John van Gurp

The project is advancing. The carrying beams and floor joists are in place but unfortunately the next few days are all forecast as rain, so there will be a delay. My carpenter arranged with another local guy who has a trailer with electric brakes to deliver wall and roof sheathing and was planning to frame up the walls this week. It will have to wait a bit. All in due course, or “in the fullness of time” as I have heard a lawyer friend say before.

I got a Google alert about an editorial letter I submitted through Murray Dobbins’ Word Warriors automated editorial letter submission facility. After initially writing the letter, despite its harsh criticism of the Government of Canada’s approach to Afghanistan, it was “framed” in such a way as to express support for the soldier on the ground. It made clear that the letter was not a criticism of the soldier, who believes their actions to be for the good of Afghanis and to be supported by Canadians. It criticised the government based on hard facts provided by well informed think-tanks, that our approach is alienating Afghanis; that it’s making things worse, not better. The facts point to crumbling hospitals and woefully inadequate health care infrastructure and the need to address these things in order to win hearts and minds. Instead we seem to be contributing to the mess that NATO is creating in the region, with a strengthening of the anti-coalition movement. Naturally, CF people are sensitive to comments like this, and especially so when what they read was a letter cut down to fit the 200 word limits of most newspapers letters submission guidelines. The letter that was published was half of what I intended to express, and is probably inflammatory to many. I apologize to individuals who feel personally targeted, but stand behind the message to the GOC. Recognizing that those who are in the heat and sand and dangerous conditions overseas are ordinary family members, children, parents and neighbours is vital. At the same time people who believe strongly that there’s a better way to deal with important issues should not be shy about speaking up.

The Senlis Council has well supported and researched information about the situation