[mcassill]

Friday, Sept. 13, 2002 1:08 p.m. EDT
Canada PM on 9/11: U.S. Had It Coming

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien's suggestion during a TV interview Wednesday that the U.S. is partially to blame for the 9/11 attacks has officials on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border fearing a "meltdown" in relations between the two countries.

In remarks carried by the Canadian Broadcasting Company as part of its 9/11 anniversary coverage, Chretien seemed to be saying that the U.S. got what it deserved on 9/11.

"You cannot exercise your powers to the point of humiliation for the others," he told the CBC. "That is what the Western world - not only the Americans, the Western world - has to realize."

Chretien added that the West "is getting too rich in relation to the poor world" and that "the 11th of September is an occasion for me to realize it even more."

The interview was actually taped last July, but many took Chretien's remarks as a 9/11 anniversary message.

The prime minister's office issued a statement Thursday saying that his comments had been misinterpreted by the press, but some Canadians weren't so sure.

"His comments were ill-conceived," retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie told the Montreal Gazette Friday. "I'm not a great fan of blaming the victim," he complained before voicing fears about the damage Chretien's comments might cause in the U.S.

Theresa Hitchens, vice president of Washington's Center for Defense Information, told the paper that the Canadian PM's views won't go over well with the Bush administration.

"I'm sure the Republican right will have a meltdown," she observed. "It won't do anything to improve relations" between the two countries.

 

[Joel B]

Chretien added that the West "is getting too rich in relation to the poor world" and that "the 11th of September is an occasion for me to realize it even more."

I wonder how they would all feel if we quit feeding them. Socialists to the north, communists to the south. The Europeans all want to put their heads in the sand and hope the problems will go away. China in the mean time gets more and more powerful. I'm glad I know how this all ends...

 

[Chief RID]

AMEN!

We won't be the big dog forever and when the BIG DOG bites............"The God of the gentle breeze is also the God of the ruff and tumble, and He is still the King of the Jungle."

 

[m141a]

If the planes had chosen Toronto, would his attitude be different??? H*LL yes! I could get on a podium about this subject, but it has all been said before.
We ARE the greatest nation with the greatest people. The fortitude shown by Americans in times of crisis is exemplary (sp) and has always been that way!
Living a mere 4 miles from New York City, and being a volunteer Firefighter, I was WITNESS to personal acts of courage and SELFLESSNESS that will live with me forever.

People should really think before they speak!


God Bless America!

 

[dclark1]

I'd be REALLY pissed at the Canadian PM if we didn't have ol' Bill the Wimp saying the same thing around the world and down here. They have no vision beyond the end their nose.

dclark

 

[hawk]

I am sorry, we have an idiot for a Prime Minister. I do not like to talk politics, but Chretien has been an embarassment for some time now.

 

[Joel B]

Actually, I hope I haven't offended any of the posters from Canada. If I have, I apologize. I shouldn't have said you were all Socialists.

 

[m141a]

Gentlemen; (and you are)

I do not believe that apologies are neccessary from either of you.

Our leaders speak for us, but we do not have to speak for them in that regard

Best wishes to our "northern neighbors",
Chris~

 

[Fireplug]

Canadiens,

We survived Clinton, and you will survive Chretien. Although having the world know you elected an idiot is embarassing, your neighbors should be very empathetic --- we did it twice.

Fireplug

 

[Jack Monteith]

Hi, Gents:
Chrétien is arrogant and vindictive and he's taking pot-shots at everyone now that he's on the way out. He's never forgotten or forgiven a slight, real or imagined. George Bush Senior got in his bad books somehow, sometime. If he can't get back at the old man, the kid will do. On top of that, George W. got tough with him when he waffled about sending troops to Afghanistan. Bullies resent those who are really tough. So expect more pot-shots. He's got nothing to lose, personally, even if American relations deteriorate to the worst level since the War of 1812.

What would have Chrétien done if the planes had hit Toronto? Don't know, but when he almost lost the Québec referendum, he went into a state of shock and didn't start damage control for a month. Again, that's a reaction of a bully when he meets up with the big guy.

We'll be rid of this national embarrassment soon. You Americans don't have to worry now when Chrétien and Clinton go golfing, and the day will come when we don't either.

Bye
Jack

 

[alyeska338]

To our friends north of the border (or east of Alaska), is Chretien the same guy that wanted to rename Mt. Logan? Just curious, I heard that about 2 years ago after I had finished up a big survey job had taken me around both Logan and St. Elias, thought it was a dumb idea then and still don't like it.

Given that, no country is immune to electing, shall we say, "less than desirable" leaders. The U.S. has done it a number of times, Klinton, Carter, etc.... The greatest of all rivers starts in Canada, the Yukon, and that's good enough for me, dontcha know. It's real and permanent, PM's and Presidents don't last more than 4-8 years.