The Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien,
Ottawa
Sir,
It has been reported that email on the subject of your stand on Iraq is running 70% in favour. Let me take this opportunity, then, to join the minority.
You have said that Canada would not act in the absence of another Security Council resolution specifically indicating the use of force against the Iraqi regime. In opting for that course, you implicitly surrender Canadian sovereignty to the United Nations. That choice, to abrogate our sovereign rights, has never been debated, has never been the subject of a general election – in short, it is not a decision Canadians have made. Nor is it at all clear why they would, given that the majority of member countries of the U.N. are not places Canadians would choose to live, and do not have the democratically elected governments Canadians would respect. You, on the other hand, boast of your democratic mandate to lead the Canadian people. How odd, then, that you choose to turn that leadership over to others.
It is certainly true that your action is consistent with the results of public opinion polls, and as such will not yield noticeable electoral consequences for the Liberal Party. You have done the popular thing. Unfortunately your responsibility as leader is to do the right thing. Abrogating Canadian sovereignty, antagonizing an important ally – these are not the right things to do.
Sincerely yours .... |
