CTV.ca | Tories suspend key aide over remarks on soldier's dad

Conservative Party employee Ryan Sparrow opens the door to a secret briefing to select media on an RCMP search warrant, at a hotel in Ottawa, Sunday, April 20, 2008. (Tom Hanson / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Jim Davis, father of Cpl. Paul Davis who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006, speaks to Canada AM from CTV studios in Halifax on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008.

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Cpl. Paul Davis, a Canadian soldier from Bridgewater, N.S., serving with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Kandahar, was killed Thursday, March 2, 2006. (Department of National Defence)

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Conservative Party Leader Stephen Harper delivers his speech to supporters at a campaign rally at a local vineyard in St.-Eustache, Que., Thursday, Sept 11, 2008. (Tom Hanson / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Tories suspend key aide over remarks on soldier's dad

Updated Thu. Sep. 11 2008 7:47 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

The Tories have suspended their communications director after he sent an email to CTV News saying an outspoken father of a fallen Canadian soldier was a Liberal supporter.

Earlier in the day, slain soldier Cpl. Paul Davis' father, Jim Davis, told CTV's Canada AM he was shocked Wednesday by comments made by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

Harper had said Canada's military commitment in Afghanistan will end in 2011 as scheduled.

After the program, Ryan Sparrow, the Tory's director of communications, emailed CTV News saying Davis was a supporter of Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff

Harper, addressing a crowd in St.-Eustache, Que., Thursday afternoon, said Sparrow had "been suspended from the campaign (and) he has apologized to the individual in question."

He said the email was "inappropriate" as it questioned "the motivation of a father of a deceased Canadian soldier."

Harper added that he wants to "make it clear that I have set a tone, and I've set an expectation for this campaign and as leader I'm going to make sure that is followed all the way to victory," said Harper.

Davis, whose son died when his light armoured vehicle rolled over during a patrol in Kandahar in March 2006, told Mike Duffy Live on Thursday that he had accepted Sparrow's apology and didn't agree with the suspension.

"That suspension upsets me," Davis said. "We all learn from our mistakes and we become better people because of that. The last thing that I would want is somebody to have hardship over my son's death. That's not what this is all about, this is not politics.

"Ryan Sparrow made a mistake; we all make mistakes, and he apologized and I forgive him."

But Liberal Leader Stephane Dion was quick to call on Harper to fire Sparrow for his "reprehensible" remarks, saying a suspension did not go far enough.

"Playing politics with a father who is suffering from such a tragic loss is simply unacceptable," Dion said. "Suspending, and not firing Mr. Sparrow outright is a sad attempt to brush this under the rug."

Davis' comments

Earlier Thursday, Davis said it would be ideal to have Canadian soldiers home by 2011 but setting a deadline "undermines the work our soldiers are doing and it undermines the mission."

He said the deadline makes it difficult for Canadian soldiers to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people if they know troops will be gone in two years.

"I would never want to see another soldier go in harm's way so I can justify my son's death," Davis told CTV's Canada AM.

"But at the same time if we pull up stakes and come home when we're not ready to -- when the mission is not complete -- if we did that then my son died in vain."

Davis, a resident of Bridgewater, N.S., has worked for the provincial wing of the federal Liberal party.

In 2006, he criticized the Tories when the party considered banning media coverage of the return of Canada's war dead.

Davis also criticized the NDP when they called for an immediate end to the mission in Afghanistan in 2006.

In July 2007, Davis said Dion was the "right man to be prime minister" but he pressed him to support extending Canada's mission in Afghanistan -- which the Liberals did by supporting a motion in Parliament in March 2008.

Harper on Afghanistan

On Thursday, before Sparrow was suspended, Harper said a set pullout date for Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan was necessary to ensure the success of the mission.

Harper, speaking in Montreal, said that without a deadline "the mission will go on forever and we will not be successful."

"That's why we set an end date and why we've laid out a plan between now and then to train the Afghan forces and transform the mission into one that can help at a higher level of governance," said Harper.

He said he understands the mission in Afghanistan is an emotional issue for families of soldiers.

"But look, the military themselves understand that we have got to make sure the Afghans are able to take responsibility for their own security," said Harper.

"We've been there three years already, we've got three more years and we are determined to make this mission successful.

"Making it successful means we achieve an objective within a reasonable period of time."

Although the bulk of the troops will be out by 2011, Harper has said there may some Canadian soldiers who stay in the country as advisers.

Meanwhile, the party has already had to backtrack three times this week over:

Opposing the inclusion of Green Leader Elizabeth May in the debates.
An ad on its website showing a puffin pooping on Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.
The resignation of a Halifax candidate who had a criminal record.

Dion had his own problems with a candidate Thursday and he fired a Quebec City Liberal candidate for controversial comments about natives.

Simon Bédard, 65, made the comments while he was a radio host in 1990. He called for the killing of Mohawks during the 1990 native stand-off in Kanesetake.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

AJ

I agree with the Prime Minister. Bring the troops home in 2011.

Military Father

My son is in the Canadian military. I can think of no logical reason for me to suggest that gives me the right to question our politicians elected to govern. Every time a soldier dies, do we poll only their families on when to fight and when to stop? Why is this news? Sheehan feels since her son Casey died, the US should leave Iraq, so it is safe to assume it will be quite the debate, amongst those losing loved ones. How about the old fashioned way? They sign to follow their country and their country's leader's orders. Not once they sign we now follow their parents orders if they unfortunately die in combat. How much combat experience or international political experience does Mr. Davis have to decide when or where our soldiers serve or when they leave? I would suggest he run for Parliament and let the citizens of the country his son swore to serve, make their decision.

Stone

The mission is never going to be complete. How many more lives would the father of this soldier want to see killed? After suffering the loss of a loved one, you would think he would want a complete withdrawl of our troops so no one over here would have to suffer the loss of yet another loved one. I think his comments are selfish.

shane prpich

It is sad that this father is now realizing that his son died in vain in Afghanistan.

War, what is it ever good for? Absolutely nothing!

Ike Witt

Retired Canadian Maj.-Gen. Lew Mackenzie comments have hit it on the nail.
"Canada's more than paid its dues... way more than any other member of the 26 NATO alliance proportionally."

Eldon, NB

I can understand where he is coming from but all the troops are not coming home, only the bulk of them.

USA is moving troops into Afghanistan to take over what was THEIR war and some Canadian's will still stay.

Father of Soldier

Afghanistan should not be allowed to revert back to a terrorist haven that threatens us all...Canada should leave once that's assured...

kate

With all due respect to this gentleman..this is not a war we can win. The Taliban and Pakistan are laughing at us -read the NY Times interviews with several of them as they gloat about taking American money and making deals to slaughter our soldiers while the Taliban has a safe haven in the hills. The Russians spent 10 years there and went bankrupt. How arrogant are we to think that we could possibly win when they couldn't? The Afghan government is corrupt from the top to the bottom from drug money and money they take from us. Instead of helping their poor, they're building shopping malls that only the wealthy elite can shop at while we hand out cooking oil by the bottle. How is that going to deter people from drug running when they see modern malls and BMW's going by them?

I agree with Mr. Harper

I agree with the Prime Minister - bring home the troops in 2011.

This mission requires the Afghan people to start doing some of the heavy lifting for themselves and they have till 2011 to get their house in order with our help and assistance.

Canadians do not want our troops stuck in combat roles indefinitely.

Al in NS

Canadians are known as peace keepers. Romeo Dallaire showed the world that we can be peace makers. The difference is the willingness to put your neck on the line and do the right thing. Afghanistan needs peace makers. Every soldier is putting his / her neck on the line to do the right thing. As sad as it is to hear of the loss of another young Canadian life, I am sure that their sacrifice has meant that there is a promise of a better life for many thousands of young Afghans.
Be proud, support our peace makers. Let them finish what’s been started as long as that may take.

Michelle

To military father.
In the military, the ranks don't question command. In civilian life, we do question command. Each and everyone of us, in fact, has a democratic duty to question the policies of out political leaders and ensure those policies reflect the values and ideals of Canadians.

