Missile Defense System On Canadian Soil
John D
Liberals flip-flop on missile defence Comments made by Defense Minister Bill
Graham last Wednesday indicate that a missile defence system on Canadian
soil is no longer a matter of if but when.
Graham, who says the government has not made a final decision yet, told a
military audience that "when it comes to continental defence, [Canada]
should be associated with the Americans when they choose to do something."
Prior to the recent federal election, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said
the government remained "absolutely opposed" to the program. His response
followed a Globe and Mail report that alleged the Liberals were trying to
keep the controversial issue of "weaponizing space" under wraps until after
Canadians voted.
The National Missile Defence plan (NMD) is a system of rockets that would
shoot down attacking ballistic missiles in mid-flight. The United States
wants Canada to take part, but many other countries - including Russia and
China - are against the plan.
The government says it remains absolutely opposed to the "weaponization of
space," but some argue that Canada is already heading down that road.
Organizations like Science for Peace claim the "weaponization" of space is
currently being advanced within a missile defence system under the pretence
of protecting the US and its allies from ballistic missile attack by
so-called "rogue states."
Like many Canadians, the Green Party of Canada refuses to participate in any
missile defence system. "Why respond the danger of weapons by making more
weapons?" asked party leader Jim Harris. "As Canadians, we should be more
concerned with finding ways to stop weapons from being developed in the
first place."
Read our policies on defense...
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Heidi Graw
>"John D" <Wend...@bmts.com> wrote in message
>news:10962053...@Virginia.BMTS.Com...
(snip)
> Like many Canadians, the Green Party of Canada refuses to participate in
> any missile defence system. "Why respond the danger of weapons by making
> more weapons?" asked party leader Jim Harris. "As Canadians, we should be
> more concerned with finding ways to stop weapons from being developed in
> the first place."
I think a two-prong approach needs to be taken.
First of all, I don't care to be a defenseless sitting duck if and when a
hostile nation may choose to launch long range missiles against us. We may
not have any obvious enemies now, but with increasing competition for
resources, things could change.
Secondly, how do we stop weapons from being developed? We can write up
whatever agreements with whomever, but we already know all too well
agreements tend to get broken. As much as I hate this idea of weaponized
space, the reality is that we have to be prepared for it.
The defense shield is just that...for defense. If Russia, Europe and China
don't like that the US is planning on it, too bad. I'd have to question why
they think the US and Canada should remain defenseless.
We might want to consider what would happen if other continents were to get
their act together to build defense shields, too. Then all nations would
know that any missiles launched at any nation could be tracked and blown up
prior to its arrival at a specific target. There'd be no sense in launching
these missiles, would there?
Heidi
notritenoteri
fall the sky may fall.
"Heidi Graw" <heid...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:SmF5d.521174$M95.67300@pd7tw1no...
judgejudy
wrote:
#
#>"John D" <Wend...@bmts.com> wrote in message
#>news:10962053...@Virginia.BMTS.Com...
#(snip)
#
#> Like many Canadians, the Green Party of Canada refuses to
participate in
#> any missile defence system. "Why respond the danger of weapons by
making
#> more weapons?" asked party leader Jim Harris. "As Canadians, we
should be
#> more concerned with finding ways to stop weapons from being
developed in
#> the first place."
#
#I think a two-prong approach needs to be taken.
#
#First of all, I don't care to be a defenseless sitting duck if and
when a
#hostile nation may choose to launch long range missiles against us.
We may
#not have any obvious enemies now, but with increasing competition for
#resources, things could change.
Canada is not a target, unless it starts putting in missiles to be
launched against a country.
#
#Secondly, how do we stop weapons from being developed?
We stop the arms race.
We can write up
#whatever agreements with whomever, but we already know all too well
#agreements tend to get broken.
This whole missile defense idea contravenes the Anti Ballistic Missile
Treaty signed during the sixties. The US has broken more arms
agreements than Russia.
As much as I hate this idea of weaponized
#space, the reality is that we have to be prepared for it.
#
#The defense shield is just that...for defense.
No! It undoes the arms treaties that have been signed. It is not a
defense shield but rather a re-entry into an arms race that will
result in placing missiles all over the world.
