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>But really if Canada's policy had the same effect in the world that the US's policy has we would all be very interested in Canadian politics.
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And no doubt Canada would have to considerably rethink some of its defense policies.
This raises a very good point. One of the problems of conducting US foreign policy is that what we do *matters*. It is all very well for Belgium to take whatever position it likes, much as a teenager with no responsibilities can have a million opinions about pretty much anything. Back in King Leopold's day - when Belgium *mattered* a little more - well, we saw what came of that.
And I know you would agree this is all the more reason why we should act responsibly. But it is also the reason why countries like France - whose last little bit of importance in the world comes from its anachronistic permanent seat on the SC - can afford to do business with Saddam, knowing that if he really becomes a threat to the world the US and Israel will protect them, and therefore had lattitude to behave irresponsibly in the matter of Iraq.
Charles Hankey
Though a good deal is too strange to be believed, nothing is too strange to have happened.
- Thomas Hardy
Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm-- but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.
-- T. S. Eliot
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote.
- Ben Franklin
Pardon him, Theodotus. He is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.
