Canadians are smug: Guest blogger – my business partner:

I want to tell how, as a Canadian citizen I am embarrassed by my government’s behavior over the past year or so. I am ashamed by my Prime Minister’s utter lack of honor, fortitude and courage. Unfortunately our government and federal political system is not representative of the people.

That last statement is so incorrect as to be laughable. Almost 60% of Canadians oppose a American military action outside of the UN, so our PM’s stance is indeed representative of the people. Furthermore, if any of the “coalition of the willing” required the consensus of their people, there wouldn’t even be a war:

• US: 47% are in favour of invading Iraq if the US decides not to offer the resolution to the UN and says it will proceed with military action without any new vote in the UN. This is precisely what is happening, and a minority in the US support this action!
• UK: 15% say Britain and the US should take military action regardless of whether they get a second UN resolution. Furthermore, Prime Minister Blair faces a rebellion within his own party and is reduced to pleading for party backing on Iraq.
• Australia: Polls show at least two-thirds of Australians oppose war in Iraq without U.N. backing and [Prime Minister] Howard said he was aware the government’s decision might upset many people.

There is very little support for this war on a global scale. It is clear that the administration of those countries which support an unsanctioned attack on Iraq don’t give two shits what their people think. They are going to go through with it no matter what and do their best to “educate” their people so they can manufacture support. This brings to mind a quote which has been circulating these past few months:

“Of course the people don’t want war. But after all, it’s the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it’s always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it’s a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger.”

The source is, of course, Hermann Goering during the Nuremberg trials.