Hello
I just read an article titled
"Canadian Officials Visit US Deserter
March 16, 2009
"
The two of you, Olivia Chow and Borys Wrzesnewskyj traveled to San Diego to visit a U.S Army deserter.
I'm a Canadian soldier who just returned from Afghanistan.
First I will start by saying I actually don't bear Mr Long any ill will. He chose to run to Canada to avoid deploying with the military, it happens. As a soldier I would MUCH rather someone who's 'head wasn't in the game' to stay home rather than (theoretically) serve beside me. I'm not going to get all worked up start calling him names or whatever that some people seem inclned to do.
As I see it he is serving his "tour" in jail and will be released from the military, that's fine by me. I wish him and his family the best.
I first wanted to ask you about a comment you made.
""My heart sank, it was very heavy," Chow said after the meeting. "I was angry that Canada deported him."
This in response I understand it to him missing his young son in Canada.
I miss my daughter (and family) when I deploy. I've missed my 3 year old daughters birthday twice and missed Christmas twice with her too. The difference between Mr Long and the soldiers that DO deploy overseas is that where as Mr Long can pretty much count on seeing his son in 15 months the rest of us can't make that claim. How many Canadian soldiers won't be able to see their families again? How may children won't see their father (or mother)? How many mothers and fathers won't see their son or daughter alive again?
A heavy heart you say because he won't see his son for 15 months
I'll tell you something, if that gives you a heavy heart you should introduce yourself to Cpl William Kerr (for but one example). He's a father who lost both his legs and his arm- he's currently in Ottawa undergoing physical therapy. Very good friend of mind, like your man Mr Long, he too is in high spirits and without complaint. He's getting married in August and has vowed to dance at his wedding- what a guy!
Anyhow a few questions if I may.
Who paid for your trip to San Diego?
Have you ever traveled to Afghanistan to visit the soldiers deployed there? If not will the both of you be making a trip to visit Canadian soldiers currently over in Afghanistan? (If you do I promise you that you regardless of your politics you will be treated friendly and taken good care of!)
Have you visited any of the Canadian soldiers who have been wounded in Afghanistan either at their homes or who are still in the hospital? Families of the fallen?
What was the driving factor in visiting a US soldier in jail who was deported from Canada?
Do you really feel bad for him, really connect with him or is this some kind of political thing??
Thanks for taking the time to read this, I'm not used to writing these things it's just that reading the story about the both of you going down south left me with a few questions about members of my government.
Cheers
Respectfully