Rick from Kentville

Our troops should not come home until the job is done or they will be coming to OUR home to take us on here. If people do not believe that then they are living a lie and believe me they will come.Bin Laden wants the whole world. Are people blind and deaf? They continually talk about "world Jehad" - the key word "WORLD"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark from Brampton

Some thoughts:

1) This is NOT Canada's war, it is NATOs. We are only a part of the puzzle. To assume we have done all the work there is naive (although we have done more than our share).
2) We are there to help democracy grow and rid the world of the Taliban. I don't think anyone ever thought that NATO would do 100% of the work. The goal has always been to help the Afghan government and army sustain itself.
3) I don't like setting a fixed exit date, however a date that is 3.5 years away does leave a fair bit of time.

While I don't agree with Harper's decision 100%, I beleive it is in line with the majority of Canadians opinions.

Marcel

The Prime Minister should have left this subject alone. A motion was passed in the house in March that the mission would end in 2011. I believe that our troops should come home now because this is a war that will not be won. Thank you.

Lane

Having served in the military myself, I fully understand the desire to see the mission through to the end. However, it is nonsense to suggest that our troops will have died in vain if we leave in 2011. It must be recognized that this is an ISAF mission, not a Canadian mission. Our 2,500 troops are only a tiny fraction of the total ISAF force, and the mission will continue without us. We should be proud of the contribution we have made and continue to make, but it is reasonable to expect other countries to pull their weight as well. Harper has just given our allies three years' notice of our departure, which is very fair.

Kate (DC)

The attacks on 9/11 2001 resulted in the deaths of citizens from over 50 countries. This is not America's war. It is a war of freedom. Freedom for the Afghan people so that may live in peace and build propersity. Freedom for the world, so that we may live without fear of attack from unknown faces and unknown places. Canada, as well as the U.S., Britain, the Netherlands and many more NATO countries are working together to help protect and rebuild not only Afghanistan but world order (or at least the closest we can come to it).

Toby

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

BRING THEM HOME NOW

Bob in Halifax

This man deserves to still have his son. If we hadn't gone there in the first place he would still have him. I served 22 years and retired so I wouldn't have to go over there. I wasn't chicken, just smart and totally against the whole reason we are there.

Shilo wife

I agree with Mr. Davis. Your son was a great person. I don't want to see any of them die for nothing. My husband is coming home shortly from his 2nd tour there and they have started to make a difference. Stay there until it's finished and let them do their jobs. Screw the politics. They only want a vote and that's why they are playing with our soldiers as a pawn.

Joe

Our Canadian soldiers have been at the tip of the sword for the last 3 years. We have done our part honorably and with distinction both on the battle fields and off. Your son will not have died in vain, as he was doing his job to the fullest and protecting his fellow soldiers. His mission at the time was to clear the Panjui area for a new road, and that mission was completed. Having us pull out is letting everyone know that we have done our part. Now it's time for the rest of NATO to do theirs after 2011. Our Military is being stretched thin, plus some of our troops have been there three to four times. If we continue with this past 2011, I can see a lot more people coming back burned out or with PTSD.
Ive lost some really good friends in 06/07 and I feel they will never have died in vain. They will always be remembered. Pro Patria

Fact is, Harper doesn't care about soldiers. He cares about votes. Right now, only 14% of Canadians support the mission in Afghanistan.Harper is speaking to the 86% who oppose. He doesn't care about the minority or our soldiers.

Martin

I have to agree with Harper on this one. We had enough soldiers dead there and for what cost? How long is this war gonna last? No one knows but it has improved. No one knows but I have big doubts on that. A lot will happen for the next two to three years and alot of blood will be lost. No father or mother wants their son or daughter dead in Afghanistan. It comes a time when we have to sit down and say we did our best and give them a chance to stand on their own. The only other option would be to have more countries involved in this war which they are not interested in at all.

Wade in Brandon, Manitoba

We do more than our share and we finallly have the equipment our guys need. We should stay after 2011 and keep it safe and back up the Afghans with our equipment when called to do so.

Paulie

I find it Ironic that I am commenting on this article today, September 11th. My younger brother who I am unbelievably proud of, joined the Canadian Forces because of September 11th.
He joined as a Peacekeeper! But, unfortunately the Role the Canadian Forces currently have in Afghanistan is generally a Combat one. This is because we have the BEST trained soldiers in the World! Be proud of them!! They have accomplished things in weeks that other countries could not accomplish in years!
These Soldiers go there on their own free will, to risk their lives, to help a country that is not their own. We do not live in a country that dictates that they go to war. They choose to sign their Tour papers. Some are on their second or third tours now.
My family has felt the pain of losing a soldier close to our heart in Afghanistan and we have spent many sleepless nights worrying about our Soldier while Deployed! Although in the back on my mind I am fearful of my brother's next tour I stand behind the Afghan mission. I proudly display my Yellow Ribbon and Wear my Red Friday shirt each week.I think it is time to pull our Soldiers out when THEY, Our Canadian Soldiers not the Public or the Politicians decide their mission has been completed!

Wayne House in Ottawa

Harper should not have brought up the subject. July 2011 is a long way off. The principal reason Canadian troops are there in large numbers is that Chretien (rightly) decided not to put troops into Iraq. Our troops are performing well and that is what they are trained to do. For some, the extra pay must have been an attraction. The bottom line though is that NATO won't win. The Brits couldn't win, nor the Russians. I'd rather see those billions of Canadian dollars spent on beefing up our claims in the Arctic before it is too late.

Robert in Toronto

Traditionally, Canadian troops have been the last off a battlefield. It saddens me to see a call for a pullout because 100 soldiers have lost their lives. If we'd have had this mentality in the 1930's, we'd have sat out WW2 in its entirety.

We have a totally volunteer armed forces. These young men and women know that they go in with the understanding that they may be put in harm's way - and they accept that reality. While it is upsetting to lose just one soldier, it's a reality of war and conflict. It's stupid to believe that we could put troops in a foreign country where there is violent conflict and not experience casualties.

Do you HONESTLY think that there should be flags up around our military bases that say "We're Canadians, don't shoot us or we'll leave!" ????

The military commanders from WW2 and the Korean conflict, as well as the young men (and women) who died during those conflicts must be puking in their graves at the spinelessness of the Canadian people as they see us lack the will and resolve to complete the mission.

In times of peace, and war, Canadian troops have never failed to complete the mission.... until now.

Jo in Gtown

Why put a 'best before' date on our troops? They are there because they believe in what they are doing ... remember Canada does not currently have a draft. These valiant men and women are fighting for democracy, attempting to make the world a better place for ourselves, our children and even great great great grandchildren.

This is not a "USA" war and we're not there to clean up what they started. This is a war on world terror ... and it's a war on drugs. My heart aches for the families of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, and I will forever be grateful for that sacrifice.

William Gisby

I think our troops should never have gone to Afghanistan in the first place. The Americans start these stupid wars and then expect everyone else to help them out.
I am sure if the Russians couldn't win there the Americans won't either.
It will be the same as Korea. They wasted two years of my life fighting that one for absolutely nothing.

Darlene

I'm curious if in the next few days General Hillier will add his view to the mix!

Bunny

I know how he feels.But after 10 years, I do not think his son died in vain.We all admire and thank your son sir but I really do think, that the time line is right, and therefore that PM Harper is right.

Peter Hunziker

The comments made by Jim Davis are militarily correct because walking away from a battle before it's finished signals defeat.
On the other hand, Afghanistan's government must understand that it cannot stay in power if it cannot police its country.

ex-USA

The sad fact is that we never should have gotten involved in the first place, so I agree with Prime Minister Harper that our military mission in Afghanistan should end in 2011. Let the USA fight their own made-up wars. Russia pulled out when they realized Afghanistan was a losing situation, so that should be a big clue right there. Not every country wants to live the way we do. Let's avoid further fatalities and end this mission, and the sooner the better.

My sympathies to this gentleman, and his family but "when the mission is not complete", given Afghanistan's history, does not seem to have an ending. Now, I don't like Harper at all but I agree it's time to get the troops out. He just shouldn't have been so public/political about it.

RHB

It's about winning. This is not the "Olympics" where second place gets a silver metal. Our troops were initially dispatched under-equipped to support this plan. Though their equipment is slowly being upgraded (very slowly), this has been undermined by the Cabinet telling the terrorists when we will surrender. (2011) Politicians should let the military do its job. Once the political "will" has been committed, we should begin supporting our troops to the end. Finally a silver medal in Afghanistan still means we lost and for what sacrifice.

