I don't think it is a question of not caring. Rather, it is a question of not caring enough about national defence relative to other issues like health care, debt repayment, child care, equalization, education, EI, tax relief, etc, etc, etc ...
As I understand the polling which has been done by all the major parties increases in defence spending are welcomed if big, Big IF they do not take anything away from any other higher priority programme â “ and all social programmes have a higher priority amongst Canadians â “ or require a tax increase.
This is the dilemma â “ Canadians do not want the military to be seriously under-funded but they are unwilling to move defence spending up the priority list from the bottom section which it shares with ballet companies and symphony orchestras.
I have, recently, had occasion to read/listen/watch the news in a couple of 'markets' where there is a big military audience and where military matters are 'current' â “ deployments and equipment issues. The papers and newscasts are full of:
1. Child care â “ there is a major offensive underway, led by the child care 'industry' which is seeking about the same amount as we now spend on national defence;
2. Equalization formulas â “ more billions; and
3. Relations with the US.
Yes, the national commentariat is drumming up support for the military but I am not convinced that the very broad, very general support which does exist is getting any 'deeper' â “ especially when it means going deeper into taxpayers' pockets.
I am glad to see the Army Journal name return and I am impressed with the quality of contributions. I hope that the Army Journal will serve a secondary role of informing the opinion makers in Canada and, as a tertiary benefit remind those opinion makers that soldiers are a thoughtful, literate bunch.