Canada Must Stop Supporting Israeli Weapons Industry

Canada Must Stop Supporting Israeli Weapons Industry

As published in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs (WRMEA) – June/July 2022

Canada recently signed a $36 million contract to buy Hermes Starliner drones from Elbit, an Israeli company that also manufactures the cluster bombs, bullets and corrosive white phosphorus shells used to attack both Hamas and civilians in Gaza.

Victoria Day Ripe for Royal Reflection

Victoria Day Ripe for Royal Reflection

As published in the Hill Times: May 25, 2022

As the memory of prince Charles’ Ottawa visit fades, I’m left wondering why he didn’t linger to celebrate Victoria Day. Perhaps he anticipated a barrage of awkward questions from those seeking redress for past royal misconduct?

Harper’s Israeli Foreign Legion

Harper’s Israeli Foreign Legion

As previously-published in the Leveller: Spring 2015

Recent revelations of Israeli soldiers protesting brutal IDF rules of engagement in Gaza cause me to question the Harper government’s narrow definition of terrorism. These soldiers had been ordered to shoot Palestinian women and children stranded in so-called “free fire zones” reminiscent of the Vietnam era. These dissident troops join other Israelis who refuse to participate in IDF violence in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and on the Mediterranean Sea.

Biden’s Ukrainian Amnesia

Biden’s Ukrainian Amnesia

As published in the Hill Times, Ottawa Sun and Canadian News: March 2, 2022

According to U.S. President Biden, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is “…a premeditated attack…now he and his country will bear the consequences.”

The truth of these statements does not lessen their hypocrisy and indifference to similar U.S. conduct in the Middle East. Biden’s condemnation could easily apply to the haphazard 2003 invasion of Iraq, a nation with no hope of NATO membership or a shared border with Russia.

Royalty both Trivial and Irrelevant

Royalty both Trivial and Irrelevant

As published in the Hill Times: 6 December 2021

A recent headline stated that “Prince Charles rejects claim he queried skin tone of Harry and Meghan's child.” It seems that many Canadians consider such declarations newsworthy. On the other hand, many could care less what this guy thinks.

Blanchet’s Awkward Presence Goes Unchallenged

Blanchet’s Awkward Presence Goes Unchallenged

As published in the Hill Times: 22 September 2021

Every time a federal election occurs, I note federal candidates’ failure to challenge the Bloc’s presence in national campaigns and debates. Of course, I appreciate the electoral reality that Quebec votes are key to any majority government.

Wounded Veterans Deserve Better

Wounded Veterans Deserve Better

As published in the Hill Times: Nov.15, 2021

Every November, Canadians honor those who have served in the military; especially the dead and wounded. Unfortunately, war remains a permanent feature of human existence and has become vital to neoliberalism and the interests of global capital. Canada’s long military experience in Afghanistan is a good example of how a middle power gets drawn into unwinnable conflicts at the behest of the mighty.

How about remembering our veterans with support, not just words?

Today's letters: How about remembering our veterans with support, not just words?

As published in the Ottawa Citizen: Nov 10, 2021

Every November, Canadians honour those who have served in the military, especially the dead and wounded. Unfortunately, war is a permanent feature of human existence.

Poppies remind me that wars are fought by working people who are often discarded when their courage is no longer required. While every combat veteran is a hero, the same cannot be said for those who send them to war and arms manufacturers who profit from military strife.

Wounded Veterans Deserve Better

Wounded Veterans Deserve Better

As published in Rabble.ca: Nov.12, 2021

Every November, Canadians honor those who have served in the military; especially the dead and wounded. Unfortunately, war remains a permanent feature of human existence and has become vital to neoliberalism and the interests of global capital. Canada’s long military experience in Afghanistan is a good example of how a middle power gets drawn into unwinnable conflicts at the behest of the mighty.

Mulroney Advises Dirty Hands for Trudeau and a Mask for O’Toole

Later moral clarity shouldn’t absolve the past, writes Ottawa reader (Mulroney Advises Dirty Hands for Trudeau and a Mask for O’Toole)

As published in the Hill Times: Nov. 11, 2021

The persuasive power of wealth and status remain evident in recent coverage of Brian Mulroney’s advice to current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole. The mainstream press ignores Mulroney’s past record as they publicise his current pronouncements.

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