Afghanistan - we need to be there

I am frustrated. I am tired of media spin and political posturing. Our Presence in Afghanistan is important and I wish more Canadians took the time to find out the issues. So many have the knee jerk reaction that "We are peacekeepers we shouldn't be there!" or "Our soldiers are getting killed we need to pull out!" Can I tell you a secret? Soldiers die...it's what they are here for. They know it when they sign up. They also are trained to KILL people. I know our left leaning society thinks we should have our military glad-handing and giving toys to kids in foreign lands but when it comes to influence on the international stage, that just doesn't cut it. Our nation may have been created in 1867 but we were forged on the battlefield at Vimy Ridge in WWI (If you know what I am talking about great, if not google it). It was our brave work that got us a seat at the table with the other nations and out from behind the skirt of Britain. It was continued in WWII and again in Korea. A big reason Canada was respected was because of our ability to contribute to the protection of our allies as well as our own country.

Those days are long gone now, and years and years of government cuts has left our military a shadow of its former self. Our presence in Afghanistan is helping to reestablish our reputation. This combined with a new focus on military spending doesn't mean that we are turning into the USA. It means that we are finally looking after our responsibilities. We have to stop expecting the US and others to protect us or take care of our share of responsibilities overseas.

Now I tend to ramble but lets be clear. We have lost 10 soldiers in Afghanistan. 3 in vehicle accidents, 3 in hostile attacks and 4 during the US friendly fire incident. read that line again

3 in vehicle accidents, that could have happened here.

3 in hostile attacks, 2 in a mine attack and 1 by suicide bomber....3 in hostile attacks

4 during the US friendly fire incident. So the United States has killed more of our personnel than the enemy. Do you see my point? Casualties happen, it sucks and nobody likes it. but the price of freedom is paid for in blood. It always has been and it always will be.

So instead of bitching and complaining. find the facts out for yourself and then see if you feel the same way. If you want to live in a safe and prosperous country you need to protect it's interests. If you live in a nice house, shouldn't you protect it? If you drive a car don't you insure it? Do you realize that canada spends just over 1% of it's enormous budget on Defence? How much protection could you get for your home or car for 1% of your income?

Afghanistan, we need to be there.