Why is Harper so eager to ‘whip out the F-18s?’

When Stephen Harper decided to “whip out the F-18s” (Justin Trudeau’s words) I was ready to bet money on him wanting to extend the mission, whatever happened in the first months.

Why? Here are the words of Stephen Harper a decade ago, reported in many media.

“Canada appears content to become a second-tier socialistic country, boasting ever more loudly about its economy and social services to mask its second-rate status.”

So if human life is not about security for individuals and the population at large (think social contract a la Jean-Jacques Rousseau), what is it about? War?

Another quote, which we all saw on a television news clip: “I admire the U.S.”

In that the U.S. is not in the top 20 of any of the positive metrics whereby countries can be compered, what is left? The American military machine? Is that what Harper admires?

So I and most people I talk with are not surprised that he wants to continue and even extend “the mission.” We only have one important question — will Harper’s son go to war? Then he could be a veteran, and be treated as one.

Esa T. Hermikari
Sudbury