Indeed this blog is written from a liberal-progressive point of view, but what this blog is not designed to be, is a voice for partisan nonsense. As liberals, we all [or at least I hope so] have a vested interest in the notion of social justice, at home and abroad. Today the CPC (Conservative Party of Canada) pledged nearly $50 million to help one of the worlds most war-torn and economically indebted nations with much needed aid.
The CBC reported International co-operation minister, Josée Verner (who is currently in Paris along with International delegates on the matter of Lebanon and Peace) as stating:
"What we will do is to help the government of Lebanon to reinforce their institutional structure so it will be easier for them to give results to the population and to make sure it will be sustainable to ensure security and democracy in the country,"
To which I can only applaud - Yes the United States is pledging nearly $800 million, and the total global donor ship hovers in the realm of the $8 billion. This increase in funding could mean a new direction for the ideological rigid approach to the Harper government. We remember the early parts of 2006 when the Harper ended Humanitarian funding to Palestinians after the free-elections in the country resulted in the rise of Hamas as the ruling government.
Now nobody in their right mind would condone Terrorism, But by depriving people from the ability to live - buy reducing the few international dollars that create a tiny sense of stability; do we not just make a stronger case to the world that the west simply does not care? I’m sure some who may read this may begin to feel a bit of animosity - and you should, peace is a tough subject and require honest debate. Issues like international stability requires us to listen to all sides, and not just one hard line political stance. Embrace difference, don’t fear it.
Mr. Harpers foreign policy has never been the voice of the majority of Canadians - we tend to stay neutral, with a mission to support humanity rather then regimes and political interests in the Middles East. So interestingly enough, the CPC has recommitted to this belief - perhaps it signals a new beginning to Harpers foreign policy.
Liberals follow the stream of hope, and act on behalf of justice - And we show our support to anyone who adheres to these values. Kudos Mr. Harper, there’s no better day then today for a new beginning. In this case a small start, is at least a step in the right direction.
CBC Article - http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/01/25/lebanon-aid.html
Picture is from the New York Times - http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2005/02/28/international/28cnd-leba.650.jpg
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