American Deserters...Canadian Boycott?

[Rogue 9]

Who cares if Canada doesn't send them back? What reason other than throwing them in buttscrew prison would we have for wanting them? They won't return.

The same reason you want any other criminal extradited back. So they don't encourage this type of behavior by getting away with it. You idiot. *Smack*

Quit being a dipshit and explain how letting two cowards self-exile themselves in this situation will set a precedent for everyone else in the military.

Because anyone else inclined to deleliction of duty who sees that they can run away from their enlistment and not be punished for it will be more inclined to follow if they see that they will not be extradited. If I'm a soldier who wants to run away from my sword duty and I see that Canada ships these two back, I'll be far less inclined to run there than if I see that Canada protects criminal deserters.

[Rogue 9]

Edit to above: That said, I do not support a boycott.

[Mayabird]

Does this remind anyone else of the song "Blame Canada"? It fits so perfectly here. Some idiot Americans do something stupid and then other Americans try to think of a way to punish Canada for it.

A boycott? If anybody actually thinks it's a good idea, the collective American IQ has just dropped a few more points.

[Knife]

There is no reason to boycott Canadian goods. Those soldiers did the right thing by deciding not to fight an unjust war.

Bullshit. They did the wrong thing in the worst way the could possibly do it. If they really felt that way, they shouldn't have joined the military in the first place. Second, if they joined and then decided they couldn't in good concience, kill some one, they would face the legal consquences and did their time.

Deciding that 'this' war is not a war they wanted to fight is not their choice. They gave up that choice when they joined the military, or atleast had a chance of another choice when they voted.

[Knife]

BTW, I don't support the boycott. Its dumb, though I think the US goverment should insist that these asshats get returned.

[RogueIce]

There is no reason to boycott Canadian goods. Those soldiers did the right thing by deciding not to fight an unjust war.

Bullshit. They did the wrong thing in the worst way the could possibly do it. If they really felt that way, they shouldn't have joined the military in the first place. Second, if they joined and then decided they couldn't in good concience, kill some one, they would face the legal consquences and did their time.

Deciding that 'this' war is not a war they wanted to fight is not their choice. They gave up that choice when they joined the military, or atleast had a chance of another choice when they voted.

Like Knife, I don't think a boycott against all of Canada is needed. Just thought I'd get that out of the way up front.

I do agree with his views on the subject as well. I just thought I'd throw my two cents in on why it's important they be brought back and face the music. Namely, this:

Quit being a dipshit and explain how letting two cowards self-exile themselves in this situation will set a precedent for everyone else in the military.

It's been my experience, with both my peers, and in every military leadership class that I have ever been in, that if you give soldiers an inch, they'll take a mile, especially on disciplinary matters. Let them get away with some infraction, and they'll keep doing it, and progressing upward until someone finally cracks down on them. Testing the limits, as it were.

So, take this for instance. If the US doesn't push to get these desertes back, that just sends the message that anyone who wants to desert can just hop the border to Canada and get away scot free. Don't like your Sergeant? Run to Canada, and say you're against the war. Got KP and hate it? Go to Canada, and plead objection to the "unjust war" you don't want to fight in. And so on.

Call it a slipperly slope if you will, but I've seen plenty of people who will go on the precedent of "well, he got away with it, so I should be able to as well." That, and like I said, every class and most of the discussions on military leadership I have been a aprt of have pointed this out to me, time and time again.

If any other members of the Mess with experience out there want to sound off on whether this could happen, or if I'm worrying about nothing, please feel free.

[Hamel]

Thanks. Since you've served I'll take your word for it.

[Solauren]

As a Canadian, let me say this:
"What, you think WE want them?"

Boycott us? Why? We didn't do jack
You want them back: Ask us and we will kick them over to you. But since you haven't asked yet, we don't have a legal reason.

[Stuart Mackey]

BTW, I don't support the boycott. Its dumb, though I think the US goverment should insist that these asshats get returned.

Well then the US should intiate extradition proceedings, cause unless they commit a crime in Canada there is no reason for Canada to deport them.

[Johonebesus]

What bothers me the most about this, as I said in the other thread on this topic, is how incredibly arrogant O'Reilly has been about it. He basically said that Canada isn't a good enough friend to the U.S., and so we should punish them (either with us or against us). Our interests should be their number one priority. Further, Canada is evidently totally dependant upon the U.S., both economically and militarily. When he was fussing at that one columnist, he was flat out threatening her, saying "you folks better make us happy, or we'll destroy you." I was ashamed as an American. This is exactly what foreigners complain about when they call Americans cowboys and bullies.