[RACooper]

Just thought I'd update with one major difference right now...

Currently I'm watching the live coverage on CBC (you know that evil "liberal", "socialist", or even "communist" government agency according to FOXNews) of the repatriation ceremony of the latest Canadian casualities in Afghanistan.

So, since the family okayed it, the entire nation can watch the coffins being unloaded from the aircraft to be recieved by an Honour Guard from the dead soldier's regiment, accompanied by bagpipes and the padre - to see the regiment and the families pay their first respects to the deceased, and to see the sorrow expressed at the loss.

The new Conservative government tried to ban any coverage of these events, and tried to have the coffins come home at night without a "production", ala the current US policy. The public, media, family, veteran's, and military outrage at the decision forced an over turning of this policy... and led to a serious loss of respect for the Minister of Defense (a retired General) - so much so that soldiers refused to salute him, or some even turned their backs on him on parade in Afghanistan... a very serious sign of disrespect from the military (for those who are familiar with Canadian or British military culture). I know that the government was worried that the grief could errode the support for the Afghanistan mission.... and I do know that some of the more hard-line conservatives felt the open displays of grief by some soldiers wasn't "respectful" - but to be honest f*ck Harper and O'Connor's views on this - I for one have no problem watching a soldier weep for a fallen comrade; and in many cases watch a soldier weep for a family member or spouse... as has been the case recently.


PS> I am touched by the class and respect shown by the US Air Force, who sent a senior officer as a representative to today's repatriation ceremony, to express their condoloences and regret for the friendly-fire incident that claimed one life. It takes a brave man and a gentleman to be their to express sorrow and regret to soldiers, the regiment, and the family...