|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Values and CultureThank you for participating in the Dialogue on Foreign Policy. The interactive web site is now closed. The Minister's report will appear on this web site once it is released. This Forum is bilingual, and participants post messages in their language of choice. |
|
|
Contributor: Newman
Date: 2003-01-24 10:59:09
Well, which is it then? Millitary or foreign aid?
The U.S. spends $400 billion per year on its millitary and next to none on foreign aid. The result? The whole world hates or fears America and its citizens still don't feel safe.
Canada can't afford both, and doesn't need one of them. We don't have any enemies yet, but if we continue to follow in the U.S.'s footsteps we will soon. Cut millitary funding and give it to Africa to help fight AIDS.
Reply to this message
|
Show in topic
|
|
Contributor: rmk
Date: 2003-01-24 15:23:08
The U.S. give billions of dollars to a number of countries, most of whom have terrorist networks and hate the West. They provide over $60 billion dollars a year (not counting disaster relief, volunteers, etc) in foreign aid.
Reply to this message
|
|
|
Contributor: Robert
Date: 2003-01-25 16:47:45
While we should never impose our values on others, there are times when we must intervene in another country's affairs. There are times when we must stop listening to reason, and start listening to our conscience. With the leadership our country now has, we are virtually ignored by the rest of the world. Canada seems to be seen as a child which sits at the metaphorical "kiddy table" while the grown ups deal with real issues. Canada must shed this image. It's true that we have no real enemies now, save for our own incompetence. But should we fear to make enemies? Should be bend before the anger of another country at the cost of doing what is right? When did we become a nation of cowards? There is no cowardice greater than inaction when action is clearly required. We give token support in a fight against people who would hurt innocents to obtain their objectives. We cling to old allegiances and turn a blind eye to the real issues of the world. Canada must regain it's former will to do right. We must harden our hearts against the anger of our enemies, or our friends, and move forward regardless of the cost.
Reply to this message
|
|
|
Contributor: edikz
Date: 2003-01-29 22:56:32
If your conscience does not follow reason, then rather you should re-examine your conscience, otherwise you are in an irrational world, unpredictable and illogical, and are not in any position to make a contribution to a more humane world. Of course, you would be siding with the toughs of the world, and you might feel safer, but you are more cowardly than if you followed reason. Otherwise, what are you following? Gut feeling?!
Reply to this message
|
|
|
Contributor: Robert
Date: 2003-01-30 16:23:40
edikz
The point I was trying to make slipped completely over your head. You seem to think that I would blindly side with a stronger nation in order to protect ourselves. Does this not seem logical to you? To ally yourself with the side that would win a conflict? No, this is not what I am saying at all. The point I am making is this : We should do what we feel is right, regardless of who would side with us. Even if our allies would be angered by our actions. You seem to be encouraging some sort of Machiavellian society, though. One where we do all things in order to gain power and protect ourselves. We should not wait for popular support to move in and protect a people or country in distress. The world is never black and white, there are no absolutes. We must stop letting others tell us what to do, and listen instead to demands of our own people, and our collective conscience.
Reply to this message
|
|
|
Contributor: cfallon
Date: 2003-02-07 16:14:45
The "next to nothing" on foreign aid is a geographical reference to that fact that the US is next to us, right?
How can we criticize the US when our foreign aid is pathetic. Even if we boost our foreign aid, it will get wasted on marketing campaigns designed by Liberal corporate sponsors aimed at showing Canadians how sweet and wonderful we are.
Ironically, if we gave money to Africa to fight AIDS, we'd be following America's lead - since Bush is the only western leader who has put money on the table to fight this problem.
Reply to this message
|
|
|
|
