Editorial: Canadian Armed Forces

Your editorial tries to resuscitate the spirit of patriotism that should have been dead and buried since the end or World War II. Modern armies have become instruments in peacekeeping tasks commissioned by the international community, and cooperate with one another. For example, in Afghanistan, Dutch, English, American and Canadian troops work together. The values they fight for are not specifically Canadian at all; these values are as much Dutch as anyone else’s.

That kind of army is now nothing more than one career option among many others, and one just cannot blame new immigrants for not considering this career the most attractive for their kids. Your editorial is too simplistic and makes the wrong appeal to the wrong people. Wait two, three generations, and the picture will be different. And, might it not also be, for example, that (Federal) Canada is still a very distant institution for non-white, non-British immigrants?

Hans Groen,
University Teacher
Vancouver

Armies usually comprise of the bottom underclass of society. That’s why the American army has a large African American component. In 2000, 42% of the American army was comprised of visible minorities (mostly Hispanics and African Americans). The white Americans joining the military mostly come from the poorer Southern states. Middle-class Americans generally shun from joining the military.

From what I read, many of the people in the Canadian army come from the Maritimes provinces where the economic situation is bleak. There’s also a strong military tradition in the Maritimes provinces dating back to the British Empire.

On a personal basis, why should one join the army? It’s hard, dangerous work separated from friends and families for years. One can make more money at less risk if one works hard and gets a good education.

As for defending Canadian values and society, I also question why? Much of Canadian economic and political power is concentrated in the British Scottish elite with of course the French Canadian component. They’re not interested in sharing power.

Wai Kong Lee,
Toronto
 

A major reason that we have unequal representation of minorities within the Canadian Forces, is that until very recently, for security reasons, only Canadian citizens could join. I have met and known many young people that tried to join the Forces only to find the door shut!
 
Micheal Scott,
Oil Patch Worker
Calgary

I agree that immigrants are under represented in the Canadian Forces, but as another reader pointed out, this editorial is too simplistic. It’s ultimately an appeal to a flag-waving idiocy. The quagmire the United States finds itself in is a prime example of how patriotism and nationalism causes one to act without thinking. The best way to protect equal rights is not by picking up a rifle, it’s by being informed, by being a vigilant citizen and standing up to the power brokers in Canada when their policies are wrong-headed or infringe on our rights.
 
Vimy, Ex-patriot
Tokyo
  

I doubt there’s much of a story behind the all-whiteness of the military.

Most of our immigrant families don’t see the point in encouraging their sons and daughters in that direction. Would you? And given the lack of clear and good explanation for the current ‘war’ in Afghanistan it will probably be difficult in the future to persuade even the whites, that see fighting and dying for their country as an exciting and honourable pursuit, to sign up.

Jim Cowan, Retired from military
New Westminster

 
The current disparity of races in the Canadian armed forces is not limited to Canada alone. I’m an Australian ex-regular soldier I served for nine years and have made the same observations about the Australian armed services I would suggest that the situation is common throughout all the predominately Anglo/Saxon countries in the world.
 
Rod Todd, Transport Manager
Picton, Ontario

Re: Diabetic Kit Alert

Fake products are largely made in under-developed countries. However, many developed countries, including the United States, have had a similar history when looked at closely. Eventually these economies, like an insect molting, can break from these patterns.

I. Kitashiro, Sales
Vancouver, BC