I have had a life-long involvement with the Canadian Military establishment that has included many personal and family connections. Those who have served in Canada’s military forces in times of both war and peace have given much to Canada over the last 150 years.
Sadly, many who have served gave their all - all of their tomorrows for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada.
Therefore, considering all those who served and who are now serving, I must express my vehement disapproval of the recent Canadian Federal Government’s decision to pay a former Middle East terrorist an obscene financial settlement because his Canadian rights were denied.
The facts of the matter are, as I understand it, Mr. Khadr was there, at the battle site; grenades do not pull their own safety pin, and they do not throw themselves!
Also, he was in the battle zone at the time of the attack. Some might call him a child soldier, but he was armed in a battle area.
Since he was armed and actively using arms, he is an enemy combatant!
My understanding is that there is some type of Canadian law that does not allow people to profit from their misdeeds. Therefore the $10.5 million he and his lawyer have received should go to the wife and family of Sergeant Spears.
Sgt. Spears was a medic, a group of unsung heroes on many battlefields, a soft target for Khadr’s attack. Sgt. Spears will enjoy no more tomorrows.
The U.S. military interrogations that Khadr received in prison were harsh, but that is a reality of war.
That $10.5 million dollars should go to our present military veterans and families, many who have been treated poorly since their return.
Many of their wounds are to the mind and spirit, which the public does not see, and will haunt them for years.
Kadhr’s Canadian rights were violated? He gave up those rights when he chose to go to become a terrorist, the way I see it.
