Canada Refuses To Join Missile Defense Network
Hmm...
I'd be inclined to agree with Scott Boone when he says that Canada isn't signing on because they know that, as our neighbors, they're pretty much protected by any missile shield we throw up anyway. Why pay money to participate?
The problem is that the missile defense system, quite honestly, doesn't even work yet. Its failed a number of tests and really hasn't convinced much of anybody that it is capable of being a viable method of defense.
Now that doesn't mean that we should give up on the idea of a missile defense network, but maybe we should make sure it works before we go asking other countries to join us in it.
(via Young Pundit)
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin decided not to sign on to the U.S. missile defense network, despite urging from Washington, because the political risks were too great, a senior official said Wednesday.
But Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary to the foreign minister, dismissed suggestions that Washington might retaliate by dragging out two major bilateral trade disputes.
Officials say Martin is due to announce this week that Canada will not be part of a system designed to protect against attacks from "rogue states" such as North Korea. The idea is opposed by many legislators in Martin's Liberal Party.
Martin brushed off a flurry of questions in Parliament about the missile plan, saying he would make an announcement when it was in Canada's interest to do so. Domestic media said he would make clear his decision Thursday.
Staying out of the network is likely to be seen as a snub to President Bush, who publicly urged Martin three times during a visit to Ottawa last December to sign on.
I'd be inclined to agree with Scott Boone when he says that Canada isn't signing on because they know that, as our neighbors, they're pretty much protected by any missile shield we throw up anyway. Why pay money to participate?
The problem is that the missile defense system, quite honestly, doesn't even work yet. Its failed a number of tests and really hasn't convinced much of anybody that it is capable of being a viable method of defense.
Now that doesn't mean that we should give up on the idea of a missile defense network, but maybe we should make sure it works before we go asking other countries to join us in it.
(via Young Pundit)
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