Dale Wilson

I feel for Mr. Davis. Unless it has happened to you, there is no way any of us can imagine what it must feel like to lose a child like this. Canadians are grateful for the ultimate sacrifice made by Cpl. Paul Davis.

Canada's participation in Afghanistan is going to be a moot point in a few months. The Americans have realized that Afghanistan is where they need to focus their efforts and troops are already being moved from Iraq. The Canadian military can be rightly proud of what they've accomplished in Afghanistan but the American steamroller is on its way. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is scheduled to become a very active place as the Americans attempt to deny the Taliban and the terrorist thugs safe haven in the area.

Diamond

Every war before wasn't Canada's but we went in anyway to support the brothers in arms. If we pulled out before the job is done as the PM wants us to do, then our fellow Canadians who died in the mission would have died in vain. Ninety-seven soldiers in two years is not that much when you consider how many were killed on the beaches on D-day in first few minutes.

Paul MacInnis

TO give the Afghan people the chance to have freedom is what has been done. It is up to them to step up and take responsibility for that freedom. It is not Canada's responsibility to stay there forever to ensure (read babysit) another country. Defend yourselves.

No one died in vain. The fact that Canadian Soldiers sacrificed to give this opportunity is the best that can be done.

Are you your brother's keeper? Yes you are, for if you are not, then who is? This is a two way street. Afghans must prove that they are Canada's brother too. Assume the ethical responsibility. Help will always be there for those who ask. Toil yields delight.

Don Poland

FATHER OF FALLEN SOLDIER
I too do not want any other Canadian families deal with the loss of son or daughter, or even an injured one. However, I'm sure, like Mr. Davis, all 97 of us do not want our sons or daughters to have died in vain; or even have been injured in vain.
The responsibility for security has to be shifted over to the Afghan people ASAP, but I'm concerned that putting a fixed date is also sending a bad message.
There is a problem, from our Cdn perspective, in that region. Would you want your children raised under a Taliban regime? What are we to do, wait until a 9/11 type disaster occurs in Canada, and then act?

Military Wife

I am a proud military wife. My husband has done three deployments to Afghanistan since 2003. As much as I hate to put my husband on that plane, in fear he will not return, I know it is the right thing. There has been so much progress since this tour began: villages that were once not safe are now safe, girls can go to school, teachers can teach girls without fear of the harsh punishment of the Taliban. There are many examples I could give. We need to finish this mission! I agree with Mr. Davis. We send our loved ones over there to help and when one of our men or women fall it is heart breaking! However, they know just us much as the members of their families do that this mission needs to be completed....and to not see that happen because Mr. Harper wants votes for the up coming election is wrong! That is not a reason to pull our troops out of Afghanistan or any country that we may be in at a time of an election. This mission needs to be completed, we need to see it through to the end, the troops and troops families have given up way to many sacrafices now to just leave. Even if that means my husband needs to go on his fourth deployment, so be it. We need to see this to the end!

A Real IT Manager from Calgary

Harper is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

I'm 100% in favor of the mission, but instead of pulling out the troops, they should be tranferred to another area of Afghanistan in 2011.

No matter which way Harper would decide on, he will be criticized.

Steve

I think this announcment is election motivated to win votes.If this announcment was made six months ago I wouldn't be so suspicious.My heart goes out to our soldiers who must feel they may now die in vain.This mission will not be completed.What a morale booster for the Taliban.Bad timing on Harper's part.I guess he will stoop as low as he can go to win this election.

ike J.

I am very sorry to hear that this man's son paid the ultimate price, but I have to agree with the Prime Minister on his decision to pull the troops. Anyone who knows the history of the Afghan people, also knows that they will never adapt to "occupiers" in their country. The Taliban have been removed from power, and that is the best that we could have hoped to do.

Operator

Let us do a poll of our own.

How many of the people here who have stated "we" should stay until the job is done are part of the "we" that is being referred to. Unless you have had the luxury of being involved in direct contact, as I and many of my brothers have been, I don't think you have the right to say where or for how long "we" should be anywhere. If you really want to support our troops at this point, support them being around to raise their children. There were reasons that we did not stay in Kosovo and Somalia. Sometimes it is not our war to fight anymore. If we are continually warfighting, we cease to become peacekeepers.

Mike Blai... Niagara Falls

The future has yet to be written, yet it is very sad that our soldiers will now be sent into harm's way for another three more years knowing their government has no faith in the mission and, in essence, has cut and run.

More perplexing, the government's exit strategy for Afghanistan released last week, Friday night, after everybody left the office. There is no mention of withdrawal yet, today, after the Taliban's open letter to Canadians and, of course, the polls, here we are.

Is Mr Harper playing politics with our soldiers lives?

As a former member of The Royal Canadian Regiment, I shudder at detrimental impact this complete reversal in opinion on behalf of the government will have on the morale of our troops.

Is it fair to make them pay the ultimate price when our prime minister has no faith in the mission and is so willing to abandon it without attaining the objectives sent when HE changed the mission from the safety of Kabul to the danger of Khandahar?

It is a very sad day for this nation's military honour, particulalrly after so much blood, on behalf of our valiant young soldiers, has been spilt seeking objectives that no longer matter.

Mr Harper should be awarded the white cockle of surrender for his cap!

Coockledooodledoooo!

mike

I am a soldier myself, and the last thing I want is for us to be pulled out before the job is done. However, the fact of the matter is, our army is too small to sustain this forever. Ill be going on my 3rd toor in a few months. I will likely have 4 or 5 done before 2011 has come. Burn out starts to kick in on everyone sooner or later and I suspect by 2011 a lot of us will be at that point.

In order for Canada to stay in this war and still be effective, we need more manpower.

In order for NATO to win this war, the rest of the "so called" allies need to get off their fat sorry asses and start making a difference the way we have. If they do that, we can beat these guys, I'm sure of it, but right now we're just spread too thin.

D.B. Johnstone

It is the right and responsibility of every Canadian (not in uniform) to question our Political masters regarding any issue this country is engaged in.

That being said, sadly soldiers serve and soldier die, often throughout history for misguided purpose. I believe that Canada as Mr Harper states, should stand for something but not violence and war mongering. Rather it should be Mr Pearson's great vision of peacekeeping. We as a nation stood proudly on the world stage as someone who could be trusted to be there when two or more parties needed a brokerage for peace. Soldiers still died in that purpose, but I believe History will look far more kindly on that endeavor and sacrifice of our young than the present carnage.

My greatest sympathy to any parent, spouse, child, relative, or friend of a fallen soldier. But I and others believe killing our young is as much about the "Human Condition" as it is about what is deemed to be politically expedient. The Human species appears to be hard wired for violence and the wanton destruction of its youth. It has been so since the beginning of time, and sadly probably to the end, unless we can evolve beyond that primal urge to kill.

So to sum up, sadly we are what we are. I want to change, do you?

Vote pandering ... real nice Mr. Harper.

Max in Vancouver

Harper cannot win in this situation.

When is it enough?

The Canadian troops could stay there for 100 years and the job would not be complete

Bring our boys home.

As a former soldier with the Canadian Forces I too am sensitive to the words that come out of a politicians mouth. This is an area that politicians should be careful treading because at the end of the day we are the men & women who remain in the theatre while the politicians lift off in their specially modified luxury airplanes back to the comforts of home. Be LEADERS first and at all costs keep politics to yourself. Politics are for people who lack leadership.

Philoldgoalie

While the Taliban are a despicable group of people you can't totally blame them for 9/11. Were not all the highjackers from Saudi Arabia. It seems to me that Saudi Arabia is the hotbed for terrorism. Oh wait it cant be they have oil.

Steve

All Harper has done is risk the safety and security of our troops even further with this election promise.Our troops must really feel discouraged. Danny Williams is right.

C10

It is interesting how large corporations are run by a CEO and a board of directors, but every time we loose a soldier, there is an out cry by arm-chair Generals that think that there civilian career experience somehow qualifies them to make these difficult desicions.

You're not in charge, but as a democracy you can make suggestions, but don't acted like you really know what's going on over there. Very few have the whole picture. The guys who have been to the sand box understand this.

