I know that friendly fire incidents happen, but … . These were the first Canadians killed in an offensive war since the Korean War, and they were killed by Americans. http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2002/04/18/cdndeaths020418
I think it sucks that they died but I get the feeling like you are whining to us (americans) that they died. We have put many many many many more american lives on the line and many have died for not only the good of our nation but for the whole world. A lot of countries complain about what America does but if we dont do it, no one else will. I dont think that 4 Canadian lives is that hard of a price to pay for ensuring safety from terrorism. I dont particularly think that every thing the US does is perfect but I think it is easy to criticize when other countries arent doing anything.
I hate to admit it, but my first instinct was to make an exchange rate joke. I will refrain, though, since these deaths should not be made light of.
Grizzled -- I'll make this statement to you, as if you are all of Canada..ok?? I mean you're a Candian...these are your countrymen..so here goes.. I am so sorry for the loss of these lives and sorry for their families. The US owes a debt of gratitude to the men of Canada who are out there risking their lives in this joint effort to snuff out terrorism. As an American, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt for this horrible mistake.
I swear, if Grizzled said that he thought America was the greatest country in the world and made a sign 14 football fields long expressing that sentiment, some insecure American idiots like some we have on this board would b**** at him because it wasn't the size of 20 fields.
Grizzled, I am almost as sorry that you have to read crap like this as I am about the loss of your four countrymen.
First, let me say that I'm surprised at how upset I am about this, and that I understand that my responses may be somewhat coloured by that emotion. These guys were from a base in Edmonton, which is in my province. Many of the soldiers in Edmonton were transferred there from Calgary when our base was closed several years ago. I used to live right beside that base, and so ran into these soldiers all the time. While I think it's unlikely that I knew any of the soldiers who died personally, I have a pretty clear idea of who these guys were as people, and I find the thought of them being killed by "friendly fire" sickening. Canada has lost soldiers on peacekeeping missions, but this is quite a different situation. Thanks Max and RM95, and mrpaige for your sentiments. Max, I guess that what you said is pretty much what I wanted to hear, so thank-you for that. I don't think fault is at issue that this point. We have no idea what exactly happened yet. All we know is that that an American fighter pilot killed 4 Canadian soldiers. I posted this in part, I guess, because I was curious to see what the response would be. Quite a few people on this board have complained that other countries didn't stand up to "do the right thing," by joining with the US in this fight. Now that many countries have, and are dying not only beside Americans, but also at the hands of Americans, I was wondering how many of those people would, at least in their response to this incident, "stand up and do the right thing." You can't have it both ways. If you expect respect, you must give respect. Thank-you Max and others for showing respect. Edit: Thanks to the rest of you for your kind words and sympathy.
That was an embarrassment for all of us, MB. Nice job. So sorry Grizzled. What happened was a tragedy.
So sorry, Grizzled. (Other countries *are* involved in these things - not that you'd know it from news reports here. NZ has had peacekeeping forces killed in Bosnia and East Timor, among other places, and it sucks. Just because other countries' militaries are smaller than yours doesn't mean they aren't contributing or that their deaths aren't worth mourning, MB. Take your head out of your ass much?)
Mad Max completely expreses my thoughts and feelings. MB, your proctologist called. They found your head.
Condolences to their families and to Canada. MB.. your response was moronic.If you want to call it "whining" fine ,but I am really sick of these types of deaths..I know it's a dangerous enviorment but these types of things seem to happen too much....and what is up with the helicopters crashing all the damm time ? It really sucks that we are responsible for more of our dead then the enemy.
If I took what was said wrong I apologize. Honestly I dont know what I was thinking. Those deaths are terrible and I am saddened by them. I hate that we are over there to begin with and hate that anyone has to die especially for a cause that I do not understand. My comments were insensitive and Grizzled I hope you accept my apology. I know Canada is a good country with good people. I was a dick.
Apology accepted. That was an honourable thing to do MB. Some further information is coming out. (Don't bother with the discussion though. It's either unmoderated or they are being overwhelmed by the number of responses to this topic.) http://cbc.ca/stories/2002/04/18/us_pilot020418 My prayers go out to the pilot and his family too. I'm sure he must be going though a lot of grief and anguish right now too. Here's a bit of history on the regiment that was hit, for those who may be interested. They were formed in 1914 and have seen action in every major war. They even received a US presidential citation for a battle they fought in Korea. http://www.canada.com/news/story.asp?id={99649256-D0CE-4AED-A544-4DA23D814AEE}
A horrible tragedy. If the pilot isn't discharged after the investigation (which he should be), he should resign. I don't see how he could live with himself after this, especially since he apparantly was not acting under orders and made the decision himself. I can understand why so many Canadians feel anger and resentment because of these actions. Personally, I'm not really sure what I feel yet.
