PM parroting Dubya’s ‘war on terror’

Re: PM vows crackdown on ‘violent jihadism,' Jan. 26

PM vows crackdown on ‘violent jihadism,' Jan. 26

By raising the spectre of public violence in Canada through violent jihadism, one wonders if Prime Minister Stephen Harper may be attempting to leverage fear to keep himself in power? In fact, he may be betting that Canadians, like Americans, will be loath to change leadership during a time of “war” as has been the case throughout American history.

One might remember that during George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign, U.S. colour-coded threat levels were increased with the Bush administration coyly announcing that there had been there “uncorroborated” threats made against major landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the New York financial sector and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Where these rumours came from one can only speculate. However, after he was re-elected, the “threat of threats” seemed to magically disappear.

In the New York Times (The Nation: Three Years of Living on Alert, Aug. 8, 2004) critics postulated that, at best, the colour-coded threat levels were confusing and, at worst, exploited for political gain.

Hopefully Mr. Harper is aware that the recent terrible acts of some lone extremists do not a war make.

J. Richard Wright, Niagara on the Lake

Stephen Harper, in ramping us up for engagement in a protracted war with no exit strategy, has said Canada will not leave the “heavy lifting to others” when such a serious threat exists to us all.

This ignores that the chances that any individual Canadian will be a victim of terrorism violence in their lifetime are about the same as your chances of winning the lottery.

Yet the single greatest threat to mankind – global warming and climate change – will affect every Canadian, and every human on the planet, in real and devastating ways, and soon. Mr. Harper, however, seems more than content to let the rest of the world do all the “heavy lifting” on this extreme and very real threat – because doing the right thing for Canadians and the planet would not appropriately pander to his political base.

More than just a hypocrite, our prime minister is a dangerous man who through such appalling lack of leadership is causing real damage that will harm every Canadian citizen. The facts are in; just ask our muzzled scientists.

Peter Dick, Toronto

We frequently hear of young Muslims being “radicalized.” What we are not hearing is what are they being told that is radicalizing them nor how much of this is really true.

Facts: Muslim land is being stolen for the building of illegal settlements in which Muslims are forbidden to reside.

Muslim women and children have been killed by the tens of thousands by bombs dropped on their heads by non Muslims.

Resources in Muslim countries continue to be pilfered by non Muslims.

When the Muslim religion is slandered with acts of blasphemy, the non Muslims are saying that all of this is OK.

I would think that even non-Muslin Canadians who cherish Canada’s values of justice and human rights would feel somewhat “radicalized” themselves when they learn what is really going on in the Muslim world.

What is even more disturbing is how Harper wishes now to make it illegal to even tell these truths.

Hugh Allin, Newcastle

Does Stephen Harper need more laws to target people on his massive enemies list? Wait — he needs to create more fear to rig things for his election.

Paul Rapoport, Ancaster

While Stephen Harper has numerous security detail guarding him and many closets to hide in, he has made the safety of other Canadians a concern with his foreign policy. He is using his “lovely little war” to scare people into voting for him. Can you say, George Bush ?

Sherry Kornelsen, Windsor

In light of Mr. Harper’s upcoming emphasis on fighting terrorism at home, might I point out where we are lagging in our security plans. The Conservative government must ensure that all Canadians have a readily accessible closet in case of a terrorist attack.

Based on his personal concealment experience during the shooting on Parliament Hill, Mr. Harper should be an expert on the problem. Canada can ill afford a closet gap when it comes to national security.

Malcolm Lowe, Unionville

At least Stephen Harper puts boots on the ground, Trudeau and Mulcair would want to put flip flops on the ground.

Terry Toll, Campbell’s Bay, Que.