Michael Byers Speaks on Remembrance Day
Suzanne Little | Nov 10, 2009
Nov. 11 at 4pm - Michael Byers Speaks on Lest We Forget: Canada’s War in Afghanistan at Lions Hall. Potluck dinner to follow.
Submitted by Marion Pape
Remembrance Day ceremonies will once again draw our attention to how much gratitude we must show to the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces fighting on our behalf in Afghanistan. Since 2002, 133 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan. Hundreds more have suffered permanent and disabling injuries. Often these injuries are emotional and leave them unable to work or have normal family relationships.
On Salt Spring, we invite you to join us on Nov. 11 at 4 pm at The Lions Hall to hear Salt Spring Island resident, Michael Byers, explain his perspective on why the mission has failed — and why it’s time to bring our soldiers home.
“Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said that ‘Canadians don’t cut and run at the first sign of trouble.’ At what point does stubbornness become stupidity? At what point should a leader’s responsibility for the national interest trump concerns about his own political fate?” — Michael Byers, Globe and Mail. Sept. 14, 2006
“According to CBC’s The National, the Department of National Defence employs 500 public relations officers and spends $23 million per year spinning the Afghan war.” –Michael Byers, Ottawa Citizen, June 4, 2008. “If this is such a popular war why do we need so much spin?”
Canadians know how uncomfortable many of us are with our role in Afghanistan. It’s time we let our government know what we want. Come and join in the discussion and stay for the NDP-sponsored potluck dinner following Michael’s talk.
Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia. He is the best-selling author of War Law (2005), Intent for a Nation (2007) and Who Owns the Arctic? (2009).
We are very fortunate to have Michael and Catherine Byers and their two young sons as recently established residents of Salt Spring Island. They are currently building a home here.
Poppy Photo by Natalie Johnson.
Looks really good and the edits are fine.
Like to have this sort of thing up on the website. Shows the richness and depth of the Salt Spring community.
another great mind lands on Saltspring.
may these minds meet more often.