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   Thursday, September 23, 2004

JANE JACOBS ROLLS OUT THE WELCOME MAT

Bit by bit, step by quiet step, the US creeps ever-closer to a new draft. I think it's terrific -- Canada benefited from the influx of interesting, anti-war Americans during Vietnam (here's interviews from the CBC) and it looks as though we will do so again.

Having said that, however, I'm surprised by this talk of a "draft-dodger memorial" in BC. That's a bit over the top. While I understand and support those who fled America during that draft (and the next one!), celebrating their "courageous legacy" is a bit ridiculous.

For one thing, it sets up a zero-sum game of bravery -- if the deserters are courageous for sticking to their principles, the thinking goes, then those who agree to join the military must be cowards or pawns. Ever told a soldier he's a coward? Doesn't go over well. For the record, I was pleased by the distinction in "Fahrenheit 9/11" between attacking the war in Iraq and honouring the soldiers who've fought there. It's an important one to remember.

Honouring draft-dodgers in BC? Not so much.