For those who study history, you know that this type of "Deadline" war fighting will never work. We will be back again to finish the job, only then it will be more difficult. Example- Gulf War I and II. For those who have not served in a war zone, or have not lived in constant fear for your life... you will never understand. Freedom has a taste the Protected will never know!

MRM

I think that Mr. Davis is taking the PM's comments out of context. The PM said that Canada's current mission would end, not NATO's. Making this announcement now gives NATO two years to find a replacement. So the mission will continue and the job will be completed by other NATO troops so his so his son's death (who I knew by the way) will not be in vain. The fact is that the impetus for the announcement was DND who put the govt on notice that the Army cannot sustain the mission beyond 2011. This is a personnel issue, they are just tired and cannot generate the numbers required to sustain the force without soldier getiing into their third or more tours of duty. That said we will be there for many years to come in lesser numbers and a re-roled mission.

Given recent anouncements south of the border it sounds like the US is shifting their focus from Iraq to where it should have been all along and sending more troops to Afghanistan in order to get the job done so there may not even be a need for us beyond 2011 in the numbers we now have there anyway?

Alistair McLaughlin

Al in NS, are you serious about Romeo Dallaire? He showed how badly the concept of "peacekeeping" fails in today's conflicts. His mission was NOT a success by ANY measure. I'm not attacking Dallaire personally.... he had the misfortune of being sent to oversee a mission with no actual authority to do anything proactive. But let's not stretch the truth by saying he showed us that peacekeeping works. 800,000 dead Rwandans proved that peacekeeping as we know has become ineffective.

DC in AB

Unfortunately, it's not the will of Mr. Harper. He is bringing the troops home simply because the majority of Canadians feel that our troops should be pulled out. I doubt he shares that sentiment.

It seems to me, a lack of support of the other NATO nations that is making this a quagmire for us.

Our soldiers are doing a great job for Canada, and for the Afghanistani people. They are highly trained, well equipped (now that the Conservatives have equipped them), and they are truly the hero's of Canada.

Having said that, aside from the NATO support issue, its the lack of will of the Canadian people to see a mission through to its end. Could you imagine what would have happened if Canada and our allies had pulled out of both the European and Pacific in WWII? We would all be wearing little brown shirts, swearing allegiance to Hitler. There were war protesters then, there is now, and there always will be.

God bless our triumphant, and courageous Canadian soldiers! And thank you for keeping Canada the great nation that it is.

tom in mb

Stone,

You are 100% correct. The mission is never going to end!

Do we learn nothing from the past? Look at Viet Nam---more than 58,000 lives wasted---and for what. Look at the Soviets "venture" into Afghanistan, that was a huge disaster, probably even bigger than we know. Look at Iraq today. Do you see an end there? I don't.

Canada has done enough already. If NATO feels there's more to do, let them step up. Besides we are only there in the first place to appease that Warmonger next door.

My heart goes out to all the families who have lost soldiers in this conflict. But the answer is not stay longer.IMO the answer is to give the Afghani people adequate warning (as Mr Harper is doing), then leave.

Thank you' Mr Harper, I'm with you on this one.

Soldierinafgan

Mr. Harper and his party made the decision to extend us till 2011. He is simply sticking to it. Personally I would like to see us stay longer. As a soldier presently serving, I see alot of progress but there is still more that has to be done. However, we still have 2 years to do it. I hope that more progress can be done in that time frame.

Nonetheless, he is sticking to his promise and I see no disrespect. In fact, he extended this mission when all odds were against it and a time when little progress was being made. Now much more progress is becoming quite clear despite what some want us to believe.

I am proud of what we are doing here and hope that Canadians can and will continue to support us. Most of all, remember that most of us are volunteers and some have been here more than once. There is a good reason for that and that is, we see FIRST HAND, that we are making a difference.

Fjohn

It is really nice to talk of the bravery of soldiers from the past but the reality is that we will never defeat the Afghans if we stay 500 years.

Also those soldiers of the past were fighting evil, there are now some questions as to who are the good guys.

Crystal Maker

Imagine Peace

Lart from Above

Afghanistan is not a major national issue for Canada. Afghanistan attacked the United States, and the US invoked the NATO treaty calling for mutual defense.

The US lost focus and sent its troops to Iraq, and most of NATO has not done much to help the Americans. None of that is Canada's decision.

We do have an obligation to our American friends and our NATO allies to join in the common defense. We have met that obligation. Canada is not a superpower that can alone impose order on other countries, and there is no point in sacrificing our soldiers in a cause that NATO's politicians don't support.

Maybe Canadian troops can accomplish something useful. Maybe Harper shouldn't have made military strategy an election issue. But the "died in vain" argument is just an unethical excuse for wasting lives.

If the war in Afghanistan is ongoing five years later, or if NATO or the Americans, or the Afghans or Pakistanis, step up to deal with the problem, maybe we can go back and help some more. But this certainly isn't Canada's problem to solve alone.

Pat

I think it should be a military decision when to get into the war and when to get out.

Jack Thorgeirson

I agree with you Jim Davis 100%.
All those fine young people will have died in vain if we don't finish what we started. We are Canadians we don't cut and run despite Harper's efforts to use this as a political move in the election campaign.
I too am disgusted with Harper but not surprised.

Terrorists win wars because they have resolve, Canadians do not have resolve, when the going gets hard they cut and run. The world will only win against the terrorists if they have the resolve to finnish the job. Where is the Government going to send us next and how many soldiers will we have to lose until we start losee there before we cut and run.

Tony

As a soldier who has been to Afghanistan more then once and would wllining go back at the drop of a dine. I dont believe in pulling out of any mission before the job is done. However Canada has been in the middle of this since day one with out any help from other Nato countries that vote for this mission. So there for it is high time other counties did their fair share of the fightng and for Canada to take a rest from it. Especially if were gong to contiune to have party eaders like Dion and Layton who can't keep their mouth shut in public knowing full well that every tme they say pull our troops out it get more of them killed.

Shirley Hood Oshawa

What good is war, well if it was not for the first and second world war, were would our freedom be, not like it is today that is for sure. The soldiers dedicate there life to do good, and they most certainly are serving the country proud. God bless the troups.

Laureen

A difficult position to be in...damned if you do and damned if you don't. But I trust he makes his decision based on sound judgement.

Mark 5

Canada will have done its part and in 2011 it will be time for someone else to take over. It's not an abandonment of the country or mission. It is a handover. Or at least it is supposed to be.

Kevin in Toronto

I can understand Mr. Davis' sentiment. I also know why Mr. Harper said what he said. If I can see that then both these men should see each other's position. I know deep down our PM feels the same as Mr. Davis, but he's trying to get a majority parliament by putting some closure or deadline to the mission.

TC in Oromocto

Soldiers don't make decisions on whether they stay or go, they fulfill policy as directed by politicians. As with Joe; I've know several people who've lost their lives in Afghanistan. I have not yet met even one soldier who does not believe in what they are doing and theirs a firm committment for the validity of the mission from the "boots on the ground." Feel free to pull the plug on this mission when the troops lose faith but as for now, lets "git r dun."

paul Arseneault

Mr. Davis,

I do sympathize with your loss and I completely understand your point of view. As a veteran I would like to say that the Conservatives have done more for our uniformed troops than any other party. I would also like to say, when I was in theatre and found out my return date I was ecstatic to say the least. I understand your loss, but you can not blame the government for wanting to bring our brave men and women home out of harms way, it is selfish of you to deny the other familiy members this expectation.

respectfully, your son did not die for nothing.

Paul Burbank

This issue is about fulfilling global obligations as much is it is about the safety and security of Afghanistan; so what IS our commitment?
Is this a NATO commitment, or a Canadian commitment?
Over the past 5 years, it has become increasingly apparent that it is (in reality) the latter of the two.
Unless NATO allies decide to make the move that would help this work, and not do what wins votes, I agree that we should be there no longer than 2011.

Paul Burbank - Winnipeg

Rob C.

Don't kid yourself folks, when Harper says he is ending Canada's "military" commitment in 2011 that is just a political strategy statement to start sowing the seeds and begin bringing the "anti-afghan war" voters on his side. Guarantee in a few years when Pariament sits down to debate this topic, it'll be "we'll we really meant we are ending 'offensive' combat operations and focusing solely on 'reconstruction' efforts, which of course will require security that only combat soldiers can provide"....Don't kid yourself folks were not going anywhere in 2011. The role may change on paper, but essentially we'll be doing the same thing over there.

