It has been reported under Harper’s watch that flags around our capitol haven’t been lowered to half mast when one of our own has fallen in Afghanistan? They where however lowered to half-mast by the liberals every time a soldier fell except for one?
Is it not our duty as citizens to lower our own “internal flag” when we hear of a soldier’s sacrifice whether it was yesterday or in the conflicts of the past, that at one time helped define who we where as a country? Is it not a small repayment, to stand ready and honour our soldiers, and their commitment to their country? Without the need of a lowered flag?
Do we continually lower our flag for every soldier, or continually keep our awareness of how important our soldiers are and have been to our country and the world? Do we look towards all of our soldiers past and present with equal admiration and thanks daily, or at the very least save a spot in our hearts for their remembrance, and honour them in keeping their worth known in our minds as fighting men that have always fought the good fight?
If it is a duty to lower a flag for the fallen, then all flags in this country should never be raised over half. Why do we need a flag lowered for every life in the present to spike some form of rememberance? Those that have fallen I am sure would rather be respected and honoured as second nature, and have that same respect shown to their fellow troops and families by their government and their fellow citizen’s.
Could it be Canada has a political party that is of the character that has respect for the military, and expects the same from its citizens? Do we finally have a political party that holds the belief that every citizen should be able to recognize the significance of a soldiers sacrifice everyday? After so many years do we have a PM that finds it personally distasteful to patronize a loss common in military service especially in a theatre of war by lowering a symbol shortly? It does not do the deed merit, when the honourable act of a soldier requires so much from those living under the peace and freedom he protected for more than a day. Our character as a country should honesty reflect a soldier’s duty not to die but be honourable, and righteous in the face of adversity and evil.
That I think defines the Canada Harper would like us to be, and many have in their selfishness forgot.
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3 comments:
Given that this is an entirely subjective issue on which we are offering our opinions, it probably doesn't really matter that we differ. But the thing is, it sounds an awful lot like you are trying to spin an issue around which Conservatives make a pretty big issue, and that is patriotism, particularly around Canada's military.
I have never respected Canada's military more than I do now, and I firmly support their work in Afghanistan. I believe when we make a promise, we must see it through despite adversity... but in Canada, there is nothing shameful in remembering our soldiers fallen in combat. Even if that meant flags were lowered every few weeks for a day, that would be okay with me, because then I would know that Canada respects the sacrifices that are being made, and counts the cost of being conscientiously active in the world and not simply writing people off as "collateral damage."
I am thankful that Canada's armed forces don't often find themselves in conflicts where there is massive loss of life anymore. Just because we don't lose many doesn't mean we shouldn't remember them somehow, and if you think that average Canadians are cognizant of what is going on over there enough to be "internally lowering the flag" and "save a spot in our hearts for rememberance" even once, let alone every time we lose a soldier.
I just can't think of how it is patronizing to have a signal to remember the lost, like the poppies on rememberance day, or the red ribbons people used to wear to remember a friend who died of AIDS, the chilling monument to the soldiers who died in Vietnam, in Washington, DC... what is patronizing about recognizing a sacrifice, acknowledging a passing, and counting the cost?
jocelyn
Jocelyn, maybe I never clearly pointed out that in my opinion the usual modus operandi of Liberals and socialists can be demonstrated by (their) common practise of lowering a flag for every loss.
They lower the flag to placate their disdain for everything military that involves a loaded weapon and the projectiles that come from it, in other words conflict. Their short lived concern is watered down in hypocrisy that was cosmetic in the first place.
Many would be more emotionally disturbed watching Brokeback Mountain.
I'm certainly glad droves of our men and women are dying in combat either, but I gain much solace realizing, our country was defined was forged overseas (Vimy Ridge) with the wit, ingenuity,and determination of our past soldiers who made many marks for Canadians with their unmatched bravery and character,along with the support they recieved by the eternally gratefull back home.Our soldiers I'm sure carry that same honor, it should be natural to respect their efforts.
Like I said if a flag at half mast is so important for every soul it should never be raised any higher. Actually if we are to honor the fallen it should be compulsory to vote, and the reason given to respect those that have fallen.
As far as death by aids being equal to a soldiers death that could be debated and I certainly see no comparison between a war memorial holding every name in stone for time immortal to a flag hung half way, to feign a governments concern - its cheesy.
Who we are, and how we got here is much to important to play political games with. You either support our soldiers or you don't as well as the reality they have guns and sometimes they use them. Also if their shot at, or seeing bad men do bad things, they should be free to do the right thing defend themselves, and shoot the bad men.
Soldiers should be honored everyday by the individual. the government holds our hands enough and tries to coddle our sensibilitys, we are free to coddle our own, and honor the men that gave us that freedom , with internal eternal gratitude.
If anything they shouldn't be sent overseas on half baked UN flower power tours.
Thanks for your comments Jocelyn they are appreciated.
That should be glad our men and women aren't dying in droves......sry
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