I don't see why Canada should be a surrogate for the US defense. The
US already has Trident submarines which carry 21 to 28 nuclear
missiles. There are hundreds of spy satellites which server the same
purpose of the defense system. The only purpose of the missile
defense system on Canadian soil is to use Canada as a surrogate for
the US.
If Russia, Europe and China
#don't like that the US is planning on it, too bad. I'd have to
question why
#they think the US and Canada should remain defenseless.
#
#We might want to consider what would happen if other continents were
to get
#their act together to build defense shields, too. Then all nations
would
#know that any missiles launched at any nation could be tracked and
blown up
#prior to its arrival at a specific target.
This is a pipe dream. There has never been any reliable way to take
out a launched missile. Placing missiles all over the world, will
make it a more dangerous place to lunatics like Bush to launch a first
strike.
There'd be no sense in launching
#these missiles, would there?
#
#Heidi
#
#
Heidi Graw
>"judgejudy" <judg...@shaw.com> wrote in message
>news:k3tel01squ8v7t4ch...@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 26 Sep 2004 20:10:26 GMT, "Heidi Graw" <heid...@shaw.ca>
> wrote:
>
> #
> #>"John D" <Wend...@bmts.com> wrote in message
> #>news:10962053...@Virginia.BMTS.Com...
> #(snip)
> #
> #> Like many Canadians, the Green Party of Canada refuses to
> participate in
> #> any missile defence system. "Why respond the danger of weapons by
> making
> #> more weapons?" asked party leader Jim Harris. "As Canadians, we
> should be
> #> more concerned with finding ways to stop weapons from being
> developed in
> #> the first place."
> #Heidi wrote:
> #I think a two-prong approach needs to be taken.
> #
> #First of all, I don't care to be a defenseless sitting duck if and
> when a
> #hostile nation may choose to launch long range missiles against us.
> We may
> #not have any obvious enemies now, but with increasing competition for
> #resources, things could change.
> Judgejudy wrote:
> Canada is not a target, unless it starts putting in missiles to be
> launched against a country.
No, we're not a target *yet.* However, we sit on significant natural
resources which other countries in need may find awfully appealing to want
to take control over in the future.
>
>
> #Heidi asks:
> #Secondly, how do we stop weapons from being developed?
>Judgjudy wrote:
> We stop the arms race.
>
># We can write up
> #whatever agreements with whomever, but we already know all too well
> #agreements tend to get broken.
> Judgejudy wrote:
> This whole missile defense idea contravenes the Anti Ballistic Missile
> Treaty signed during the sixties. The US has broken more arms
> agreements than Russia.
You just demonstrated my point. Treaties get broken. They are meaningless.
So, while the rest of the world gears up, we sit back and do nothing. Do
you honestly believe we'll remain a *non* target just as long as we remain
defenceless? We're sitting on major natural resources which the rest of the
world relies on. 80% of our exports go to the USA. Armies have been known
to invade to just take control over undefended territory. And when it comes
to defense, we've been getting a free ride from our neighbours down south.
>
> No! It undoes the arms treaties that have been signed. It is not a
> defense shield but rather a re-entry into an arms race that will
> result in placing missiles all over the world.
The treaty is already broken. You already stated the US did it. And do you
honestly think other governments are going to hold the US to account and
convince them to go back to abiding by it? 40 years of diplomatic
discussions haven't convinced the US thus far. What makes you think
continuing talks will work? You *know* it won't. The only thing the US
understands is force of arms. Their whole culture is built on that notion.
Other countries have known this for years....hence China and Pakistan are
now nuclear powers. North Korea wants into the act. Europe and Russia are
nuclear powers. The only countries you see the US picking on are
*defenseless* countries which have natural resources that the US wants. We
haven't yet been invaded 'cause we very readily give to the US that what
they want and need.
>
> I don't see why Canada should be a surrogate for the US defense.
We're already getting a free ride by virtue of being next-door neighbours.
As long as the US remains militarily defensive at home, we benefit from
that. We don't have to concern ourselves with China invading us just yet.
