'If we were to be compelled to take part in all the wars of Great Britain, I have no hesitation in saying that I agree with my hon. friend that, sharing the burden, we should also share the responsibility. Under that condition of things, which does not exist, we should have the right to say to Great Britain: If you want us to help you, call us to your councils; if you want us to take part in wars let us share not only the burdens but the responsibilities and duties as well.'
- Sir Wilfred Laurier, prime minister, referring to possible Canadian participation in the Boer War, in the House of Commons, March 13 1900. "My hon. friend" was Henri Bourassa. "If you want us to help you, call us to your councils," became a catchphrase of the period.
[typed in from Colombo's Quotations]
Michael, agreed with every point you make here [and very well said, too], except to some degree with the 'NMD as sovereignty grab' - i think it's pretty clear that the US does have legitimate security concerns, and while those concerns have been played on and perverted by their current admin, a core of reality remains to them when you shovel away the bullshit ... we do occupy their northern border [who's the 'thee' in '... we stand on guard for ____'?], missiles coming from a number of possible sources will fly over us on the way ... which means they'll be trying to shoot them down over us, in any case ...
Not that i can imagine Star Wars II working effectively, on the technical side of it ... however that is somewhat irrelevant to the political, when they're rolling ahead with blinders on ... i think maybe it's best to keep discussions open, 'call us to your councils' |