Al in NS

Too many of you are referring to the as America's war. This is not about war, this is about freedom, the freedoms we arrogantly take for granted. 9/11 brought it to the U.S. The truth is that it has gone on for too long elsewhere. We only react when it is in our face. The U.S. did that in WWII, the war began in ‘39 but it wasn’t until ’41 when they were attacked that they took action. If you think that this isn’t a Canadian conflict, follow some drug money, it will lead you around the world. If you think that there are no humanitarian reasons for being there, take education and freedom away from your wives and daughters and see what kind of life they can expect.

We can sit back and debate this in comfort because we have the luxury to do so. It is a luxury that my uncles and great uncles and father and grandfather…fought for and in some cases died for.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – let them finish their job.

Freedom Hater

Stop using empty platitudes like 'freedom' when describing the Afghan war; this is just a stupid word created by American propagandists. Freedom means different things to different people, without the meaning each places on the word, Freedom means nothing.

Democracy is not necessarily freedom, war is not freedom, endless death of your family members and crushing poverty and no education for Afghans is not freedom.

If I read one more comment with the word 'freedom' recklessly thrown about, I think I'll vomit.

woodman95

"H" says, Harper doesn't care about soldiers. He cares about votes. Right now, only 14% of Canadians support the mission in Afghanistan.Harper is speaking to the 86% who oppose.

Based on their past performance, Conservatives never have cared about public opinion. 82% of Toronto's citizens opposed the amalgamation of the areas boroughs into a negacity. Yet still the then provincial Conservative government bullied it through and into law. Nope, public opinion is not very high on their list, but,,, what about hidden agendas?

Hmmm,,,

Remember, you were warned.

Rick in Edmonton

I understand and appreciate the father's sentiments, but he's barking up the wrong tree. The 2011 date for pulling the troops out came as a comprimise betweeen the parties, notably with the Liberals. If it were up to them we'd be out next year; left up to the NDP we'd have tucked our tails between our legs and ran out screaming a year ago or more.

Harper is not in the least wrong to suggest that 10 years is enough, and that between now and the end date, the Afghan people ought to pull up their bootstraps and learn to take care of themselves. It is not just a training issue, it's a willingness issue. They need to get the knackers to stand up to the fanatics and oppressors in their midst and let them know that without a doubt, that not only are they not welcome, but they will face stiff and forcefull opposition to their continued presence there. Until regular Afghanis and moderate Muslims around the world take a unified and forceful stand againt extremists in their communities, little will change.

Mike Webster

We don't have the resources to continue beyond 2011. I fully support the mission and I hope it is complete by then but if not, we have to let another of our allies take a turn in Kandahar.

Frunk

Every military stratigist must have a goal. PM Harper's is 2011, which makes sense. The Russians couldn't win this war and now the Americans are shifting their troops to Afghanistan rather than sending a new battalion to Iraq. This takes the pressure off our small numbers we can supply due to the starving of the military for so long by the Liberals. Take it from a veteran, we have paid our dues and it is now time to move on.

John P

It is utterly tasteless that the cons are taking shots at THE FATHER OF A CANADIAN SOLDIER WHO DIED IN BATTLE.

Shame!

JBurnaby

"Cut and run" Harper.

I find it interesting that our Prime Minister who was so eager to slap the "cut and run" label on anyone who questioned our participation in the war in Afghanistan is now saying that the mission should end and our troops come home, apparently regardless of whether or not some final "victory" is achieved. Isn't this "cutting and running" - exactly what he used to criticize?

Don from Toronto

Having lived in Afghanistan for a year before this mess started, I feel very sorry for the wonderful Afghan people. History has shown that trying to impose other nation's ideas, way of live, and democracy on Afghanistan doesn't work. Eventually the world will have to come to the realization that people have to work thing out for themselves or die trying. We are too guick to try to get others to be more like us and to do what we do. This is pure foolishness and ultimately will destroy us as well.

I am deeply saddened by the death of every Canadian in Afghanistan, just as I am saddened by the death of every Afghan who is trying to create a better society there. But to suggest that these people died in vain, if Canada decides to extricate itself from this mess, is unfortunate and completely inappropriate.

One cannot undo what has been done. Decisions on what should be done next should not be based solely on what we did before, but on what is realistic, fair and appropriate to the situation. We need to learn from history and proceed accordingly; and that includes admitting our past mistakes.

bert put

Should Canada pull out of Afghanistan before the mission is completed we will have to face the consequences. The Taliban will slaughter, in the most horrible way, every Afghan who has ever collaberated with the Canadians. Canada could never live with that and will be forced to take in tens of thousands of refugees, people that don't speak the language, don't have usable skills and having an uncompromising custom totally foreign to our nation. Are we prepaired for that?

Andrew

I truly feel for the father of the fallen soldier. I myself has had a brother do two tours and though he was not injured in any way. The fact that it could all be in vain is disturbing. Instead of pointing the finger at the Honourable Mr. Harper who didn't decide to go there to begin with but has done his all to support our people. It really has shown responsibility and integrity which I have previously never seen.

I would suggest that people should direct their attention to the Bloc, NDP and Liberal parties and ask their representatives, why is it that their parties appear to lack the integrity that is necessary? Mr. Harper with a minority gov't can only do so much and it would be the same for you if people keep trying to sabotage your work and efforts. The troops believe this as a necessary conflict. They are the ones who see what we don't. We must trust them and believe in them and make our decisions appropriately based on real knowledge not from a politician that has grand dreams of thinking they are competant of representing this country and damaging what Mr. Harper is quite effective at doing. Finally running this country in a proper and professional manner.

531111

Wait for it folks, trurt the Conservatives to screw this up. You will see the chacanery of this party within the hour and what they did disgusts me so much it's unbelievable. Sure Harper covers it up fast, but it is out there for all to see. Watch the news folks and you'll see it. How low can you go. This Conservative Party will go to any lengths and as low as you can get to get elected.

TheOracle

Why is the first response of the Conservatives to anyone who disagrees with them an attempt to discredit their opinion as biased?

This man has suffered a great loss and does not desever to have his integrity questioned because he does not agree with the P.M.

Darren in BC

Doesn't this mean that the Taliban now knows that all they need to do is hold on or wait until the Canadians leave in 2011? Unfortunately, I believe this war cannot be won whether we stay or leave.

john frandsen

I have two sons in Afghanistan at the moment, my oldest boy (24 years of age) is on his second tour. They believe in what they are doing and I pray they return safe. I realize the ramifications of setting a deadline but I am not eager to see my sons in Afghanistan indefinitely. Sooner or later the country needs to stand on it's own.

fred

"Mr. Sparrow has just been called into the headquarters in Ottawa, he's been asked to call Jim Davis and apologize," said Fife.

I suppose I can't speak for Jim Davis, but if it was me, the -- last -- thing I would want would be to get a call from that a$$ Sparrow, trying to spin me.

What's Sparrow thinking? Who cares if he supports Liberals? His son died in the service of our country. Does Sparrow thing it only counts if your family votes Conservative?

James

So what if the father of a Canadian Soldier votes Liberal. He is a Canadian citizen and can vote anyway he wishes. I am sorry his son was killed in Afghanistan. I respect Stephen Harper's decision to bring the troops back by 2011 and let the Afghans sort out the problems on their own. If we need to go back there to continue the good work that has been done by our Soldiers, I trust we will be there again as we Canadians are a courageous and giving kind of people!

Harper had to bring up the subject of Afghanistan and the end of the mission in 2011, because the opposition certainly would have. Having said that, 2011 is a long way off and we have no way of knowing what conditions will be like then. Governments change positions as needed, just look at the income trust issue, or Chretien's promise to scrap the GST.

Tanya

Your son did not die in vain, he died as a soldier with honor and is a hero.
My son is in the military and will serve where necessary.
The troops do not decide where to go, the government tells them.
SUPPORT THE TROOPS!
"if you choose not to stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them"

P. Frederick

Seems there is lot of confusion about our mission.

We are there to buy time so the Afghanis can get their act together.

