up soon. Until then, my apologies on behalf of the Dutch people, who really aren’t as stupid as they currently look.
Thanks, Coldie. Sounds a lot like local politics here in the Town of Holland and the Village of Oostburg, Wisconsin, USA. In a weird way, it’s nice to know even the best-hearted people can muck it up royally.
Canada is split pretty much along Francophone/Anglophone lines on this issue. Support for U.S. action is 41% according to the latest poll, but support in Quebec is only 28%. So there is a slight majority over the rest of Canada. Support is highest in Alberta, where it is about as high as it is in the U.S.
And the Premier of Ontario also issued a statement of support for the attack, and Chretiens own defense minister and our Deputy Prime Minister blurted out statements of support for the U.S. in direct opposition to our PM.
It’s a disgrace that Canada is sitting out of this. But rest assured, our Prime Minister doesn’t speak for all of us.
I’ve done the math over and over again, and if support across Canada is 41% and is 28% in Quebec, that would make support outside Quebec in the slight MINORITY.
41=(.28)(24)+(x)(76)
41=6.72+76x
34.28=76x
x=.451
That’s 45.1% support. What math did you use? Or do you have figures for undecided?
Of course, I wholly support Allied troops and pray for their victory and safe return.
You’re right. I just did a rough estimate in my head, and figured it was just slightly over 50%. Your math is correct.
On the other hand, the last poll I saw was a month ago. Since support has been rising in the U.S., Britain, and Australia since then, it’s possible that it’s risen over 50% in Canada, too. In any event, it’s close.
The last poll I saw said that Albertan support was at 67%.
Thanks for the sentiment and your thoughts, Buliwyf.
I’m not exactly in favor of this war, either, but I have a lot of respect for the people who are over there fighting it. Whatever I think of Bush and his policies doesn’t transfer to those who are carrying those policies out.
And I consider myself and my family very fortunate because many of the families of the reservists and Guardsmen who are over there don’t have the level of support that we do. So there’s less for Airman to worry about and he can keep his mind on doing his job, as it should be.