Comments on: The war in Afghanistan at home http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/ Just another Rogers Radio Blog weblog Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:31:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.3-2.2.1 By: Neil M. http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-855 Neil M. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:53:10 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-855 Andrew K: I think the "battle" between Hillary and Obama is a staged media distraction so that McCain can be installed into the White House by the same financial/military powers that installed Bush II. McCain will be the President only because he is the only candidate likely to support the ongoing war-stance of the American empire -- remember, there has NEVER been an American President not in a war. Hillary and Obama are just there to make it look like a real contest, and keep the focus off the real story -- which should have been "What went on at the White House today Mar 5 when McCain was invited there by Bush II?" It doesn't MATTER whether it's McCain vs. Obama or McCain vs. Hillary -- it will be McCain anyway. Love your show. Neil Andrew K:
I think the “battle” between Hillary and Obama is a staged media distraction so that McCain can be installed into the White House by the same financial/military powers that installed Bush II.

McCain will be the President only because he is the only candidate likely to support the ongoing war-stance of the American empire — remember, there has NEVER been an American President not in a war.

Hillary and Obama are just there to make it look like a real contest, and keep the focus off the real story — which should have been “What went on at the White House today Mar 5 when McCain was invited there by Bush II?”

It doesn’t MATTER whether it’s McCain vs. Obama or McCain vs. Hillary — it will be McCain anyway.

Love your show.

Neil

]]> By: Brian http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-754 Brian Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:28:39 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-754 As a soldier, having recently returned from seven months in Afghanistan, I am amazed at the widespread misconception that some/many/most Canadians have about the mission. Some of the comments here (including your own, Mr. Krystal) underline these misconceptions. To wit: - "front line" - The ENTIRE COUNTRY is the "front line". We DO NOT do the 'training' and 'development' portion in a 'safe' rear area; these things happen on the SAME ground where insurgents operate. The Canadian Battle Group (about 1000 sharp-end troops) – responsible for the 'combat mission' (about which there is SO much hand-wrining) – provides the security for our 'trainers' and 'developers' to do their job. The risk, as I see it, is who will provide this security once the the Canadian Battle Group leaves? An end to the security portion will NOT mean an end to casualties. In fact, our 'trainers' and 'development' folks will be at GREATER RISK without the Canadian Battle Group. - "NATO" - This is an ISAF mission. ISAF is the convenient 'umbrella' underwhich we place both NATO and non-NATO countries. Many ISAF soldiers are JUNK. - "we have done enough" - For nearly 50 YEARS, NATO criticised Canada for not carrying much of the load in Western Europe. We have only been in Khandahar Province (full-time) for TWO YEARS. - "Hillier" - The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) does not tell the MND or the PM what to do. The CDS advises the the MND and PM and they decide. - "reconstruction" - Some of the damage in Khandahar Province dates back to Ghengis Khan. There is little to reconstruct. We have about 50 (not a typo) people in the PRT to do construction ... in a city of 1.2 million, most without electricity or running water. - "gung ho" - We weed out the 'gung ho' in a BIG hurry. We cannot afford to have 'thrill-seekers' in a theatre of war. - "peacekeeping" - Simply stated, WE ARE AT A WAR. Canadians, who patted themselves on the back and grew comfortable with the idea that we are 'peacekeepers', need to understand that our soldiers MUST train for war. Canadians soldiers have been peaceMAKING/war fighting for nearly 80 of the last 108 years; 'peacekeeping' was a nice idea that was in vogue for about the other 30 years (1957 to 1990). The Canadian military is suffering from myopic decisions dating back 40 years (or perhaps longer). Certainly decisions in the 1990s have created chronic problems today, but these decisions were made according to the fickle whim of the populace. It was not 'popular' to be in uniform in the 90s (little wonder that 2005 was the Year of the Veteran – the 60th anniversary of VE Day – vice the more logical 1995 – the 50th). Today, the breeze of the national worry seems to blow in the direction of 'bring our troops home'. I believe we will look back on this with the same derision we visit upon decisions made in the 90s. As a soldier, having recently returned from seven months in Afghanistan, I am amazed at the widespread misconception that some/many/most Canadians have about the mission. Some of the comments here (including your own, Mr. Krystal) underline these misconceptions. To wit:
- “front line” - The ENTIRE COUNTRY is the “front line”. We DO NOT do the ‘training’ and ‘development’ portion in a ’safe’ rear area; these things happen on the SAME ground where insurgents operate. The Canadian Battle Group (about 1000 sharp-end troops) – responsible for the ‘combat mission’ (about which there is SO much hand-wrining) – provides the security for our ‘trainers’ and ‘developers’ to do their job. The risk, as I see it, is who will provide this security once the the Canadian Battle Group leaves? An end to the security portion will NOT mean an end to casualties. In fact, our ‘trainers’ and ‘development’ folks will be at GREATER RISK without the Canadian Battle Group.
- “NATO” - This is an ISAF mission. ISAF is the convenient ‘umbrella’ underwhich we place both NATO and non-NATO countries. Many ISAF soldiers are JUNK.
- “we have done enough” - For nearly 50 YEARS, NATO criticised Canada for not carrying much of the load in Western Europe. We have only been in Khandahar Province (full-time) for TWO YEARS.
- “Hillier” - The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) does not tell the MND or the PM what to do. The CDS advises the the MND and PM and they decide.
- “reconstruction” - Some of the damage in Khandahar Province dates back to Ghengis Khan. There is little to reconstruct. We have about 50 (not a typo) people in the PRT to do construction … in a city of 1.2 million, most without electricity or running water.
- “gung ho” - We weed out the ‘gung ho’ in a BIG hurry. We cannot afford to have ‘thrill-seekers’ in a theatre of war.
- “peacekeeping” - Simply stated, WE ARE AT A WAR. Canadians, who patted themselves on the back and grew comfortable with the idea that we are ‘peacekeepers’, need to understand that our soldiers MUST train for war. Canadians soldiers have been peaceMAKING/war fighting for nearly 80 of the last 108 years; ‘peacekeeping’ was a nice idea that was in vogue for about the other 30 years (1957 to 1990).
The Canadian military is suffering from myopic decisions dating back 40 years (or perhaps longer). Certainly decisions in the 1990s have created chronic problems today, but these decisions were made according to the fickle whim of the populace. It was not ‘popular’ to be in uniform in the 90s (little wonder that 2005 was the Year of the Veteran – the 60th anniversary of VE Day – vice the more logical 1995 – the 50th). Today, the breeze of the national worry seems to blow in the direction of ‘bring our troops home’. I believe we will look back on this with the same derision we visit upon decisions made in the 90s.

