Canada's armed forces are imploding.

Facing a shortage of funds necessary to meet existing obligations of at least half a billion C$, Canadian military sources have leaked the information that they will be curtailing operations, dry—docking ships and mothballing vehicles or aircraft, and closing at least four Canadian Forces bases.

Unless future funds are forthcoming to replace Canada's aging fleet of C—130 Hercules aircraft, the main base of transport operations will also be shut down within several years, as there won't be enough usage to justify its operation. Similarly,

the navy predicts it will not be able to live up to treaty obligations to NATO and other alliances and cannot carry out enough patrols of Canadian waters to comply with agreements with other government departments such as Immigration Canada or Fisheries and Oceans.

Meanwhile, Canada has spent at least one billion dollars so far on a national gun registry, with paltry results, and plans on spending at least one billion more. Additionally, Canada has been roiled by the revelation that $100 million has been spent on 'public relations' activities in Quebec, supporting the Canadian federation, although it is hard to see how the politically—connected firms could have legitimately spent even a tiny fraction of that sum.

In other words, Canada is choosing to disarm its citizenry, bribe Quebecois separatists into supporting its national integrity, and is letting its military atrophy. Although most Americans are unaware, Canada has a proud and highly distinguished military history, especially in the two great hot wars of the Twentieth Century. The Canadian—American military alliance in the Cold War was equally solid, and essential to the national security of both countries.

This is much more than a sad tale or commentary on the wussification of our neighbor to the north. A Canada which cannot patrol its waters or defend its borders is a serious threat to American security. The responsible members of Canada's citizenry need to take notice that our current border crossing arrangements will not survive the demise of Canada's ability to protect itself from invasion or, more likely, infiltration. Canada is far more dependent on trans—border trade than the United States.

The American Thinker deeply mourns was is happening to Canada's military, and is very deeply concerned over what the future may bring. We earnestly wish our cousins north of the border well. But we would point out that history is rarely kind to prosperous nations occupying choice pieces of real estate, who do not bother to maintain their defenses.

Oh Canada!

Posted by Thomas  02 25 04