Are Tamil's "Real Canadians"

[oldjones]

Name me one other country on this planet that would allow a minority group to protest again and again and again. Day after day, week after week, month after month. Allow this same group to wave a terrorist flag and to hijack our sidewalks, roads and highways.

Well you must have been alive during the Sixties and Seventies, because you sure don't remember. Viet Cong flags, Che T-shirts, campuses and streets closed, banks burned. Somehow, clumsily and not without redneck fulminations like yours, the US managed to keep going and keep enough freedom of speech that those things were part of the landscape for a decade.

So, in answer, I name the United States. Now hold your peace and let's us try to do half as well by our disliked protesters.

 

[euripides]

Don`t repeat this erroneous crap: that`d make the Tamils a city bigger than Regina. Read earlier posts before perpetuating the mistake. Or look up a reputable source for your 200K in TO. In Canada, perhaps.

Whatever the number is, it is significant and does not change our responsibilities as World citizens.

 

[alexmst]

I don't think that "the head in the sand" routine will keep the problems away from Canada. We are part of the World and had better participate in its broader problems. It is getting smaller and smaller.

Well, the Canadian government did take a position: years ago they decided to designate the Tigers a terrorist group and curtailed the Tiger fundraising in the GTA that used to go on. The government then took a hands off policy and let the Sri Lankan military crush the Tigers and didn't care.

The UK was more vocal about a ceasefire, and achieved nothing other than rocks being thrown at the UK embassy in Sri Lanka. Only military intervention might have had some effect, and what country wanted to invade Sri Lanka over the government/Tiger conflict? None than I could see.

 

[Rockslinger]

So, in answer, I name the United States. Now hold your peace and let's us try to do half as well by our disliked protesters.

Does that mean burning down our banks? Can I get my money out first?

 

[euripides]

Only military intervention might have had some effect, and what country wanted to invade Sri Lanka over the government/Tiger conflict? None than I could see.

An understanding of the issues is the beginning of a solution. There is more to solving the World's problems than simple military action!

 

[Rockslinger]

if one feels strongly about a civil war in another country, either go over there and fight it or stay here and be thankful you're not over there anymore.

No need to fight anymore. But if the "University Street Tamils" are sincere about helping their "homeland", they now have the opportunity to go back and help rebuild their country.

 

[snowleopard]

Well you must have been alive during the Sixties and Seventies, because you sure don't remember. Viet Cong flags, Che T-shirts, campuses and streets closed, banks burned. Somehow, clumsily and not without redneck fulminations like yours, the US managed to keep going and keep enough freedom of speech that those things were part of the landscape for a decade.

So, in answer, I name the United States. Now hold your peace and let's us try to do half as well by our disliked protesters.

And lest we forget when, on May 4, 1970, at Kent State University, the Ohio National Guard, being no doubt 100% loyal to the US of A, opened fire on protesting students, killing 4 and wounding many others ... Which would seem to be what some on this site would advocate we do to solve our own 'inconvenient protester' problem.

 

[snowleopard]

To defend Canadian laws, values, institutions and sovereignty. To be a 100% Canadian citizen (none of this dual citizen crap). To vote only for the Liberal or Conservative Parties and never vote for the NDP.

Oh oh ... what about the 'Green' Party?

 

[Rockslinger]

And lest we forget when, on May 4, 1970, at Kent State University,

With all due respect, a lot of us weren't even born or were only knee high to a grasshopper in 1970. Can we stick to the here and now? How many of the "University Street" protestors have even been arrested much less shot?

 

[euripides]

Another old saying has something to do about not forgetting history; otherwise we are likely to repeat.

 

[Rockslinger]

Another old saying has something to do about not forgetting history; otherwise we are likely to repeat.

Yes, there is some truth to that. We should never have gotten involved in the VietNam civil war of the 1960's. Getting involved in other people's civil wars is not the smartest thing to do.

 

[euripides]

Yes, there is some truth to that. We should never have gotten involved in the VietNam civil war of the 1960's. Getting involved in other people's civil wars is not the smartest thing to do.

As previously stated "getting involved" doesn't always mean "militarily."

 

[snowleopard]

Yes, there is some truth to that. We should never have gotten involved in the VietNam civil war of the 1960's.

Yes, and those who protested were branded as un-American by the "My country right or wrong/America love it or leave it" patriots of that time ...

much like those who protested the US invasion of Iraq, post 9/11.

 

[oldjones]

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

 

[onthebottom]

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

That's exactly how I felt about the Miss CA nonsense.....

OTB

 

[onthebottom]

Are you referring to the illegal immigration issue in the U.S.?

Yes, on May 1 a year or two ago there were huge demonstrations.... there were many anti-war demonstrations for a number of years..... I'd say we're a fairly demonstration and free speech friendly country.

On April 15th there was a "tea party" set of demonstrations.....

OTB

 

[someone]

Yes, on May 1 a year or two ago there were huge demonstrations.... there were many anti-war demonstrations for a number of years..... I'd say we're a fairly demonstration and free speech friendly country.

On April 15th there was a "tea party" set of demonstrations.....

OTB

Are you saying that one of the "free speech areas" were anti war demonstrations were allowed would include a major highway? (with not advanced warning, I will add)

 

[Rockslinger]

For instance a citizen of Canada can expect help from embassy staff if they get in trouble legally in a foreign Country but if you are also a citizen of that Country there is precious little the foreign services can do to help you.

I seem to recall one situation in Iran and one in China involving a "Canadian" holding dual citizenship got into problems with the locals and the ability of Canada to help them was rather limited because they were not "100%" Canadian. If you are 100% (or even only 75%) loyal to Canada, there is a very strong likelihood that Canada will be 100% loyal to you even if you commit murder and mayhem abroad.

 

[ChaosTheory]

Nasty Poll yet Interesting.

a lot to read too. great stuff

Regardless,
They are Canadian.

We all came from somewhere.

I assume those who voted no are pure blood Canadian, prehaps decedents of the aboriginals?
I think being Canadian is all incompassing...it is a rich tapestry or cultural diversity.

We live here, we have citizenship. We are Canadian.
The Tamil population here are Canadian. The African population here is Canadian. The Irish population here is Canadian, the Asian population here is Canadian. Indo/pak here are Canadian...etc.

but those Quebecois...they are not Canadian...just kidding.

 

[onthebottom]

Are you saying that one of the "free speech areas" were anti war demonstrations were allowed would include a major highway? (with not advanced warning, I will add)

No, I think we would probably enforce our laws - but that shouldn't impede anyone's right to express themselves.

OTB