>#Heidi wrote:
># If Russia, Europe and China
> #don't like that the US is planning on it, too bad. I'd have to
> question why
> #they think the US and Canada should remain defenseless.
> #
> #We might want to consider what would happen if other continents were
> to get
> #their act together to build defense shields, too. Then all nations
> would
> #know that any missiles launched at any nation could be tracked and
> blown up
> #prior to its arrival at a specific target.
> Judgejudy wrote:
> This is a pipe dream. There has never been any reliable way to take
> out a launched missile. Placing missiles all over the world, will
> make it a more dangerous place to lunatics like Bush to launch a first
> strike.
Missiles are already placed all over the world except for those few truly
impoverished and vulnerable nations. Bush has already launched thousands of
missiles. Geographically we're better situated to be defended by the US
than by Russia, China and/or Europe.
The mess already exists. We surely can refuse to participate in the missile
defense system as we'll get that free ride anyway should the US go ahead on
their own. The US is not going to allow Canada to be attacked. Like it or
not we're in this together with the US. The question is, "Do we want to be
an active partner or a welfare defense recepient?" Personally, I'd rather
be actively involved in shaping the scope and manner of that defense system,
rather than have the US dictate it to us on their own.
Heidi
judgejudy
wrote:
#
#>"judgejudy" <judg...@shaw.com> wrote in message
#>news:k3tel01squ8v7t4ch...@4ax.com...
#> On Sun, 26 Sep 2004 20:10:26 GMT, "Heidi Graw" <heid...@shaw.ca>
#> wrote:
#>
#> #
#> #>"John D" <Wend...@bmts.com> wrote in message
#> #>news:10962053...@Virginia.BMTS.Com...
#> #(snip)
#> #
#> #> Like many Canadians, the Green Party of Canada refuses to
#> participate in
#> #> any missile defence system. "Why respond the danger of weapons
by
#> making
#> #> more weapons?" asked party leader Jim Harris. "As Canadians, we
#> should be
#> #> more concerned with finding ways to stop weapons from being
#> developed in
#> #> the first place."
#
#> #Heidi wrote:
#> #I think a two-prong approach needs to be taken.
#> #
#> #First of all, I don't care to be a defenseless sitting duck if and
#> when a
#> #hostile nation may choose to launch long range missiles against
us.
#> We may
#> #not have any obvious enemies now, but with increasing competition
for
#> #resources, things could change.
#
#> Judgejudy wrote:
#> Canada is not a target, unless it starts putting in missiles to be
#> launched against a country.
#
#No, we're not a target *yet.* However, we sit on significant natural
#resources which other countries in need may find awfully appealing to
want
#to take control over in the future.
#
Canada's natural resources have nothing to do with the missile defense
system. The missile defense system that George Bush proposes is a
costly pork barrel for defense contractors.
#>
#>
#> #Heidi asks:
#> #Secondly, how do we stop weapons from being developed?
#
#>Judgjudy wrote:
#> We stop the arms race.
#>
#># We can write up
#> #whatever agreements with whomever, but we already know all too
well
#> #agreements tend to get broken.
#
#> Judgejudy wrote:
#> This whole missile defense idea contravenes the Anti Ballistic
Missile
#> Treaty signed during the sixties. The US has broken more arms
#> agreements than Russia.
#
#You just demonstrated my point. Treaties get broken. They are
meaningless.
The infractions on the ABM treaty have been rather minor. There are
no nuclear weapons in space. George Bush wants scrap the ABM treaty.
The "star wars" that Ronald Regan promoted did not produce any defense
system that functioned.
#So, while the rest of the world gears up, we sit back and do nothing.
Do
#you honestly believe we'll remain a *non* target just as long as we
remain
#defenceless? We're sitting on major natural resources which the rest
of the
#world relies on. 80% of our exports go to the USA. Armies have been
known
#to invade to just take control over undefended territory. And when
it comes
#to defense, we've been getting a free ride from our neighbours down
south.
#
The only country in the world that is a threat to Canada is the US.
#>
#> No! It undoes the arms treaties that have been signed. It is not a
#> defense shield but rather a re-entry into an arms race that will
#> result in placing missiles all over the world.
