CBC News, Apr 19 ’05: No ’empty moralizing’ in foreign policy: Martin

Apr 19 ’05: Canada’s International Policy Statement

“This document articulates a vision for Canada’s global engagement. Our first comprehensive, integrated international policy framework, the Statement delivers on the Government’s commitment to invest in our international role…”

Foreword from the Prime Minister

“Such intentions can be frustrating, for the world does not lack for a supply of grinding poverty, murderous conflict and abject despair. There is only so much that we, as one nation, can accomplish. But that fact must not dissuade us.”

No, we must not let reality spoil our delusions of moral superiority and national self-importance.

Canada is good at diplomacy and it should stick to just that. Just free up world trade [well, not in the way they’re doing that!] and bring all of our troops home. They don’t belong overseas anywhere. They belong on our borders and coastlines. Leave Haiti alone. Leave Afghanistan alone. Leave the Balkans alone. Stop interfering in foreign elections. Withdraw from our alliance with the Torture Power in Washington and other aggressive nuclear powers. Let the world be. Canada does not need to play the preening colonial master any longer.

Let Canadians trade freely with the world. You know what? The Canadian government – Liberal or Conservative – better work to maintain a peaceful world order! [“world order” the wrong choice of words!] If it becomes embroiled in any further NATO aggression in Africa, Europe or the Middle East, it is good for nothing at all. The Canadian government’s job is to help maintain the peace – such as it is. That’s it! Defend our borders, don’t make terrorist enemies, and keep us out of these bloody wars that the war-mongers have planned for us!

(Original Post)