In a controversial decision, Toronto city council has decided to rip metallic “Support our Troops” ribbons from the back of the fire trucks and ambulances that serve the city.
Though as politicians are wont to do they had someone else provide the actual heavy lifting, making the chiefs of the two services make the decision and the announcement. And even with that, the politicians offered up conflicting opinions on why they have decided to withdraw their support Canadians in danger.
The main thrust of their move is one that says, that offering support for Canadian troops in Afghanistan, in effect is expressing support for a war. This may be their interpretation of the way Canadians might be thinking, but from all accounts it doesn’t necessarily mirror the thoughts of ordinary Canadians.
The magnetic yellow ribbons do more than just support the troops, they act as a daily reminder for Canadians that we have sent people into harms way and should be concerned for their welfare each and every day. It doesn’t express any support for war despite what the city councilors in Toronto might like to believe. Which is the sentiment that the majority of letter writers to the Toronto Star seem to be trying to get across.
Most Canadians are capable of separating support and hopes for a safe return for the soldiers in Afghanistan from any actual endorsement of the war. This ability makes us a tad more rational than the folks that guide Toronto through its day to day existence.
Toronto council could have debated the War in chambers if they wished, published a manifesto of disagreement with the Canadian government and made their position plain for all to see. It is an issue that is dividing Canadians and should be heard, but not at the detriment of those that are only doing what the Canadian nation has told them to do.
Though as politicians are wont to do they had someone else provide the actual heavy lifting, making the chiefs of the two services make the decision and the announcement. And even with that, the politicians offered up conflicting opinions on why they have decided to withdraw their support Canadians in danger.
The main thrust of their move is one that says, that offering support for Canadian troops in Afghanistan, in effect is expressing support for a war. This may be their interpretation of the way Canadians might be thinking, but from all accounts it doesn’t necessarily mirror the thoughts of ordinary Canadians.
The magnetic yellow ribbons do more than just support the troops, they act as a daily reminder for Canadians that we have sent people into harms way and should be concerned for their welfare each and every day. It doesn’t express any support for war despite what the city councilors in Toronto might like to believe. Which is the sentiment that the majority of letter writers to the Toronto Star seem to be trying to get across.
Most Canadians are capable of separating support and hopes for a safe return for the soldiers in Afghanistan from any actual endorsement of the war. This ability makes us a tad more rational than the folks that guide Toronto through its day to day existence.
Toronto council could have debated the War in chambers if they wished, published a manifesto of disagreement with the Canadian government and made their position plain for all to see. It is an issue that is dividing Canadians and should be heard, but not at the detriment of those that are only doing what the Canadian nation has told them to do.
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It’s a telling comment that the Toronto council is out of step with the people who operate the fire and ambulance vehicles, who would prefer that the ribbons stay where they are. The sensible solution to the situation is, as was suggested by a few councillors, to wait until Canada’s troop commitment to Afghanistan comes to an end in a few years, but sensible and politics it seems rarely are common companions.
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The troops that serve in Afghanistan deserve our concern and respect. Which is what the yellow ribbon campaign, and wear red on Fridays, is supposed to be all about.
By its actions through its politicians, all of Toronto officially in effect has abandoned Canadian troops with the flick of a pen and a rip of a metallic ribbon. It’s a gesture which tells us a lot about the politicians and their internal compass. One that we’re pretty sure isn’t quite endorsed by the millions of residents of Canada’s largest city.
Of course, Toronto has a rather short memory; when it comes to the military. It wasn’t that long ago that unable to cope with a simple snow storm, they called on the Canadian Armed Forces to come to their aid.
Maybe next time the Canadian Forces shouldn’t answer the phone.
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Update: 1 pm: Well, it seems that things got a little hot for the city council in Toronto, they have decided that maybe they can leave the stickers on for one more year after all. Amazing what happens when the common folks make a few phone calls.
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Sadly, it comes on the same day that three more Canadian soldiers have given their lives in Aghanistan, bringing the total of our dead now to sixty. Highlighting the need to never forget that we have put Canadians into harms way and should offer them all the support we can.
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