]]> By: David http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-753 David Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:03:57 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-753 This was never a peacekeeping mission Edward. It was a war mission to drive the Taliban and al-Qaeda out initially. Now it is a mission to maintain security, train the ANA and ANP and conduct some aid such as reconstruction, clean water, medical facilities etc. We have already saved the lives of thousands of children simply by providing them with vaccinations. This was never a peacekeeping mission Edward. It was a war mission to drive the Taliban and al-Qaeda out initially. Now it is a mission to maintain security, train the ANA and ANP and conduct some aid such as reconstruction, clean water, medical facilities etc. We have already saved the lives of thousands of children simply by providing them with vaccinations.

]]> By: Edward http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-752 Edward Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:26:52 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-752 Well, to be honest about the situation, it's turned from a peacekeeping mission into a "let's go over there and see what we can control." We are there to back the Americans, and if we back out, all the Americans will say is we are unpatriotic to our cause and pro-terrorism. You can't go into a country, help them out, leave them to fend for themselves, being there only makes it worse. Well, to be honest about the situation, it’s turned from a peacekeeping mission into a “let’s go over there and see what we can control.” We are there to back the Americans, and if we back out, all the Americans will say is we are unpatriotic to our cause and pro-terrorism. You can’t go into a country, help them out, leave them to fend for themselves, being there only makes it worse.

]]> By: David http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-749 David Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:08:36 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-749 Afghanistan and Vietnam are not comparable. Afghanistan and Vietnam are not comparable.