#
#The treaty is already broken. You already stated the US did it. And
do you
#honestly think other governments are going to hold the US to account
and
#convince them to go back to abiding by it? 40 years of diplomatic
#discussions haven't convinced the US thus far. What makes you think
#continuing talks will work? You *know* it won't. The only thing the
US
#understands is force of arms.
The ABM treaty is not broken. Canada does not need to participate in
George Bush's scheme.
Their whole culture is built on that notion.
#Other countries have known this for years....hence China and Pakistan
are
#now nuclear powers. North Korea wants into the act. Europe and
Russia are
#nuclear powers. The only countries you see the US picking on are
#*defenseless* countries which have natural resources that the US
wants. We
#haven't yet been invaded 'cause we very readily give to the US that
what
#they want and need.
#
North Korea, China, and Pakistan got their nuclear technology from
Canada and the US.
#>
#> I don't see why Canada should be a surrogate for the US defense.
#
#We're already getting a free ride by virtue of being next-door
neighbours.
#As long as the US remains militarily defensive at home, we benefit
from
#that. We don't have to concern ourselves with China invading us just
yet.
#
#
#>#Heidi wrote:
#># If Russia, Europe and China
#> #don't like that the US is planning on it, too bad. I'd have to
#> question why
#> #they think the US and Canada should remain defenseless.
#> #
#> #We might want to consider what would happen if other continents
were
#> to get
#> #their act together to build defense shields, too. Then all
nations
#> would
#> #know that any missiles launched at any nation could be tracked and
#> blown up
#> #prior to its arrival at a specific target.
#
#> Judgejudy wrote:
#> This is a pipe dream. There has never been any reliable way to
take
#> out a launched missile. Placing missiles all over the world, will
#> make it a more dangerous place to lunatics like Bush to launch a
first
#> strike.
#
#Missiles are already placed all over the world except for those few
truly
#impoverished and vulnerable nations. Bush has already launched
thousands of
#missiles.
Where did they land?
The whole arms race is typical Americas paranoia. It is created by
the Department of Defense to get more money. I would be willing to
bet that the first nuclear missile to explode in the US will be one of
their own, probably in an American silo or submarine.
Heidi Graw
(snip)
>judgejudy wrote:
> Canada's natural resources have nothing to do with the missile defense
> system. The missile defense system that George Bush proposes is a
> costly pork barrel for defense contractors.
That may be *one* of many reasons. I would not, however, dismiss the
possibility that the US would want to protect *our* resources for *their*
self interests.
> judgejudy wrote:
> The only country in the world that is a threat to Canada is the US.
I think you are wrong. Granted, we may quibble with the US over trade
issues, we may disagree politically over many things, but considering the
depth and breadth by which both countries are integrated, not just
economically, but by actual family blood ties, the US is *not* our enemy.
And if there are threats from overseas, I'd place my bets with the US as
being a better defender of our country than any other foreign nation.
>
> The ABM treaty is not broken. Canada does not need to participate in
> George Bush's scheme.
No, we don't have to. However, we have to look beyond this international
terrorist threat, ie. Al Quada. There are other, bigger and even more
omninous things looming on the world stage which really do involve access to
natural resources. And looking from a geographical point of view bearing in
mind our next-most natural neighbour, the USA, it will be our immediate
neighbours who would be in a better position to defend us than any other
Canadian friendly nation from overseas.
>
> North Korea, China, and Pakistan got their nuclear technology from
> Canada and the US.
Yes, and N. Korea, China, Pakistan are developing by leaps and bounds.
China, Pakistan and India are in direct competition for the world's
resources, as is Russia and Europe. We happen to be one of the most
resource blessed countries in the world. If we had to be exploited, which
of the world's countries would you prefer we have exploit us?
>> Bush has already launched
>> thousands of
>> #missiles.
>
> Where did they land?
They weren't nuclear war heads, but missiles nonetheless. And most
recently, they landed in Iraq.
>
> The whole arms race is typical Americas paranoia. It is created by
> the Department of Defense to get more money. I would be willing to
> bet that the first nuclear missile to explode in the US will be one of
> their own, probably in an American silo or submarine.
