Canada?s signing on to the U.S system will repudiate our leadership in the international peace and disarmament campaigns. Our cities could become targets, should future nuclear confrontations between Russia and/or China and the United State occur. And, as a new tensions become increasing dangerous, the possibility of a devastating nuclear war increases!
Philip coyle, Ass?t Defence Secretary under President Clinton, recently expressed a belief this will lead to space weaponization as 1,600 satellites are needed to defend against one intercontinental ballistic missile. Once space platforms for weapons defence are established you can automatically have war-in-space.
The US plan is estimated for this placement of space-based weaponry at an estimated cost of $8-12 billion per year, a cost neither Canada nor the U.S.can afford to support.
Based on unproven technology, it has dangerous implications for strategic stability. A new global arms race causes retaliatory arsenals of missiles and warheads by other countries - such as a Star Wars for real. Should Canada?s government pursue this involvement, it clearly states our willingness to be an active participant in a permanent nuclear future and we could expect a significant cost, nothing is for free!
This past year we all saw a different type of democracy within the United States, and the fact there wasn?t an exit permit planned from Iraq. Increasingly it?s become clear to many Congressmen and Senators their voting ?to go to war? was perhaps not the wisest course!
Former Prime Minister Chretien should be recognized for his wisdom in that scenario. No missile shield can ever ensure North America?s safety!
Only by establishing relationships with nations of the world, through mutual respect, co-operation, without exploitation, is that achieved.
What now for a new Prime Minister and possibly other new faces on Parliament Hill? Will they understand what signing the Missile defence could cost Canada ? The Dalai Lama and Mel Hurtig do!
Voice your dissent by e-mailing pm@pm.gc.ca or faxing 1 -613- 941-6900
Note: pm@pm.gc.ca
Stumble It!
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If I stand for my country today...will my country be here to stand for me tomorrow?
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Dave Ruston
I still think that what King George has in mind is a first and only strike weapons system. Him and his honcho's think that they can outdraw all the other nuclear gunslingers and blow them away before they can get a shot off. King George's modus operandi to date has been to hit first and he has declared that he has the right to do it. When the drivel of "mutually assured destruction" was postulated there was a time lag of 15 minutes between launch and the target being hit which gave time for a full retaliatory response. With a space based launch there is only a few seconds for reaction. The retaliatory response can be nuked where it sits before a missile can leave a cradle or silo or submarine.
Only a completely insane bunch of bastards would try something like that. Have you seen any evidence that we are faced with a sane bunch of bastards?