Liberty Corner: Free Riders to the North

Thursday, February 24, 2005

Free Riders to the North

From the Associated Press:

Canada Opts Out of U.S. Defense Shield

TORONTO - Prime Minister Paul Martin said Thursday that Canada would opt out of the contentious U.S. missile defense program, a move that will further strain brittle relations between the neighbors but please Canadians who fear it could lead to an international arms race.

Martin, ending nearly two years of debate over whether Canada should participate in the development or operation of the multibillion-dollar program, said Ottawa would remain a close ally of Washington in the fight against global terrorism and continental security.

It's the old "arms race" bugaboo. In other words, when we stop arming the bad guys will stop, too. Ha! As Reagan proved in the 1980s, when we continue to arm, the bad guys are (a) outmatched, (b) give up because they can't afford to keep up with us, or both.

Actually, Martin's decision smacks of an excuse to free-ride at the expense of American taxpayers. Martin and his advisers know full well that our defense shield must provide at least partial protection for Canada -- especially for the most densely populated parts of Canada, which lie along or near the border with the U.S.

As for the rest of it, I'm not impressed by Canada's politically correct stance on terrorism. Nor am I aware of any significant Canadian contributions to continental security.

The Canadian anthem is a parody of the political views now dominant in the land of my forbears.* Read it and weep:

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.