Back Off America- Respect Our Right to Make a Decision

 By: Emma Whitmell, staff writer

Iraq has been in the back of the American government’s mind for decades, whether it be as a friend or foe. Years ago, during the war of Iran and Iraq, the United States and Iraq were actually allies, but now America has declared war upon them. Canada’s reaction, relatively non-committal and negative, caused many protests and other demonstrations of disagreement throughout the country. Because of Canada’s negative reaction to not fight with or alongside them, the Americans are not happy with us at all! But does the United States really have a good reason to get mad at us Canadians? Can the Canadian government prove that they should be able to show their feelings, without an ally harassing them?

An NHL hockey game between the Islanders and the Montreal Canadians, at the Bell Centre in Montreal will be continuously remembered for the controversy that arose from the national anthems played before the game. For reasons only known to those selfish and foolish Canadians who actually did it, the fans booed the American National Anthem. Although those few Canadians rejected the anthem, (creating an uncivilized ambiance) I do respect their opinion about disagreeing with the American’s decision to invade Iraq. In Canada, every Canadian has their right to speak freely, and we should be able to express those feelings to the world, without being condemned for our decision and utilization of this right. I do disagree with the way these Canadians went about it, and to boo a national anthem can even be called stupid! However, they were only trying to show the Americans how many of us Canadians feel negatively about the war.

          Even though the Canadians should not have shared their feelings about the United States’ decision during a sporting event, the Americans need to realize that they shouldn’t have rejected our decision either. In fact, they should relate this situation to the past, when they did exactly the same as Canada! During the Second World War, the Americans made no move to support their allies (including Canada) for many years. In fact, they didn’t become totally involved until they were targeted by the Japanese during the bombing of Pearl Harbour! The Americans started pointing fingers at us after a couple of weeks… we waited several years!

          As I asked myself before, ‘Do the Americans have a good reason to be mad at us?’ I would definitely say no. The United States does not have one good reason to convince me otherwise. It was quite rude for those Canadian fans to reject the national anthem, but when it all comes down to it, those Canadians present that night were only trying to stand up for their beliefs, much like every  American does everyday. So, to all you Americans that are mad at Canada, once you come to your senses, when you stop sitting around, swearing and insulting us, take a look in the mirror. Your ancestors let us down in the Second World War, during a time that the cause was actually worth fighting for.  We booed your national anthem which was wrong but don’t go and insult us just because we chose not to involve ourselves in a dispute we didn’t feel was worth fighting for. When you finally decide to be civilized and can look at this conflict in a calm and logical manner, then maybe we’ll help you out. We’re sorry for booing your national anthem but please respect our ‘rights’ to do it, just as we respect yours. If you feel that the best solution to your disagreement is to condemn our decision not to help you in Iraq, then the protests and booing aren’t going to stop ‘cause we Canadians take pride in our country and in our position in the world community. Most of all though, we Canadians take pride in doing the right thing.