Dear Prime Minister Chrétien: October 7, 2001
As my partner and I prepare Thanskgiving dinner for our family,
we listen to the terrible news on the radio. On this of all days
I am saddened and frightened by news of the British and American
military attacks on Afghanistan. The atrocities of September 11 call
for a response but it must be one of national and international judicial
action. Violence can only beget more violence. Furthermore, attacks
on the territory of Afghanistan necessarily are attacks on the Afghani
people who are innocent of any wrong-doing.This violates norms of
international humanitarian law, is unjust and uncalled for.
M. Chrétien, I urge you to use your influence in NATO
to bring a halt to these disproportionate attacks on people already
suffering from years of war and drought. Direct our Ambassador to
the UN to call for action on international terrorism by the world
community, action governed by law and directed at the perpetrators
of terrorist acts, not innocent civilians.
In the days since September 11 I have appreciated your measured
approach to this crisis. You have been criticized for not indulging
in the escalating rhetoric of war mongering so evident among American
and even some Canadian politicians. To the contrary, I believe you
should be commended for your reasoned and reasonable stance. Do not
abandon that stance now.
I understand that the American government has requested military
support from Canada. Sometimes the most supportive thing a friend
can do is stay the hand, dissuading a friend from rash action. That
should be Canada’s role now, not sending troops or ships to support
a military adventure that can only cause suffering and decrease security
and stability in the world.
Please use Canada’s reputation as a peacekeeping nation and your
personal reputation as an statesman to de-escalate this dangerous
situation.
Yours truly,
Dr. Lisa S. Price
1146A Marine Drive
RR 1, Gibson’s, B.C.