Saturday, November 11, 2006

The Poppy feud

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ciMYIdzU1A

Okay, this is a link to a movie put out by a Comrade of mine in Edmonton, on the Canadian holiday of "Remembrance Day", which is today.

In this short clip, she is making the case for the co-existence of the "White poppies" Campaign side by side with the orthodox "Red Poppies" put out by the Royal Canadian Legion on Remembrance day.

What struck me as most interesting about this entire short production was a response made by one of the people who viewed it:

"redcollargedeon (1 hour ago)
NO, it does take away from the symbol used by the veterans. Their poppy represents sacrifice so that you can make silly decisions, but wearing the Peace Poppy is a backstab. Being active against all wars means that our armed forces will not get the financing they need to do peacekeeping abroad. They won't spread good Canadian values abroad. They will lose their status as good guys abroad. Many will die. "

Alright, lets analyze this Braying-Jack Ass reply in depth.

" Their poppy represents sacrifice so that you can make silly decisions..." - The true trademark of a reactionary capitalist; They believe in the right to freedom of speech and action , but if you ever try to exercise this right, they will raise hell.

"Being active against all wars means that our armed forces will not get the financing they need to do peacekeeping abroad."
- Obviously this individual does not understand how the politics of conflict work. For starters, this individual does not realize that if the ruling class wants to go to war, they will do so and allocate funds to the military, regardless of popular protest. In the face of overwhelming mass discontent, the ruling class may keep the military itself out of a conflict, but still find back-door ways to participate in it; to give you an example, much of the ammunition used by the US in Iraq comes from Canada. Also, by stationing Canadian troops in Afghanistan, it frees American troops to participate in Iraq. Even though our government is not officially participating in the war in Iraq, they are finding ways to aid the US military. Also, this individual believes in the concept of "peacekeeping", an obvious indicator of political naivete.

"They Won't spread good Canadian Values abroad"
- This observation not only reveals the obvious ideological slant of the individual that posted it, but infuriates me in a way that only a reactionary ideologue can. "Spread good Canadian values abroad"?! This warmonger is openly advocating Imperialism in the name of Canadian cultural chauvinism! Once again the "White man's burden" becomes the justification for wars of aggression. This individual is not only ignorant, but an aggressive Canadian chauvinist.

"they will lose their status as good guys abroad." - Who, other than our Canadian media, says that they have this status? Your argument is nonsensical; By not interfering in the sovereignty of nations over seas, I think that Canada would be held in much higher esteem, than as an imperial occupier.

I think that this person owes Paula an apology. Furthermore, I think that this person should repeat the fifth grade.

I been doing a lot of anti-war work in the last week myself, demonstrating in front of a local recruitment center to draw attention to the war in Afghanistan. The overwhelming majority of those that I encounter agree with my position, but on two occasions, individuals have confronted me angrily for daring to exercise my democratic right to free speech.

I've been thinking a lot about this. I wrote about this in March as well, in my post entitled "Ignorance is bliss". Here, once again, is another ignorant reply from the Edmonton Sun :

"Could all of the anti-war protesters try protesting in Iraq or Afghanistan where the war is actually going on? Or are you all too comfortable in your homes that were won through the hard work and effort of Canadian, American and British troops?- Al Boschman"Edmonton Sun, March 23, 2006

On this day, Remembrance day 2006, is it is important to honour the dead, but also educate people about the reality of wars of occupation in Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, etc. My Great grandfather served in the Second World War. I do not intend to dishonour his memory, or the memories of any others who fought against Fascism in Europe; However, I will not support any war of occupation and imperialism, and neither should any other person, whether they are Canadian or otherwise.

I salute Paula for making this short film in response to the Legions attack on the peace activist white poppies, I salute the women in black for initiating the white poppy campaign, and I salute all those who are fighting to oppose wars of occupation, especially by the current Canadian armed forces.

I think that the best way to honour the fallen soldiers of Canada, is to stop others from joining them in death.

Oppose the War of Occupation in Afghanistan and Haiti! Troops out Now!

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