Thousands of nuclear missiles and bombs had already exploded within the US
proper....those test site? Remember? ;-)
As for the arms race, that never really stopped. What do we *really* know
what is going on around the world? The public isn't told everything.
Two-bit dictators aren't going to advertise what they may be up to either.
Do you really trust foreign nations to *not* attempt an attack on Canada in
the future? I'm not that naive. I prefer to keep a healthy skepticism.
But, at the same time I don't totally distrust the US either. If we had to
be invaded, I'd rather it be the US than China.
Here's something to think about. Right now China has 20 million excess men
who will not have a marriage partner available to them, due to their one
child policy...boys being favored. China is also going gangbusters
developing economically and technologically. China is also a nuclear power.
China currently has a voracious appetite for our world's resources. We are
one very resource based country. If we don't give China what she needs,
what might she do? 20 million unmarried men trained for military
duty...wow! Do we have an army to match?
Something to think about...
Heidi
notritenoteri
John D
Annapolis Royal, NS
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: The lights in Annapolis Royal, NS
As a part of a Cross Canada Day of Action Against Missile Defence a
rally will be held to protest Canada's involvement in the implementation
of the the US Ballistic Missile Defence program (BMD). BMD is viewed by
many (including 49 retired US Generals and Admirals ) to be ineffective
as a defensive weapon, and is intended to be a space-based attack
weapon. Millions rallied against Canada's participation in the illegal
war in Iraq. Let our politicians know that, as with the Iraq War, we
can choose a better way... NO to BMD!
Calgary, AB
Human Security not Missile Defence Rally
Oct. 2
Noon-1pm
City Hall
As a part of a Cross Canada Day of Action Against Missile Defence
Project Ploughshares Calgary will be hosting a rally at City Hall to
protest the implementation of the the Missile Defence Program (BMD).
We will form a human chain, holding hands together to symbolize the
power of human communities and connections that are more powerful for
protecting ourselves and our planet than the missile defence program.
Castlegar, British Columbia
Rally outside our MP's office Oct 2, 2004.
The event will be at 3PM on Saturday, at 648-18th St.
with the Kootenay Region of United Nations, also Kootenay Fellowship of
Reconicilation
contact Joyce Davison jo...@telus.net
Goderich, ON
People for Peace, a group of individuals who share a concern about peace
issues,
will be holding a candlelight vigil outside the constituency office of
Paul Steckle in Goderich Ontario from 7-8 pm.
Bring your own candle & sign
ontar...@yahoo.ca
Grand Forks, BC
The Boundary Peace Initiative will meet at 1 pm at Lois Hagan Park
(beside City Hall) for a funeral procession (dress in black) with signs
bringing attention to the fact that the Ballistic Missile Defense System
will lead to more coffins. We will walk through town and then stop in front
of Radio Shack for speakers and entertainment. We invite all concerned
about the weaponization of space to come join us.
Contact Laura at 442-0434 or by email at lps...@direct.ca for more info.
Halifax, NS
The Halifax Peace Coalition will offer a film night on Friday October 1
at the Computer Science Building, Dalhousie University at 7:30 p.m.
Three films will be screened:
1) Star Wars Dreams: BMD with an overview of plans for space dating from the
Reagan days;
2) Arsenal of Hypocrisy: America's Space Plans and its Military Industrial
Complex;
3) Hijacking Catastrophe: 9/11, Fear and the Selling of American Empire.
London, Ontario
People for Peace are planning an event for October 2nd.
We will rally at the north-west corner of Victoria Park,
at the corner of Richmond and Central, at 1:00 p.m. We
will listen to speakers, with the theme "Canada says NO to Ballistic
Missile Defence" as well as to music. Following the rally, we will march
to the office of local MP and Cabinet Minister Joe Fontana, to insist
that the government of Canada does not provide any kind of support for BMD.
Midland, Ontario
Peaceworks, is organizing a protest rally to meet outside the
library on King St. at 11 am. Come and walk with us to the peace garden.
For more information contact peace...@hotmail.com.
MONTREAL, QC
Darth Martin encounters the Raging Grannies.