We are not there to defeat the Taliban, to occupy their country or remain until the Taliban are gone & buried.

Ten years is enough time. Our NATO "allies" can now put their troops where their moral piety is and do what we have been doing.

It's their turn. Our troops have performed extremely well and can be proud of completing their mission.

It is now up to the Afghanis to perform their mission.

These politicians and the people they hire to guide them are so far out of control its stupid. They are so focused on getting and staying in power they forget the concepts of honour and ethics. At least this one was fired ... until the end of the election, then I’m sure he will be rehired quietly in a back room, with a raise.

david

I dont see why he should be suspended for stating a fact.

Pugfire

Right, SUSPEND him for the duration of the campaign, then he will resume his job, or another one that he will be handed, either way the salary won't stop.
Talk about a sop to ease opinion.
Is there a decent politician anywhere, in any party, who doesn't think of themselves and the party over all else? Someone who would do the right thing and FIRE this guy?

Phil

Excuse me, but this article is not about the mission, but about a Tory communications person who suggests that being liberal is to be against the mission. The Tories would love to claim that they are the only party that supports the troops and the mission. But that is not the case. This is not a issue for partisan politics and it is right that he get the sack.
Even people who want an end to the mission support the troops. They don't want to see them needlessly killed.
It is interesting that only the Tories want to use our troops as a ticket to a majority.

CC-western Canada

On the issue of Mr. Sparrow. I am happy to see that he is suspended indefintely. I feel awful that the father of a fallen soldier be slandered in such a way. I am a conservative, and I want this guy completely fired, not just suspended. I will not change my vote on the idiocy of one man, but I want the Conservative Party to go further on this.

John

When the troops pull out without finishing the mission, will the Taliban just retake the country again?

We have one person effecting govt. decisions. He does not like the NDP or the Conservative war policy, so he goes public to embarrass politicians. The liberals I believe were at one time against continuing in Afghanistan. But now they have changed their mind, because this Mr. Davis is using the media to make his own agenda. Mr. Davis should run for office.
What kind of politics are we practicing? Quick change politics. This is no way to run any country.
We all feel empathy for Mr. Davis's loss but his tactics are out of line.

K in Calgary

For those thinking we should stay the course, I wouldn't worry too much.

After all, as we all know, a fixed election.. sorry.. "exit" date doesn't mean much to Harper.

HckStck

I think this guy also shows up in one of the Tory ads.

No marketing gurus there, I guess. Just can seem to do this right - kinda like the last couple years. Go figure!

Doug BC

"AMEN" to "Don Poland" and his post.
My condolences to you and your family for your loss.I salute your fallen soldier as a hero. And, given your comments, it is clear those values carried into the field of battle were acquired honestly.
If "Mr.Poland", whose family has suffered what is likely the ultimate loss possible in life, can rise above political partisanship and stand firm for what is right, I think the least we can do is support our brave military people. It seems certain tha the vast majority of them believe in what they are trying to do.
God bless them all each and every day. They are the best of what Canada has to offer. Talk about human rights is cheap. It's those who are brave enough to actually act,that are the ones who keep us free. I am entirely humbled by the men and women in our military.

Gord

Most of you have missed the point of Harper's announcement.

1) By announcing the withdrawl date, his critics, particularly all opposition parties and the MSM will not be critical of this decision as they are all against this mission.

2) The topic of Afghanistan is put to rest for the remainder of the election campaign.

Smart move by Harper as few can criticize this annoucement.

Allan Eizinas

This morning, the father of one of those soldiers who was killed in Afghanistan, made a statement on television saying that Harpers unequivocal promise for “no more boots on the ground in Afghanistan after the year 2011” will mean that his son’s death and that of the other Canadians in Afghanistan will have been a complete waste. This had a rather large impact on the media and was the story of the hour.

The communications chief of the Conservative political war room issued an e-mail to all members of the media stating that the father was a supporter of Michael Ignatieff implying that the father’s statement was an attempt of political spin on the part of the Liberals to sway the election. The media members were aghast and many observers were outraged by this e-mail.

The PMO quickly issued a statement that they did not agree with the e-mail and that the author would be “suspended”. This suspension became the news.

The end result is that the father’s message was undermined by the e-mail; the PMO has “clean hands” in that they condemned it and they have “suspended” the individual. The question still lingers if the Liberals were behind the father’s statement and the damage control was successful.

This is classic Karl Rove tactics. This hatchet man got the two American Bushs elected and got the incompetent Dubya Bush re-elected to a second term through very shady tactics.

Canadian political parties are adapting to American cut-throat tactics.

I think that it is a pity – but it works!

Ken - Calgary

Surprise, surprise, surprise... another CONservative debacle. Maybe it's time to just accept that this party has no class whatsoever.

My .02

It is too bad it took a personal tragedy for Jim Davis to become politically active, but the fact is he has an agenda.

He has been working to help elect the Liberal party; this is the party that sent the troops to Afghanistan to begin with.

Robert

Another embarrassing mistake for the Tories on day 5. But don't worry, the columnists are busy trying to figure out ways to claim Dion's 1st week is a disaster.

R/H

My vote was to be for the Conservatives, I say WAS. But now with what has been happening these last few weeks, I am not sure where to put my "X". Harper was doing a good job but now has taken two or three steps back. He should be sure, before opening his mouth, that what he is about to say, is worth saying and more importantly the right thing to say. But he has blown his majority this time unless the other parties really screw things up.

Even then there are enough votes against that his winning at all seems to be in contention.

I served in the Services but never went to War so for me to pass opinions on the Afghan situation would not really be relevant, as to when to quit and leave, all I know is that Our Troops are going through HELL over there and we all should show respect and thank them for their courage and strength. It sure would be great to see them all come home but alas that will NOT be for some time yet!

aynomous soldier

Who cares who Jim Davis votes for his child (RIP Paul) died doing his job, a job that the Liberals sent us soldiers to do. It was the Conservatives that are allowing us to try and complete the job and mission in Afghanistan, the rest of Parliament wanted us out like yesterday (Dion, Layton, the BLOC Leader and all their sheep). I am a Canadian soldier who served 2 times so far in Afghanistan, got injured my last tour, and I am totally willing to go again if and when my job requires me to do so. I served will Paul Davis and don't you worry a second Mr. Davis Paul (or any other who paid the ultimate sacrifice) will never go down in vain in the minds of the Soldiers of the PPCLI and those who knew and loved him.

Tom (Ottawa)

Harper is using reverse psychology, and it is working.

Well Canadians are not as smart as I thought they would be.

Edmonton John

Harper should have left this one alone. In the first place he should realize that a democracy has no room or role for a despot or dictator, which is how he is behaving by making outrageous unilateral decisions of this nature.

Secondly, keeping his pledge is really out of his control. There is too much uncertainty in the dynamics of global relations for even a control freak like Harper to impose his will.

Thirdly, and most importantly, Harper has at once delighted and emboldened the Taliban, and discouraged any real commitment from our soldiers. Why commit your life if there is no purpose or goal? In the immediacy of conflict they will respond well due to the urgency of self-preservation and defense of their comrades, but they will surely begin to resent the rising toll of young lives.

Canada must withdraw at some point, but Harper, by setting a timetable, has set impossible conditions for the duration of the conflict till then.

Karl from Newmarket supporting our Troops.

There was no time limit in Europe during WWII nor a time limit in Korea, why Afghanistan? It is true the saying during WWII "Loose lips sink ships."

I would suggest that Harper keep his mouth shut and allow our brave troops to battle the Taliban until the enemy no longer exists.

vlad_mtl

Having completed two tours in kandahar, I can easily say that you can NOT enforce "freedom and democracy" to people who never had it and thus can not understand their concepts. Only if you lived with "freedom and democracy" would you stand and fight to get it back if it vanished.

2011 sounds good to me..

Ivan

Why are there so many comments about the merits of leaving Afghanistan? That is not what this story is about. Nowhere in the first 15-20 posting does anyone mention that the Tories were forced to fire their communications director. What's the real agenda of the posters on here?

Eleanor

Canadian troops have done more than their share and at great sacrifice but this needs to end in 2011. The rest of the cowardly NATO troops who *wont* go to the dangerous areas need to step up to the plate and do their share as members of nato!

