From Canada To Iraq: The Song Remains The Same
By Jeff Berg
02 July,
2008
Countercurrents.org
While Iraq mourns and splinters
under the weight of occupation we here in Canada on July, 1, 2008,
celebrated our nation's prosperity and unity. There was a time however
when we Canadiens too had our very existence imperilled by attack.
It is instructive I think to compare what was said to the Canadian
people by their aggressor to what has been said on more than one occasion
to the people of Iraq.
"You have been conquered into liberty, if you act as you ought.
You are a small people compared to those who with open arms invite
you into fellowship. A moment's reflection should convince you which
will be most for your interest and happiness, to have all of America
as your unalterable friend, or your inveterate enemy." ~ U.S.
Congress to Quebec, November, 13, 1755.
"Our military operations have as their object the defeat of the
enemy, and the driving of him from these territories ....but our armies
do not come into your cities and lands as conquerors or enemies, but
as liberators." ~ General Stanley Maude to the people of Baghdad,
March 19, 1917.
Eighty-six years later, to the day, March 19, 2003, America launched
Operation Iraq Liberation and "Shock and Awe" descended
on this same people and their city. It seems quite impossible to believe
that those who manufactured this war were not informed by their British
allies as to the historical significance of choosing this day to begin
their attack. (Dubya excepted.)
Days before its launch once again issued forth the pro forma claims
of every aggressor. "Liberation" for the people of Iraq,
and the request that the people "act as they ought". This
time the plea was that Iraqis "not destroy the oil wells."
~ George W. Bush to the Iraqi people, March 17, 2003.
I extend a "Happy Canada Day" wish to my fellow Canadians,
my deepest sympathies to the people of Iraq, and the hope that we
Canadians shall remember and act over the next year on the fact that
blessings are obligations.
I leave you with the words of James Petras in an essay published today
as its words contains seeds whose germination holds hope for the many
nations of the world whose genuine liberation is still to come. The
last line of this excerpt from his piece is very often used in reference
to Canada as well. Unlike Latin America however they have only become
more true for Canadians over the last few years. Verily is it said
that the price of freedom is vigilance.
"The onset of the US recession and financial crisis is having
little or no effect in slowing Latin America's export boom, demonstrating
the growing de-coupling of the two regions' economies, rendering obsolete
the long-standing cliché."When the US sneezes, Latin America
catches pneumonia." ~ Professor James Petras to whoever is listening,
July, 1, 2008.
ton confrere,
J.F. Berg
www.postcarbontoronto.org
www.pledgeTOgreen.ca
