Monthly Archives: May 2012

Below is a letter recently submitted by Conscience Canada board member Eric Unger to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance:

Dear Mr Harper, Mr Flaherty, and Mr Bruinooge,

As the violent and tragic events unfold in Syria, I am reminded again of the
results of instructing men in the ways of killing.  Can we learn anything
from these events?  It is quite possible, and even logical, to expect that
some day, unless we carefully consider and learn from them today, such
horrific events will take place within our own borders.  As military experts
provide overseas instruction and guidance in how to interrogate, torture,
and kill fellow human beings, only the blind cannot see that the results of
our labours may someday return to haunt us, perhaps repaying us many times
over.  And who will take the responsibility for such short-sightedness?

For this reason, I ask you to read the attached note.  This is a personal
plea, but others hold similar points of view.  It is the hope of Conscience
Canada that you, now occupying a majority government would quickly enact
into law a PEACE TAX FUND so that those of us who are opposed to the concept
that stronger armies bring a swifter peace may designate, for the sake of
our consciences, our hard-earned tax dollars toward more peaceful
enterprises.

I apologize for the length of the attachment, but that may serve to
demonstrate the sincerity of my plea.  It is within your power to enact such
a bill, now! Continue reading →

Board member Jan Slakov introduces a recent article by former soldier Trevor Greene:

“Some time ago I heard an interview with Trevor Greene, an interview that moved me to tears, about how he had reached a point of forgiveness following the terrible axe attack that nearly killed him.

Oddly enough, I think there is quite a profound connection between COs (like me) and soldiers. Maybe it is partly that both groups put a lot on the line in support of what they believe in. Certainly, although I would never encourage someone to join the military, for me and others in Conscience Canada, it is vitally important that our work not be seen as dismissive of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

All this to say that I am so very delighted that the democracy Trevor Greene wants to defend seems to be the same one I too want to defend.”

From one battlefield to another

By Trevor Green

(Published in the Toronto Star, Saturday, May 12 2012)

Every generation updates and renews the values that make us who we are. I once found it hard to truly understand what those in my grandfather’s generation meant when they spoke of making the ultimate sacrifice in wartime to allow their loved ones back home to live in a democracy.

Until, that is, I myself almost lost it all in a remote village in Afghanistan on behalf of the values that make us Canadian, values that I now see as under threat not by a foreign force, but by a domestic one. Continue reading →

Board member Eric Unger wrote:
I have forwarded the truth dig video (of the American war veterans throwing their medals toward the highly secured building where NATO representatives are presently meeting) to Stephen Harper and Barack Obama, along with the following note.

I am deeply impressed by the courage shown by these military/former military people. May their courage motivate others to join in their efforts to put an end to war. Continue reading →