Commons defence committee arrives in Afghanistan

[Edward Campbell]

The CDS is not a combatant, and he is probably even more high profile than any of these MPs - hence, he requires just as much if not more security. If Rick Mercer and company (including several dubious 'celebrities', including the head of the Dominion Institute) can visit FOBs, why not the duly elected representatives of the tax payers of Canada? The MPs would require little more 'tour guiding' than the celebrities or even most Generals, and I hardly see these MPs as going on a 'war zone junket'. They are not any old MPs, they are the Defence Committee. It is directly in line with their duties - and should be a requirement for them - to visit. I would be far more concerned if they did not want to visit.

Who said 'drop everything'? The MPs likely want - or at least should - see the troops and Afghans doing exactly what they always do. The MPs have not requested a dog and pony show, and if the military chooses to provide one, thats the fault of the military, not the MPs.
Again, these are not random 'political twits' who have suddenly decided a trip to the 'Stan would be good for their image. They are the Commons Defence Committee. It's a dozen people for a little over a week, how difficult can it be to accomodate them?

We are fighting a war that requires the understanding and support of the Canadian people. Parliament is paying for this war, and it is Parliament's job to keep the Government accountable. The war is being fought in Canada's name, with Canada's money, and Canadian lives. To date, the Government has done apoor job of selling it to the people. These MPs have a duty and a right to visit the theatre, examine what is being done, and be educated by the frontline troops on exactly what is happening - franklly, I would have thought the Government would be begging MP's, VIPs, and officials to visit. I don't particularly know or like any of these MPs, but I firmly believe they should be given a broad view of what Canada is doing in Afghanistan, and hopefully they'll learn a thing or two about the mission and the soldiers.

You are quite correct, Enfield.  A House of Commons Committee should be treated with the utmost respect and, indeed, considerable deference; , in other words, in accordance with the important work it should do.

There is a possibility that Minister O’Connor and NDHQ spread a little operational disinformation to protect the Committee by confusing the enemy - who would like to have taken a few shots at visiting Canadian MPs.  There is an equally good possibility that Minister O’Connor was being petty and spiteful because he is that sort of politician – which makes him quite the norm in Ottawa.

My problem is that the Commons Defence Committee is, in itself, playing partisan politics with the mission so I suspect it is getting just about the respect and deference which it has earned over the past year.

Do you really think Ujall Dosanj , Dawn Black and Cheryl Gallant are actually interested in learning anything about the mission.  Do you really think they have open, critical eyes and ears, and minds which might be changed by what they see and hear?

Sadly, committees of the Canadian parliament are, in most cases, sad, pale and largely useless caricatures of their US congressional counterparts.  When Canadian committees grow up and act responsibly I’m sure they will be treated with respect.

 

[Brad Sallows]

Let 'em go where they want.  This conflict isn't like WWII, during which soldiers in areas likely to receive fire would have watched with profound disinterest from a position of safety and with no altruism for the welfare of strangers whatsoever, whatever hijinks an ignorant visitor cared to get up to.

 

[MarkOttawa]

Does anyone seriously think that those MPs who want to make political hay from the mission will change their view, wherever they go?  Though the MND has not handled it deftly.  What's new there too?

Mark
Ottawa