[sthompson]

<strong>Written By:</strong> sthompson
<strong>Date:</strong> 2004-03-22 10:07:00
<a href="/article/100729912-prominent-canadians-oppose-missile-defence">Article Link</a>

********* <p> Print Media coverage as of March 19th <p> 18 newspaper hits & a BN News story read on commerical stations across Canada. <p> <b>Canadian personalities demand Ottawa withdraw from US anti-missile shield</b><br> Agence France Presse English Thu 18 Mar 2004 Section:<br> International News Time: 21:36 GMT (17:36 Eastern Time) <p> MONTREAL, March 18 (AFP) - A hundred well-known Canadians on Thursday called on their government to pull out of talks with Washington on participation in the US space-based anti-missile shield. <p> "Canadian involvement in US missile defense would undermine decades of Canadian efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons," they said in an open letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin. <p> "It would represent our acquiescence and willingness to become an active participant in a permanent nuclear future," said the letter. "As such, it would directly collide with the wishes of the Canadian people who have expressed overwhelming support for nuclear disarmament." <p> Canadian participation in the US defense system "would require the reversal of a 30-year Canadian policy opposing the weaponization of space," said the letter. <p> The US plan is "enormously expensive" and would have long-term negative consequences on global security and "Canadian sovereignty over future foreign affairs and defense matters," said the letter. <p> It was signed by some 100 Canadian personalities, including former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy, singers Bryan Adams, Richard Desjardins and Sarah McLachlan, anti-globalization author Naomi Klein, film maker Alexandre Trudeau, son of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, and a Catholic bishop and a Nobel chemistry laureate. <p> jl/aln/jjc Canada-US-missiles-people<br> Length: 201 words <p> <b>CELEBS FIGHT STAR WARS</b><br> The Toronto Sun Thu 18 Mar 2004 Page: 47<br> Section: News Byline: BY VIVIAN SONG, TORONTO SUN <p> Canada's luminaries are urging Prime Minister Paul Martin to stay out of a galactic star wars they say goes against Canadian values. <p> Stars such as singer Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, environmentalist David Suzuki and award-winning journalist and author Pierre Berton have signed their names in an open letter to the prime minister voicing their opposition to Canada's participation in the U.S.-led missile defence system. <p> "The concerns are several-fold. It's just not something that fits with Canadian values," said Steven Staples, spokesman for public interest and research group Polaris Institute. <p> CP Wire (This is the story from which the next dozen or more stories is derived - Steve) Thu 18 Mar 2004 Section: Entertainment and culture <p> OTTAWA (CP) _ A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. <p> The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, urging him to keep Canada out of the defence system. <p> The letter contends the U.S. plan to use missiles to defend North America from attacks will have ``long-term negative consequences for global security , and for Canadian sovereignty.'' <p> Signatories include Nobel Prize, Grammy Award and Order of Canada recipients such as Bryan Adams, Pierre Berton, Sarah McLachlan, Stompin' Tom Connors and Susan Aglukark. <p> Some politicians have also signed on. <p> A similar letter was signed in Montreal by Alexander (Sacha) Trudeau, Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe and others. <p> Length: 121 words <p> Brief: <b>Musicians, politicians, intellectuals urge PM to avoid missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA (CP) -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister... Source: Canadian Press Edition: Final The Packet & Times (Orillia) - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 70 words <p> Brief: <b>Group urges Martin to avoid missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA (CP) -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime... <p> Source: Canadian Press <br> Edition: Final The North Bay Nugget - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 103 words <p> Brief: <b>PM urged to avoid missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister... Source: Penticton Herald; Wire Services Edition: Final Penticton Herald - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 96 words <p> Singers, politicians hope to defuse U.S. missile plan A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin,... Source: Record news services Edition: Final The Record (Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo) - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 94 words <p> <b>Celebrities urge prime minister to avoid missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA - A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul... Source: The Canadian Press Edition: Final The Standard (St. Catharines - Niagara) - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 120 words <p> <b>Celebrities urge Martin to stay away from missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA (CP) -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime... Source: Canadian Press Edition: Final The Expositor (Brantford) - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 121 words <p> Brief: <b>Artists urge PM to avoid missile defence plan</b> <br> OTTAWA - A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul... Source: Canadian Press Edition: Final Tribune (Welland) - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 120 words <p> <b>Celebrities say no to missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA - A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul... Source: The Canadian Press Edition: Final The Edmonton Journal - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 120 words <p> <b>ARTISTS CALL FOR BAN ON MISSILES</b><br> A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Parliament to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul... Byline: BY CP Edition: Final The Ottawa Sun - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 89 words <p> <b>ARTISTS ANGRY</b><br> A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin,... Edition: Final The Calgary Sun - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 93 words <p> <b>Musicians attack missiles OTTAWA</b><br> (CP) -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime... Source: Canadian Press Edition: Final Times Colonist (Victoria) - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 121 words <p> Brief: Music: <b>Musicians, politicians, intellectuals urge PM to avoid missile defence plan</b><br> OTTAWA (CP) -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. The group has sent a letter to Prime... Source: Canadian Press Edition: Final Cape Breton Post - Fri, Mar 19, 2004 - 121 words <p> In Brief Winnipeg Free Press Fri 19 Mar 2004<br> Page: A16 Section:<br> Canada Wire Byline: <p> <b>Celebrity group rejects missile defence</b> <p> OTTAWA -- A group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. <p> The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, urging him to keep Canada out of the defence system. <p> Signatories include Nobel Prize, Grammy Award and Order of Canada recipients such as Bryan Adams, Pierre Berton, Sarah McLachlan, Stompin' Tom Connors and Susan Aglukark. <p> <b>Tom stomps on Bush plan</b><br> The Calgary Herald Fri 19 Mar 2004 Page: D3 Section: Entertainment Column: Entertainment Notes Source: CanWest News Services <p> Stompin' Tom Connors is among a group of musicians, politicians and intellectuals calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. <p> The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, urging him to keep Canada out of the defence system. <p> The letter contends the U.S. plan to use missiles to defend North America from attacks will have "long-term negative consequences for global security, and for Canadian sovereignty." <p> Signatories include Nobel Prize, Grammy Award and Order of Canada recipients such as Bryan Adams, Pierre Berton, Sarah McLachlan, Connors and Susan Aglukark. <p> Illustration: . Photo: Calgary Herald Archive / Stompin' Tom Connors is warning Canada against the U.S. missile defence plan. <p> Edition: Final Story Type: News; Brief Length: 96 words <p> <b>HURTIG LAUNCHES BID TO STOP MISSILE PLAN</b><br> The Edmonton Sun Fri 19 Mar 2004 Page: 19 Section: News Byline: BY SHANE HOLLADAY, EDMONTON SUN <p> Endorsing the U.S. missile defence system makes Canada a target for future nuclear exchanges - and citizens should be telling Prime Minister Paul Martin to reject the plan, says a citizens' group. <p> As part of a nation-wide campaign, Council of Canadians founder Mel Hurtig is urging people to oppose plans to have U.S. missile bases on Canadian soil. <p> "Many people are involved and we have sent a letter to the prime minister today with scores of ordinary Canadians signing the letter saying please, do not get involved in the American national missile defence plan," Hurtig said. "It's already resulting in a huge escalation and buildup of nuclear weapons and new missile systems in Russia and China." <p> Musicians, politicians and intellectuals are joining together across Canada to sign the letter, he said. <p> Based on the Star Wars defence system conceived during the 1980s, some anti-ballistic-missile defence shield concepts involve nuclear warheads in orbit over North America. <p> Hurtig said the defence plan launched a new nuclear arms race, and Canada shouldn't be involved except as a voice against the "weaponization of space." <p> He dismissed the idea the ballistic missile shield would help protect Canada. "The minute we become involved in the national missile defence program, we will be perceived as a target." <p> Last week, Premier Ralph Klein said the U.S. was welcome to use Alberta soil to house part of its anti-ballistic-missile defence shield. Marisa Etmanski, a spokesman for the premier's office, said yesterday no talks about missiles in Alberta have happened. "It is yet to be finalized. That's his opinion for now," Etmanski said. "We're not even sure that it's going to be happening at all." Edition: Final Length: 275 words <p> ENT-Missile Defence-Celebs Broadcast News Thu 18 Mar 2004 Section: General and national news <p> OTTAWA -- A group of well-known musicians, politicians and intellectuals is calling on Ottawa to steer clear of the Bush administration's missile defence plan. <p> The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, urging him to keep Canada out of the defence system. <p> The letter warns the U-S plan to use missiles to defend North America from attacks will have ``long-term negative consequences for global security, and for Canadian sovereignty.'' <p> It's signatories include Nobel Prize, Grammy Award and Order of Canada recipients such as Bryan Adams, Pierre Berton, Sarah McLachlan, Stompin' Tom Connors and Susan Aglukark. <p> Politicians from all parties have also signed on, including Flora MacDonald, Lloyd Axworthy, Mel Hurtig and N-D-P Leader Jack Layton. <P> A similar letter was signed in Montreal by Alexander ``Sacha'' Trudeau, Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe and others.<br> --- <p> Steven Staples Director, Project on the Corporate-Security State <br> Polaris Institute 312 Cooper Street Ottawa,<br> Ontario K2P 0G7 CANADA <br> t. 613 237-1717 x107 c. 613 290-2695 f. 613 237-3359 e. <br> <a href="mailto:steven_staples@on.aibn.com"> steven_staples@on.aibn.com</a><br> <a href="http://www.polarisinstitute.org"> http://www.polarisinstitute.org</a>

[Kory Yamashita]

Hmm... I haven't had a chance to sign this yet.

