As I scan the news headlines this morning I read one article that assured me I’m not completely out to lunch, and one which disgusts me beyond belief.
Yesterday I mentioned that Canada’s Members of Parliament were gathering to discuss Canada’s role in Afghanistan. During this debate Defense Minister Gordon O’Connor was quoted as saying, “Canada is in Afghanistan because it is in our national interest,” he said. “Our security begins very far from our borders.” “Must we wait for terrorists to appear in Vancouver, Montreal or here in Ottawa before we recognize the very real threat that they represent for our security?”
Well, at least Mr. O’connor and I agree on something. Now if we could just get him to convince the Prime Minister to give our troops equipment that didn’t date back to the 1960s we could really be on a roll here. Seriously though, I’m glad our Defense Minister sees our role in Afghanistan this way. It’s time for Canada to shed the “nice guy” image and start being proactive about our security and freedom before it’s too late.
There were protesters at the meeting, of course, with large signs urging the government to bring our troops home. I’d like our troops home too but I’m not too keen on the Taliban following close behind them. Let’s allow our military to do their job, shall we? I’m sure these protesters would be the first complaining if they saw terrorists walking their streets one day.
My next bone to pick is one that will make stomachs turn. A rocket exploded into a packed school in Asadabad, Afghanistan on Tuesday. Six children were killed and 14 other people wounded. The Taliban is blamed for the attack and it is said they target schools as part of their campaign against government-sponsored education.
I’m trying to wrap my mind around this concept but it really is difficult. How can a person deliberately kill innocent children in order to protest their government? It really just boggles the mind. I, like millions of other parents, send my kids off to school and the most I worry about is if they’re going to eat the entire sandwich I packed for them or go straight for the dessert.
Yes, there are days when my country and my government tick me off but today I am grateful for both more than I can say. At least I can send my girls to school and not have to worry about bombs. I can take comfort in the notion that, if I teach them the value of hard work, they can apply that and the knowledge they gain in school and have a future. Today I am grateful my family and I live in a free country.