]]> By: Pat I. http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-731 Pat I. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:44:56 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-731 I like the fact you didn't capitalize the word "war" in your title; as you stated war has never been declared. In World War II my father and three uncles served in active duty abroad and my mother served in a domestic role with the RCAF. This was supposed to be the "War to End All Wars" and for many years my father marched in Remembrance Day Parades with the phrase "Lest We Forget" in mind. He never, ever spoke of his time in the War other than to say he did what he had to do. The look in his eyes when he said that has never left me. On another topic: How on earth are we ever going to convince people away from gas guzzling, fossil fueled SUVs and their like when suggesting a reduction in the use of plastic bags creates such an uproar with you and most of your callers? You said there isn’t a person in the Maritimes that is not affected by the elimination of plastic grocery bags; well, you just found one. I have been using canvas bags for over 10 years and it’s only been in the past year or so I’ve convinced the check-out clerks not to put my items in plastic bags before they put them in my bags. Yes, they get dirty but sturdy canvas washes well – just throw them in with the towels. On your show you suggested this issue could: 1) bring about the end of civilization as we know it 2) cause marriages to break up As for the first, I think plastic bags are way down on the list when it comes to causes for our demise. Secondly, if ones marriage is in such a state that it would crumble over an argument about plastic bags it certainly isn’t on sturdy ground in the first place. I know I'm paying for the plastic bags in the cost of my groceries but I can feel I'm not contributing to a landfill with something I used for about 45 minutes. I like the fact you didn’t capitalize the word “war” in your title; as you stated war has never been declared.

In World War II my father and three uncles served in active duty abroad and my mother served in a domestic role with the RCAF. This was supposed to be the “War to End All Wars” and for many years my father marched in Remembrance Day Parades with the phrase “Lest We Forget” in mind. He never, ever spoke of his time in the War other than to say he did what he had to do. The look in his eyes when he said that has never left me.

On another topic:

How on earth are we ever going to convince people away from gas guzzling, fossil fueled SUVs and their like when suggesting a reduction in the use of plastic bags creates such an uproar with you and most of your callers?

You said there isn’t a person in the Maritimes that is not affected by the elimination of plastic grocery bags; well, you just found one. I have been using canvas bags for over 10 years and it’s only been in the past year or so I’ve convinced the check-out clerks not to put my items in plastic bags before they put them in my bags. Yes, they get dirty but sturdy canvas washes well – just throw them in with the towels.

On your show you suggested this issue could:

1) bring about the end of civilization as we know it
2) cause marriages to break up

As for the first, I think plastic bags are way down on the list when it comes to causes for our demise. Secondly, if ones marriage is in such a state that it would crumble over an argument about plastic bags it certainly isn’t on sturdy ground in the first place.

I know I’m paying for the plastic bags in the cost of my groceries but I can feel I’m not contributing to a landfill with something I used for about 45 minutes.

]]> By: Andrew http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-730 Andrew Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:32:25 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-730 Hi Andrew, It seems to me that what we are doing in there is like having a high balance on a credit card and making the minimum payment. It will never be paid off or mission completed!! It does, however, passify us that we are doing something with a lack of vision for any greater future planning. Whatever happened to having clear objectives and a clear exit strategy or the "Colin Powel Doctrine" Lets open our Eyes! This is a Country that has no idea what Democracy is. It will take many Generations to instill these ideals. Are we prepared to continue what we are doing for the next hundred years (watching bodies return home in body bags) or can we think outside of the box. Lets get rid of the "tunnel vision" and use our intellect. Afganistan needs a "Wise Uncle" lets wise up!! Hi Andrew,

It seems to me that what we are doing in there is like having a high balance on a credit card and making the minimum payment. It will never be paid off or mission completed!! It does, however, passify us that we are doing something with a lack of vision for any greater future planning. Whatever happened to having clear objectives and a clear exit strategy or the “Colin Powel Doctrine” Lets open our Eyes! This is a Country that has no idea what Democracy is. It will take many Generations to instill these ideals. Are we prepared to continue what we are doing for the next hundred years (watching bodies return home in body bags) or can we think outside of the box. Lets get rid of the “tunnel vision” and use our intellect. Afganistan needs a “Wise Uncle” lets wise up!!