And some prominent and important Canadians weren't mentioned who, IMHO, almost definitely oppose the missile shield. Joe Gosnell, leader of the Nisga'a Nation and possibly our next Governor General, for example. But then again, rural BC is pretty far from Ottawa.

Oh well, I'm still impressed... we can't let ourselves be suckered into this. Look around the world. Terrorism in the last week has been everywhere. Every election has been violent and it's starting to worry me here in BC where we'll see two elections this year. I don't really look forward to being part of "Canada's 9/11" just because Paul Martin's getting extra-comfy with George Bush.

Does anyone know exactly what the motivation behind this too-expensive plan that won't work is? I mean, the US doesn't normally waste money on things that don't work. So why now? The only answer I can see is to provide inadequate protection while forcing arms buildup in other countries. Then, the need for the REAL starwars weaponization of space will become apparent. Any other guesses?

-KY

---
Kory Yamashita

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

[Dr Caleb]

My guess would be just to spend more money on defense in the effort to try to pump up the US economy and garner a little more support for Bush.<p> Like Susan says, hitting a bullet with a bullet is difficult. The only time it's actually been successful, the target missle had a known pre-programmed flight path.<p> <p>---<br>"History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme" Mark Twain <br />
"The greatest price of not participating in politics is being governed by your inferiors." Plato

[Dave Ruston]

This is nice to see. Now if we can only get more and more prominent Canadians to sign on to other issues, like NAFTA, health care, and Canadian sovereignty.

---
Dave Ruston

[Guest]

"Does anyone know exactly what the motivation behind this too-expensive plan that won't work is? I mean, the US doesn't normally waste money on things that don't work. "


Two words for that:
DRUG WAR

[Dr Caleb]

No, that's working exactally as planned.<p> If the plan was to deny access to legal representation to anyone accused of drug related offenses because all their assets are seized and sold at auction so they can't afford council and they are destitute and their lives are ruined before they are even convicted of a crime. Or if the plan was to trade Canadian made drugs for US made weapons that find their way on to Canadian streets where innocent bystanders are gunned down and the criminals can drive around in hopped up show queen rice burners.<p> If that was the plan, then it was a success.<p> <p>---<br>"History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme" Mark Twain <br />
"The greatest price of not participating in politics is being governed by your inferiors." Plato

[Kory Yamashita]

Fair 'nuff. Except the war on drugs DOES successfully fulfill its role: it keeps Americans in fear. Drugs, rape, murder, organized crime, B&E's, etc etc... most are prevalent due mainly to the war on drugs. More liberal drug laws would weaken organised crime and cut down on all these crimes. But then CNN's ratings would go down and the American public would start worrying about real issues.

Focusing on sex and drugs as the source of unrest in society is an American tradition. It draws attention away from the fact that their foreign policy is short-sighted and illegal, and that the government's every action is designed to exploit the American public in order to maximize profits for a few giant corporations.

Can you say decoy?

But I guess the same can be said for the missile shield.

-KY

---
Kory Yamashita

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

[KevinGagnon]

<p><blockquote>Fair 'nuff. Except the war on drugs DOES successfully fulfill its role: it keeps Americans in fear. Drugs, rape, murder, organized crime, B&E's, etc etc... most are prevalent due mainly to the war on drugs. More liberal drug laws would weaken organised crime and cut down on all these crimes. But then CNN's ratings would go down and the American public would start worrying about real issues.</blockquote> <p> What you said above is I think right on target to the truth. I know a book was writen about this which I haven't got to read yet. I only read the introduction of the book so far. The book is called "The Culture of Fear" by Barry Glassner. I hope to read it soon. Kevin

[whelan costen]

I am impressed, but I am also disgusted that Klein has once again, sided with the U.S. against the wishes of Canadians! What right does he have to say they can use Alberta soil for these purposes? I am horrified once again!

[KevinGagnon]

Is Klein Canadian? /-: I can name some Americans who speak about what Canada truly stands for, better then Klein does.

Kevin

[Kory Yamashita]

Kevin, also think about the NRA. It's proof about the extend of fear-mongering in the US. They're not ALL crazed fanatics. A lot of them are probably serious about just wanting guns to protect their families. Sad, though.

Mind you... so is Ralph Klein. I don't think I could bring myself to vote for someone that I don't respect as a person. And after he started screaming at homeless people in a drunken rage I just can't. Actually, I heard from someone who worked in Ottawa that Ralph Klein would regularly get so drunk at Premiers' conferences that all the signing had to be done in the morning because he would be incapacitated by the end of lunch. Hail thy esteemed leader!!!!

-KY

---
Kory Yamashita

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Oliver Wendell Holmes