Rally against Missile Defense/Star Wars.
Saturday, October 2, 2004, at 12:00 noon.
In front of Christ Church Cathedral on St Catherine St W., between Union and
University (McGill Metro)
Wear StarWars costumes, bring anti-Missile Defense placards and banners.
Northumberland, ON (Port Hope, Cobourg)
On Saturday October 2nd a bus departs from Northumberland to join the rally
in Ottawa to send Paul Martin the message to
"Keep Canada out of Missile Defense"
Port Hope pick up at the Health Unit parking lot (south of MacDonald's at
#401 and #28) at 8:30 am Sat. Oct 2nd.
Cobourg pick up at the car pool parking lot, northwest corner of #401 and
#45 at
8:45 am Sat. Oct. 2nd.
Bring water, food, weather-friendly clothing and quality footware. Also,
musical instruments, banners, costumes, chants and songs and cameras.
Creativity is most welcome!
The bus arrives in Ottawa for 1 p.m. gathering at Mcnabb park, marching to
Parliament Hill. The bus returns the same day for approximately 9pm.
For further information contact Sabrina Roy at (905) 373-4536
Please join us, or donate so others can attend!
-email contact Henry Wiersma: hjwi...@sympatico.ca
THE NORTHUMBERLAND PEACE COALITION
Ottawa, Ontario
What: CIRCUS AND PARADE AGAINST MISSILE DEFENCE!
When: 1PM, October 2, 2004
Where: Minto Park (Corner of Elgin and Gilmour)
Why: To tell Prime Minister Paul Martin to keep Canada out of the U.S.
missile defence program!
What to Bring: Bring your banners, circus costumes, puppets, and your
ideas for a better way to keep Canada safe. Bring friends and family,
dogs, cats. Show your opinions of Bush's Missile
Defence in a creative way - you can carry a hole-filled umbrella to
demonstrate why you think BMD is crazy. Or better yet, create your own
props. (More ideas can be found at www.nowar-paix.ca.)
We will gather at Minto Park, before parading to Parliament Hill. There
will be street theatre, music, contests and games to address how stupid
MD is and how wrong for Canada. The Raging Grannies, Radical
Cheerleaders and many more will be on hand.
If your group can endorse this action, please email
sto...@yahoo.ca.
Peterborough, ON
Why Canada Shouldn't be Involved in
Ballistic Missile Defence
Public Meeting - all are welcome
Grass Roots Café - corner of Aylmer and Hunter
Saturday, October 2nd
11:30 am to 1 pm
Come and hear :
. Professor Al Slavin talk about why it is not in Canada's or the
world's best interest to be involved in ballistic missile defence.
. Joyce Barrett, chairperson of Kawartha Ploughshares, talk about
strategies to make our opinions known to the government and media.
Sponsored by: Kawartha Ploughshares
For further information, call Joyce Barrett at 743-0241
Toronto, ON
Make Space for Peace! Keep Canada out of Missile Defense
Rally and March, OCT 2, 1 PM
US Consulate
360 University Ave @ Armoury St
Endorsed by:
Canadian Arab Federation, Toronto Chapter, Canadian Labour Congress
Council of Canadians, Toronto Chapter
People Against Weapons in Space
Toronto Coalition to Stop the War
Toronto and York Region Labour Council
United Church of Canada
416.588.5555, c...@web.ca
Whitehorse, Yukon,
The Yukon Peace Coalition will be having a march on October 2nd.
It will start at noon at the Elijah Smith Building and we'll march down to
Rotary Peace Park. On September 24th, the previous Saturday, members of
the Peace Coalition will be travelling to Fort Greely (where a BMD system is
being installed)
for the Fourth Annual Peace Camp organized by No Nukes North,
a circumpolar group from Fairbanks, Alaska, who have invited our group to
participate. At the peace march on October 2nd, those who travelled to
Fort Greely will tell the rest of us about their experience participating
in the Peace Camp.