]]> By: Pamella http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-726 Pamella Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:52:35 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-726 Pot Smoker! I agree as well Andrew. Common courtesy and Common Sense would say to take your pot else where. As some of your callers mentioned today, Was it neccessary he had to smoke up at that presise moment.Come on! I can't handle the smell of ANY ! smoke and I have a hard time breathing even the smell of it on someones clothes. Now here is my rant! I listen to your show every day. I think it is Awesome. I love it especially when it is heated. Actually there are a few of us at my place of work that do. Then we continue the disgussion at our lunch break. Unfortunately we are unable to call in and give you our rants or opionions. Therefore we are not elligible to win the Coveted prizes ie: Richard Z's weather book. (hint hint) Maybe you could offer something to your bloggers? That way you may even see an increase of rants and replies on your blog site. Just a suggestion! Pot Smoker! I agree as well Andrew. Common courtesy and Common Sense would say to take your pot else where. As some of your callers mentioned today, Was it neccessary he had to smoke up at that presise moment.Come on! I can’t handle the smell of ANY ! smoke and I have a hard time breathing even the smell of it on someones clothes.

Now here is my rant! I listen to your show every day. I think it is Awesome. I love it especially when it is heated. Actually there are a few of us at my place of work that do. Then we continue the disgussion at our lunch break. Unfortunately we are unable to call in and give you our rants or opionions. Therefore we are not elligible to win the Coveted prizes ie: Richard Z’s weather book. (hint hint) Maybe you could offer something to your bloggers? That way you may even see an increase of rants and replies on your blog site. Just a suggestion!

]]> By: neil http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-724 neil Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:17:50 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-724 This comment is not in relation to the subject post... its about your show this morning and the restaurant owner in Toronto being screwed over by that spiteful pot-smoking guy. There is no way that his rights were being infringed upon by the owner requesting him to move away from the front of the restaurant. It's not like the owner followed him home or to his car and kept him from smoking pot there. Common courtesy would dictate that you would move away from the door if someone asked you to. It's not infringing upon his (the smokers) rights and I hope that once this case is settled in the restaurant owners favour, he counter sues the pot smoking fellow for all associated costs. It's disgusting that this would even go to court. Just becuase the pot smoking guy is trying to prove a point out of spite. It has nothing to do with his rights because they were not taken away. The more I type the angrier I get ... so I'll stop. You get my point. This comment is not in relation to the subject post… its about your show this morning and the restaurant owner in Toronto being screwed over by that spiteful pot-smoking guy.

There is no way that his rights were being infringed upon by the owner requesting him to move away from the front of the restaurant. It’s not like the owner followed him home or to his car and kept him from smoking pot there. Common courtesy would dictate that you would move away from the door if someone asked you to. It’s not infringing upon his (the smokers) rights and I hope that once this case is settled in the restaurant owners favour, he counter sues the pot smoking fellow for all associated costs.

It’s disgusting that this would even go to court. Just becuase the pot smoking guy is trying to prove a point out of spite. It has nothing to do with his rights because they were not taken away. The more I type the angrier I get … so I’ll stop. You get my point.

]]> By: Sol http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-722 Sol Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:45:54 +0000 http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/andrewkrystal/2008/02/07/the-war-in-afghanistan-at-home/#comment-722 You're absolutely right -- apart from members of the Armed Forces and their loved ones, the Canadian people haven't been asked to sacrifice, but you can be sure that if we were you would see a huge change in public opinion. It's very easy for the Chicken-Hawks among us (and in our government) to support this "war" (and claim to be supporting the troops by doing so), because they have nothing to lose, and they lack the empathy to feel for those who do. And it's these people that give our so-called leaders the political backbone to act so spineless. You’re absolutely right — apart from members of the Armed Forces and their loved ones, the Canadian people haven’t been asked to sacrifice, but you can be sure that if we were you would see a huge change in public opinion. It’s very easy for the Chicken-Hawks among us (and in our government) to support this “war” (and claim to be supporting the troops by doing so), because they have nothing to lose, and they lack the empathy to feel for those who do.

And it’s these people that give our so-called leaders the political backbone to act so spineless.

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