Retired from service, but still respect the troops

Having served in the military, and being trained for peace keeping, I feel very down hearted by the Canadians who have posted negative messages here. Our soldiers have served humanity in the past years by providing peace keeping work to very troubled regions. This job in Afghan is a little different in that our troops are in a more aggressive role, but they are there on behalf of the UN even if they do not have the blue head dress. Our troops have a mandate that is to help. For them to cut short their job would undermine everyone who is a Canadian Soldier. If they can get the job done by 2011, great, if not then stay until replacements arrive. Harper should be preaching to the UN to get their act together and get some relief in to replace our troops first before he plans to pull out. He has only given the Taliban more cause to step up their attacks. Harper should stop being an idiot and let the experience of the military deal with this issue and stop trying to find campaign junk at the expense of the military...

Richard D

Quinn:

"Every soldier, in peacetime yearns for 'bloody war and fast promotion'."

Are you kidding me? Have you ever talked to a real soldier in your life? I served in the infantry for five years. We in no way yearned for "bloody war and fast promotion."

Do you want to know who is the most frightened of war? Soldiers. Do you want to know why? Because we, of all people, know intimately what war can do to us. For most soldiers, war is the absolute last thing we want to do. We're just prepared to wage it if necessary.

We never woke up in the mornings thinking to ourselves "Gee, I hope we can go to war today. I'd love to shoot someone so I can get a promotion."

Do you want to know why we serve? We serve because we believe we should be the ones who put ourselves between you and all those things in the world that want to harm you.

You, sir, owe every soldier an apology.

Keith from Brampton

Don't see many comments here on the main point of the story - that being the actions of Paul Sparrow and the Tory response.

It speaks very poorly of Sparrow that he assumes Mr. Davis is speaking up just to score partisan political points. Just how shallow, cynical and crass must one be to think Mr. Davis wants to turn the loss of his son into points for the Liberals?

I'm completely opposed to the Conservatives for quite a range of reasons, so neither Sparrow's actions nor the Tories' swift action in response will sway my vote. I do give credit to the Tories for swift action, but between this and the puffin incident, I really wonder about the quality of the people Mr Harper has chosen to surround himself with.

lowell

To jog everyone's memory, the 2011 date was not Harper's decision. It was mandated by a vote in Parliament. He should not have even brought it up and to do so smacks entirely of crass politics to get votes. People who don't follow what is going on in Parliament and apparently that constitutes a good number of Canadians would probably think that Harper has suddenly decided this on his own.

Former Liberal

What an INSULT to refer to the soldier's father as a Liberal!

He was upset enough already without insulting him.

Tom Hawley

Harper flip flops on the debate. Sent out a card wishing a person who is perceived to be a Jew, Happy New Year and now,another communications mishap.
Harper was asked the other day why candidates are not allowed to talk to the media?
He apparently does not have to answer. People who put out his computer ads and Ryan Sparrow,the Tory's director of communications speak volumes.

Roger T

It's against the charter of rights of ALL Canadians for the PM to do that. Whatever happened to freedom of expression!

Obviously, the PM is repressing all his party members and anyone who speaks against what he thinks, is wrong.

Greg P, Winnipeg

It was pretty stupid for Sparrow to have sent this email, but it is something that should have been reported on.

Tell me, is there a difference between,

"slain soldier Cpl. Paul Davis' father, Jim Davis, said he was shocked by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's comments that Canada's military commitment in Afghanistan will end in 2011 as scheduled."

and

"slain soldier Cpl. Paul Davis' father, Jim Davis, a former employee of the provincial wing of the Liberal Party of Canada, said he was shocked by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's comments that Canada's military commitment in Afghanistan will end in 2011 as scheduled."

stephen, manitoba

While I agree the troops should come home, Harper's reasons are highly suspect. This is more about political points then anything else ( such as income trust in the prior election). What actually happens after the election is another thing but what a lot of Canadians have to asked themselves is - prior to the Harper goverment - how many Canadian soliders were killd when their primary role was as peace keepers and helpers? Under Harper the role changed to peace enforcer and one day after that announcement Canada had it first victim. N;o one can force peace; it only come by natural progression.

Claire Dobbin

Why are all the comments about the war?

The story is that a key Conservative aide dismissed this father's grief and desire that his son not die in vain as just being because he's a Liberal Member. That is callous and cruel, no matter which way you look at it, and no matter when you think the Canadian involvement should end.

Marcel

Mr. Sparrow should not only apologize to Mr. Davis, but to the entire country. Mr. Davis's politics should not be brought into this conservation when his son died serving our country. Mr. Sparrow should be fired for his disgusting comments.

Military Son

Military Father said "I can think of no logical reason for me to suggest that gives me the right to question our politicians elected to govern".

We are citizens of a democratic country. That is the only right you need to question every action and word of those in government, be they elected, appointed or employed.

When we forget that we risk becoming Afghanistan.

Too many politicians would obviously like to be rulers, not representatives.

Years ago I pointed out on several news sites that the deep social changes needed in that country would take generations, not years, and we should expect to be there for 2-3 generations.

Nothing has made me change that view.

Canuck in Bellinghma Wa

Re: War, what is it good for?

War is never good, but it is sometimes necessary. Or did you disagree with Canada and the world going up against Hitler? Canada seems to have mostly chosen wisely about when to commit troops.

Yes to WW1, WW2, Korea, Iraq the first time and Afghanistan.

The US has been in 4 more wars in that period, all of which have very little justification other than bullying others beliefs, or money. Those were Iraq 2, Vietnam, Panama and Grenada.

Peter Guenther

I am the father of a Canadian soldier who is scheduled to go to Afghanistan next August 2009. I have to reject Mr. Davis's political position on withdrawal from that total disaster of a mission. Sending more soldiers to die for the American Empire is a completely stupid argument in my book. Your son is gone and that is tragic. I don't want to loose my son on this impossible mission. Let the damn Americans fight their own god damn wars!!!!!!

TorontoTodd

Wow. This is very weird. It's great that people are debating the merits of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, as clearly, this incident was sparked by the comments of Mr. Davis.

HOWEVER, this story is about the suspension of Harper's communications head for trying to brush aside Mr. Davis' criticism.

It would be like in hockey, if a player punched a referee in the face, everyone started debating whether the ref made a bad call.

IMHO One of the main facets of a good manager is their ability to pick the right people to work for them. Harper has the nerve to question Dion's leadership when he has goofs like this working for him? When oh when are we going to be able to vote for somebody in a federal election instead of against somebody even worse? I just got the complete list of candidates in my riding. I might be forced to vote for Stockwell Day! No. I will abstain first!

Tony

Once again the Tories open their mouths and firmly place their feet inside them! The verbal diarrhea these Tories produce never ceases.

BobMac

And so should the guy be suspended, fired too.

Another illustration of the incomps the Big Incomp has working for him..

And I AM a Liberal Supporter.

DCC

I'm just floored that most of the comments are about the war itself, and not about the actions of Ryan Sparrow.

Have we gotten to the point in this country where being Conservative means that we can't "turn it off" long enough to realize that it might not be OK to slam a father who has lost a son in service to the country.

No party is infalliable or right 100% of the time!

A little humility would go a long way.

Disgusting!

TVic

Well, the Tories' true colours begin again to surface even though they try to hide them by slamming others!!

Bill

This man lost his son in the Afghanistan War fighting for what the Conservatives say is freedom. This man and his son who was killed believed in something noble to have made this ultimate sacrifice. This man and his son have shown courage and leadership by their words and actions and by speaking their truth. Sparrow and the Harper Conservatives are showing us again by their words and actions that they do not speak the truth, have no idea what truth sounds like, and are completely out of touch with Canadians.

Actions DO SPEAK LOUNDER than Words Mr. Harper.

Sparrow has done something deeply offensive toward this man and his deceased son, and deeply offensive to all Canadians. Mr. Harper only suspended him-more actions that speak loudly of Mr. Harper and his Conservatives. Sparrow should have been fired immediately over this distateful act.

We are watching the Conservatives and Harper closely and we are learning more about what kind of people they are as time goes on in this election. We need a change!

Peter Guenther

re: TorontoTodd
Wow. This is very weird. It's great that people are debating the merits of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, as clearly, this incident was sparked by the comments of Mr. Davis.

