Comments on Carolyn Parrish: Response to editorial

[Bill Smy]

All good comments, but they mean ziltz if she does not read them. I was once told that MPs considered one letter to represent about 300 or so others of similar conviction.

let's swamp her and let her know what we think of her behaviour and beliefs. Email her at Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca

Whenever someone sends me a poem, etc, supporting the soldiers of the US, UK or Cda, I send it along Parrish. If nothing it will keep her staff busy.

 

[Michael Dorosh]

Well, I'm gonna go on record as being the only one here who liked her reply   It was about a billion times better than the usual "peace good, bush bad!" junk..

It is a good reply.  The only thing I took exception to was her mention that Hillier's comments should have been made either for the troops, or not at all.  I can see her point of view about saying stuff like that solely for your soldiers; I don't think they should have been left unsaid.  Moreover, I don't see the harm in civilians hearing that their Army is expected to fight and win on the battlefield.  Otherwise, a surprising response.  I guess sound bites don't just misrepresent the Army, but everyone, eh?

 

[Jarnhamar]

Primitive, hand-to-hand combat in the trenches, with bayonets and mustard gas has been replaced by nuclear bombs, sophisticated weaponry and satellite directed weapons deployment.

Replaced? Sure it has.

 

[Radop]

Although I don't care for her antics on the hill, I think she has made the effort to respond.  By being brutally ignorant in our responses to her will only cause her to distrust us as well.  Providing our own proof to counter her arguments is the only way to convincer her were she has erred.  Some people correctly pointed out facts and errors in her statements.  Others made statements such as "have you heard such F$#@ing crap" or words to that effect.  We start looking like bullies who do not know what we are talking about.  I believe the more responses that are using fact and presenting them with quiet conviction will go further than "I am telling you what to do women".  There is a time and place to be aggressive, this is not it.  She was willing to engage us with a discusion.  Talk and engage her, don't force her out.  It is never bad to have any politicians ear.

Ms. Parrish has made many statements that I find unwarranted as a professional soldier but I would like to discuss the matter further with her.  I have more respect for her now than before as I though she was a total trouble maker.  I think she would listen to our concerns if we articulated them to her.  Maybe she can raise our concerns in the house unlike the CDS.  I still believe in the CDS's vision and right to address the public if he thinks the military is being treated poorly.  I believe he is a leader who may be called upon to lead us in the fight if necessary.  Politicians just send us to fight on their behalf without having to put their lives on the line.

 

[Edward Campbell]

All good comments, but they mean ziltz if she does not read them. I was once told that MPs considered one letter to represent about 300 or so others of similar conviction.

let's swamp her and let her know what we think of her behaviour and beliefs. Email her at Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca

Whenever someone sends me a poem, etc, supporting the soldiers of the US, UK or Cda, I send it along Parrish. If nothing it will keep her staff busy.

As it happens, Bill, she sent me an E-mail today.  I became the unofficial conduit, I guess.

Here is my response:

Dear Ms. Parrish;

200+ people read your response and almost 25 made some comment.  You can see them here: http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/33393.15.html

As you might imagine a fair number of us (army folk, including broken down old fellows like me and young wannabes, too) are very pleased with General Hillier; we rather liked his comments and your contrarian opinions were not much admired.  A few members gave you credit for being willing to respond - especially to what you may perceive as a hostile audience.  A few others were less impressed; a very few express their disapproval rather bluntly.

I think I speak for many army.ca members, Ms. Parrish, when I thank you for responding and invite you to consider the views you might read there.

Yours truly

Edward Campbell

 

[Teddy Ruxpin]

Very nice and civilized, Edward...   

 

[3rd Herd]

"Soldiers fight, politicians lead." WRONG
Politicans start the wars, Soldiers clean up the mess

 

[starlight_cdn]

I support our CDS over this uninformed, rude, publicity-seeking belligerent without hesitation. Ms. Parrish has long been the example of how 'out of touch' the ruling Liberal Party is with the post 9/11 world. The CDS has shown us, leading by example, how to soldier in this new world. Bravo Zulu,sir.