Windsor, ON
Demonstration to say NO to Canada's participation in U.S. Missile "Defence"
12 noon, October 2
in the parkette at Goyeau and Wyandotte Streets
(near the U.S-Canada Tunnel entrance)
Call to demonstrate issued by Windsor Peace Coalition
windso...@hotmail.com
Winnipeg, MB
Rally Against Missile Defence
1:00 p.m. at the Manitoba Legislature
No War Coalition (Manitoba)
204-775-8178 ext. 2
Yellowknife, NWT
Save our Skies for Northern Lights
A Walk against Ballistic Missile Defense
Meet at City Hall at 2:30 pm.
Saturday, October 2nd.
Sponsored by Alternatives North
Contact 669-0991 for more info.
"Heidi Graw" <heid...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:lmQ5d.544617$gE.199164@pd7tw3no...
John D
The Canadian Unitarian Council is calling for the Government of Canada to
halt negotiations about participation in the US ballistic missile defence
program, because the scheme involves plans to put weapons in space.
The CUC's call comes in response to a Department of National Defence report
advising Canadian companies to "concentrate on developing space weapons and
other 'kill vehicles' if they want to win lucrative contracts for the US
missile defence shield."
CUC President, the Rev. Brian Kiely, said, "The current government has
repeatedly stated it would not participate in the US missile defence program
if it involves placing weapons in space.
"The Prime Minister should acknowledge that he now has conclusive evidence
of the connection between missile defence and the weaponization of space.
Therefore, he should call off negotiations with Washington on this scheme."
At the CUC annual conference last month in Edmonton, delegates adopted four
resolutions committing the Council to work for global peace, nuclear
disarmament and non-military approaches to resolving global conflicts.
Approximately 400 Unitarians from congregations across Canada explored ways
to implement their principles, such as the goal of a world community, with
peace, liberty and justice for all.
The resolutions included a call for opposition to the U.S. missile defence
system because it will provoke a renewed nuclear arms race with China and
Russia and challenge other countries to acquire nuclear weapons as a defence
against more powerful states.
Rev. Kiely said, "The missile defence program is a shameful waste of
resources which should be used to tackle the poverty, despair and
environmental degradation that are the root causes of global insecurity.
Missile defence will make all of us less secure."
The Canadian Unitarian Council/Conseil unitarien du Canada (CUC), is an
association of forty-five congregations located across Canada with 5,200
individual members. Arising out of the work of outspoken reformers and
dissenters within the Christian tradition five centuries ago, the Unitarian
movement today includes Universalists and flows in a broad religious stream
augmented by Humanist, earth-centred, Buddhist and other progressive
beliefs.
For more information, contact:
Rev Brian Kiely, CUC president, br...@cuc.ca, (780) 455-9797
For information about the CUC, contact:
Mary Bennett, Executive Director, ma...@cuc.ca
Canadian Unitarian Council - www.cuc.ca
http://www.cuc.ca/
502-112 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto, ON, M4V 2Y3
Phone: 416-489-4121 fax: 416-489-9010
in Vancouver: 604-617-0142
"Heidi Graw" <heid...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:SmF5d.521174$M95.67300@pd7tw1no...
John D
We have set up a listings page on the CPA site for postings for the day of
action against Missile Defence on October 2nd. We are getting strong support
from a number of cross Canada organizations including the CLC and the United
Church of Canada.
If you are looking for support for your action feel free to contact the
local United Church http://www.united-church.ca/locator/ as they are
encouraging members to get involved.
The events in each town are very different and exciting. In Ottawa, No-war
Paix is organizing a No BMD circus with music and floats. In other locations
there are pickets of local MP's and in London they are holding a rally and
are then marching to Cabinet Minister Joe Fontana's office. Whatever the
type of action what matters is we are still out on the same day and with a
unified message.
Please let me know if your group is organizing an event so we can post it on
the website and send a clear message.
For any other info please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us.
See the listings at http://www.acp-cpa.ca/en/events.html
Resources on BMD are available at
http://www.acp-cpa.ca/en/missile_defense_learn.html
Peace,
Sid Lacombe
Campaign Coordinator
Canadian Peace Alliance
416-588-5555
c...@web.ca
www.acp-cpa.ca
"judgejudy" <judg...@shaw.com> wrote in message
news:k3tel01squ8v7t4ch...@4ax.com...