Letter: Harper ought to be ashamed

By Steven Vaivada

Editor, the Gauntlet,

I would like to compliment our Prime Minister on lending out his jet for the evacuation of our citizens from the embattled areas of Lebanon, but quite frankly that would be like complimenting a fellow that witnesses a car crash, but rather than aiding the victims of the crash, he starts to clean the roadway of debris so motorists can continue their commute. I am ashamed. I am ashamed as a person who firmly believes in peace, I am ashamed as a Canadian, and I am ashamed as a human being. Many Israelis have been murdered and ten times as many Lebanese. Worse yet they are being killed in war crimes. Both sides are commiting these crimes and they need to be stopped.

Stephen Harper, you should be ashamed. We could place pressure on the U.S to reduce their arms shipments to not only the Middle East but the rest of the world. We could follow the example of the incredibly brave Christian Peacemakers and place ourselves in harm’s way as human shields to promote peace and help the people of Lebanon and Israel feel that they are not alone and their suffering is being heard. Our Prime Minister should’ve been on that jet and when they arrived amidst the shells and bombs he should’ve gotten off and placed himself in harm’s way until a ceasefire was initiated. He should be our example ­–an example for all Canadians to emulate and be proud of. I don’t feel that.

Steven Vaivada

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