Neutrality: The Devil’s Mistress

In 1940 Germany, thousands of Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals, Handicaps and other minorities were being executed for being different. No one was safe at the hands of a democratically elected dictator, who with the consent of much of the word, reigned terror. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Says Edmund Burke. And so I ask you- us, Canada: Are we good men?

A recent poll published August 1st in the Globe and Mail found that 77% of Canadians believe Canada should remain neutral in a war between Israel and Hezbollah. The same poll found that 45% of Canadians disagree with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s support of Israel’s action and only 32% support it.

Any country under attack has the right to defend itself. Whether the country is being attacked by another country, or by a terrorist organization, a government cannot tolerate targeted attacks on it’s civilian population, or on it’s military. Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah goes without saying. And yet, 45% of Canadians think Israel should stand idly by as over a hundred rockets rain down on its cities daily. Cities full of innocent civilians, women and children, are being forced into bomb shelters for fear of these summer rain showers they have now come to expect, but will never get used to.

While 45% disagree with supporting Israel, 77% think neutrality is the correct position to take. Sixty-five years ago, if less people had remained neutral, and taken stronger action sooner, countless lives would have been saved. To remain neutral is to support evil, in this case the internationally recognized terror organization- Hezbollah.

When so much hangs in the balance, I am glad that Canada is lead by at least one good man. In my eyes, Stephen Harper proved himself by not remaining neutral, and by supporting Israel. I call on the rest of Canada, and the world, to choose the side of good, for if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.