By Dianne Rinehart
The
(
In a world where politicians attempt to appease a worldwide terrorist movement dedicated to destroying secular democracies, instituting Islamic law worldwide, and curbing women's rights; where we give up domestic rights and freedoms one by one in the name of "sensitivity," political correctness, and fear; and where egregious anti-Semitism is cloaked as concern for Lebanese civilians (just not, heaven forbid, Israeli civilians!), two Canadians should be applauded for their courage to defend democracy in the face of tyranny:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's clear and unequivocal defence of Israel's right to defend itself -- and democracy on the whole -- against terrorists bent on its annihilation (and all democracies opposing them) is a brave stand in a country where the opposition apparently believes foreign policy against terrorism should be based on domestic policies -- i.e. what ethnic vote can one win -- not what will protect democracies from terrorist attacks.
That should win anyone's vote who cares one whit about security and freedom -- so it's mind boggling that support for Harper's party dipped 4 per cent, according to Ipsos Reid, over the
Meanwhile, Justice T. David Marshall deserves kudos for his recent decision -- supported bravely by
The government tried appeasement, purchasing disputed lands to calm tensions while negotiations are underway, but "warriors" continue to occupy the land and threaten more business-killing blockades and escalating violence, and the Justice tried repeatedly to adjudicate it with court orders.
Still, Harper and Marshall's actions, based on principles proved well by history -- appeasement never works with tyrants and the rule of law protects everyone -- have been met with howls of protest and politically correct braying from columnists and opposing politicians alike, who suggest the prime minister and judge are simple-minded.
If you want simple-minded, consider Liberal leadership candidate Bob Rae's accusation Thursday -- a day when yet another Islamic terrorist plot was reported -- that Harper only supports Israel, a democracy, against Islamic terrorists bent on destroying it because we are toadies to the United States.
Well Bob, there could be another reason -- such as terrorism is a world threat and we better stand united against it or we'll all be done for!
Rae, like many in the Liberal Party (excepting leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff who is made of stronger stuff) believes "neutrality" -- like we should be neutral about terrorism! -- and "honest brokering," whatever that is, wins the day.
Please! When Canadian "neutrality" means insisting on "peacekeeping" operations that have no hope of keeping the peace, like those in Rwanda (death toll one million), the former Yugoslavia (massacre of 7,000 in Srebrenica alone, hundreds of thousands more murdered, raped and displaced) and now Lebanon, neutrality and honest brokering are simply code words for political and moral ineptitude.
As for Justice Marshall, could a judge making decisions on aboriginal cases exist who is more informed and experienced on native and human rights issues and the obligation of courts than he?
Marshall, who in his other occupations as a doctor and human-rights worker has travelled regularly to Third World countries to deliver free medical aid -- so is clearly informed and sensitive to human- rights issues -- also spent 10 years as a travelling judge in remote native settlements in the eastern Arctic.
And he knows well
He is also founder of the Canadian Judicial Institute, which trains judges, so presumably is more familiar with his rights and obligations than those accusing him of being off base.
Regardless, this is clear: He is well aware of the necessity of insisting court orders be obeyed, of the need for law and order to protect everyone's democratic rights, of the condition of native populations in Canada -- and of the fragility of human rights in the face of tyrants.
By taking clear and firm positions against tyranny and terrorism -- despite the personal and political cost -- Prime Minister Harper and Justice Marshall are creating the conditions necessary for negotiations and peaceful settlements -- and security.
And I thank them for it.
Dianne Rinehart is a