Experts, MP Call Iltis Vehicles `Antiquated'

this not worthy of this site

We generally try not to censor material posted by readers unless it\'s racist or otherwise completely hate-based, or extremely off-topic. We try to encourage a range of opinion, even in cases where it may contradict the positions of the site itself (such as Paul Kellogg\'s opinions on left nationalism) since we view that as democratic and thus in keeping with our principles. In keeping with that site policy we have approved this piece, posted by a reader.

As a progressive, my personal opinion is that the issue of these vehicles being \"dangerous\" detracts from the real reason for the danger--the chaos left over from the U.S. invasion of the country. However others are entitled to their own opinions--some may support the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. We have posted articles on the issue before to at least encourage debate on the Canadian involvement there, and this piece is also relevant for that reason.

However, thanks for posting a comment and please do continue to do so.

- Susan, site editor

This most certainly is worthy of discussion. For if Canadians want new and improved vehicles that money has to come from somewhere. Increasingly that means cutting off social spending elsewhere.

Many early reports are saying that the explosion was caused by a buried heavy artillery shell or anti-tank mine. Even an armored vehicle like the Coyote would have suffered extensive damage and those inside still probably would have died.

Afghanistan is somewhere that Canada should at least try to make a difference. Regardless of what brought us there (Sept 11) that country and its peoples have suffered decades of war and civil strife. They need help rebuilding their lives and country. We should not shy away and we should also expect more casualties. Sad as it is to say, it\'s the plain truth.

With the onset of Martin I would expect Canadians to be in more dangerous places in the coming years. If he tries to put us into Afghanistan, that is where I would draw the line. Under the auspicious of the UN yes, otherwise - shove it George - send Jeb.


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If there was ever a time for Canadians to become pushy - now is the time - for time is running out on this nation called Canada.

Coming to ask why; I was wondering why the Canadian soldiers were in Afghanistan in the first place

Yes I too, believe that this is important for discussion. The money necessary to support our military, shouldn\'t have to come from social programs. Employees of the military are not on welfare or UI, if we actually built the equipment needed in Canada, that would also create jobs. And we certainly could use Canadian companies, if you look up military suppliers,\'Canadian\' on the internet, the list of companies is unbelievable! Why aren\'t we using Canadian companies? I asked that question to McCallum and still await his reply, they are taking my suggestion under advisement(no kidding). Not to mention the military is not only used for peacekeeping, just look at the need during forest fires, floods, ice storms etc. We wouldn\'t have to rent a chopper to do the job either. Now they are talking about privatizing the border patrol. Oh yah and that won\'t cost us, you bet it will. These guys are putting their very young lives on the line to promote peace, the least we could do is provide them with decent equipment!!

Oops - that should read - \'if he puts us into IRAQ\'!

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If there was ever a time for Canadians to become pushy - now is the time - for time is running out on this nation called Canada.