Support The Troops, Or Support The War? Afghanistan's Conundrum

When some 2,500 people braved snow and ice to form a massive Canadian flag at CFB Gagetown as a part of an emotional farewell to soldiers departing for Afghanistan, it seemed like patriotism at its best. There was only one problem: many attendees were forced to participate in the rally.

An e-mail to base employees obtained by Here Magazine states, "All military and civilian personnel not in an essential service position or undergoing training are required to attend the ceremonies." On January 26, 708 soldiers from CFB Gagetown will start deploying for Afghanistan as part of Canada's third rotation.

"I support the military 100 per cent, but when someone tells me I am required to do something, I get up in arms," said one long-time base employee who didn't want to be named for fear of professional reprisal. "I will not support our men going over to fight and die in a war we have nothing to do with," added the employee in an interview.

Full story here: http://www.orato.com/node/1676