This is first opportunity Canadians have had to express their opinions on the Afghan Mission. I, for one, was totally against extending the mission in the first place. To hear any talk of extending it indefinitely is disturbing, especially coming from military families who should know better.

John McCain would be proud of the successful snowjob he and the Republicans have foisted on the world.
Any Canadian who isn't stunned by the insanity currently going on south of our border should have his reasoning abilities questioned.

I would like to re-open the debate in light of facts on the ground in Afghanistan.

Besides NATO has NOT fulfilled even the meagre demands made by Herr Harper in the spring let alone the spirit of his request. No one else is stepping up to the plate. It is time to get out NOW, not in 2011!!!!

A soldiers' duty is to follow orders not examine them or question them. My job is to make sure our soldiers aren't sent on STUPID AND IMPOSSIBLE MISSIONS abroad.

Everybody outside the USA knows America is the world's leading terrorist state. We should not be following their lead or supporting their missions of conquest and Empire building.

Edward

To John,

Just exactly will we know when the mission is finished?

Military Wife

As a military wife and a hardline Conservative I also agree with that Mr. Davis has said. Bringing our troops home would be great but if we do it before we accomplish our goal then 97 soldiers have died in vain.

Dennis

In fairness to the Tories, why did Mr. Davis single out Stephen Harper for criticism for wanting to leave Afghanistan in 2011, as opposed to Stephan Dion who essentially supports the same policy? I've noticed that no one in the Mainstream Media has thought to ask Dion if he now supports an extension of the mission beyond 2011 or a flexible pullout date, in keeping with Mr. Davis' wishes.

Aside from that, I recall that Harper had to fight tooth and nail to get Dion on side to support the mission as it now stands.

I suspect that the Tory staffer was offering a suggestion as to why Davis' criticism was so one-sided, which it obviously was.

Marty in Winnipeg

Mr Sparrow hit the nail on the head. The only reason Harper made the anouncement was political. It is a known fact that Harper as a lot of right wingnuts working the war room.

Randy

For those asking why so much talk about the war it is because CTV started off this comment section under a previous story about Harper saying the troops will be coming home in 2011. They just started another story with the Sparrow incident and continued on adding to the same comment section.

Really CTV, if you are going to start a new story in mid stride start a new comment section as well.

As Seen from Here

Harper is right to suspend the aide who tried to make it a political thing. Harper also apologized to the soldier's father. But Harper is right to say bring the troops home in 2011,- but he would be "more right" to bring them home NOW.

We must not believe that he man's son died in vain,- even though soldiers everywhere are all just a part of big warring machines from all over the world. The war in Afghanistan is just like every other war throughout history,- nobody ever really "wins". There has never been a "good" war. Look at World War 2. The USA dropped two atom bombs to blast Japan into unconditional surrender. And then later, the "free world" helped them rebuild to the point that they became a manufacturing and military superpower. The US did not "win" in Vietnam and cannot "win" in Iraq. We cannot call faith or religion into the picture because our global history is full of thousands of catastrophic wars,- many actually fought in the belief that "God was on their side". As if He would even take sides. War is just socially- sanctioned genocide and murder serving as a device to vent our frustrations upon each other and kill thousands of innocent civilians in the process. You CAN give a party and maybe nobody will show up,- but, as one famous writer said some time ago,- "Suppose they gave a war and nobody came ?". What then? We just might have to live with something called PEACE. John Lennon was right,- give peace a chance. Bring the troops home now. They're not "peacekeepers" because there is no peace to keep as long as the bullets still fly, bombs still drop, and mines still explode.

Melanie - Vancouver

Mr. Harper did the right thing by suspending this man and demanding he apologize for his e-mail. To give this media guy the benefit of the doubt,I expect he was caught up in this election nonsense and simply didn't think through his actions.
Mr.Davis lost a valiant and honourable member of his family. He has a right to say what is on his mind,and vote for whoever he wishes to.
The men and women serving in Afghanistan seem to believe in this mission. I know,in a free speech society we all have the right to queston the mission and the leadership.But,after the discussion,and once a decision is made, we have a duty to support our troops and their mission.
And, while it is true tht war alone will not remedy the situation there, and that the change they seek will take a generation, I truly believe we should do our best to do our part. After the Taliban are reined in,we will still be helping with development and investment.
And, from a strategic point of view, I also think it is a mistake to announce a firm "exit" date.
We are a NATO country. That comes with both rights,and responsibilities. Those who think we should not be in NATO should take that debate to parliament.
In the mean time, thank your lucky stars for those who have the courage to put themselves in harms' way for the benefit of others.
As they say, "if you can't get behind our troops,feel free to stand in front of them".

James A.

Read between the lines when it comes to Mr. Harper.

He said the "bulk" of the troops will come home in 2011, not all the troops. He also sais that at some point a sovereign nation must be able to ensure its own security. This comment I can agree with.

However, the questions to be asked to Mr Harper are, 1. will the Afghani government be in that position by 2011 and 2. if they will not, who is going to ensure their security.

Given a majority, I would suspect Mr. Harper will end the current mission as he promises, but will commit us to a new one.

FCS

"Everybody outside the USA knows America is the world's leading terrorist state. "

Right, except for of course North Korea, Burma, Syria, Iran etc. Real intelligent well thought out comment there, congrats.

Mike B

Why wait til 2011???
Why not bring them home now?
97 Canadians have died in Bush's war.
Yet nothing has been accomplished there.
What a waste.
If we wait til the war is over we will never see our soldiers home because it will never be over.
Bring our soldiers home NOW

Colin

"Have we gotten to the point in this country where being Conservative means that we can't "turn it off" long enough to realize that it might not be OK to slam a father who has lost a son in service to the country."

Calling someone a Liberal supporter is "slam"? I mean I've always thought so it's just wierd to hear someone else say it.

n shanahan

Mr Davis has forgiven the young guy and asked for him not to be fired.

Perky

The Russians couldn't win in Afghanistan, so why should anyone else think they can make a difference?
Lots of time, money and lives wasted.

We're there fighting America's war, and they don't even respect our territorial integrity when it comes to the Northwest Passage.

PrairieDog-prairies

to DCC: The story Headlines change throughout the day. Let's not slam people for talking about things that were part of the original story. This other "story" happened long after many of these comment. Relax!

AylmerBob

Davis, whose son died when his light armoured vehicle rolled over during a patrol in Kandahar in March 2006, said Thursday he had accepted Sparrow's apology.

"Ryan called me to apologize and I thought he was a big man and I feel for him . . . I accepted his apology and I hope there are no consequences against him. It was just the heat of the moment. I forgive him," Davis told The Canadian Press.

"Suspend him? That's politics. That's being ridiculous." - CP

Perhaps Mr. Davis will call Mr. Harper and ask him to remove his suspension of Mr. Sparrow ?

D from Edmonton

Hey, if the soldier's father is going onto the news and criticizing somebodies campaign, be it Conservative, Liberal or anyone else it should be completely fair game, if they are a Liberal supporter fine for them, in the interest of full disclosure I am surprised the man did not admit it himself.

Deryk Norton

Remember when Tom Wappel, the Liberal MP, wrote an eighty-one-year-old veteran, legally blind and partially deaf, and told him, sneeringly, in effect to get lost, because the old man had not voted Liberal ? It seems the Liberals should put their own caucus in order before pointing to the remarks of some Conservative minion.

Greg Costall

Costall
The Canadian elected government sent our military to Afghanistan and the elected government will bring them home. Hopefully after a successful mission as the people of Afghanistan deserve no less. But no matter when our troops come home, they can come home with pride and honour.
In my opinion it is the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and serve our great country who truly understand the cost of war and understand the true meaning of freedom.
Our son gave his life for this mission, and he fought to win

marten visser

2011? That's far too long. Mission? What exactly is the mission? With all due respect to those who have lost loved ones,this mission...is over.

xmilitary

Why wait another long 3 years. PULL OUT NOW

Dave

Well, I have served in Afghanistan twice. Lost friends and fought the enemy. The reality is that the mission will take much longer than 3 more years. When visitors just stay inside the comfy confines of the main camp you don't see what is really going on. Loyality goes to the higest bidder. They might be your friend because you gave them something but who will give them something the next day?

Tories suspend key aide over remarks on soldier's dad

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