General comment on the ex.
As a student reservist at the University of Toronto, it is sickening to hear the comments that Torontonians make towards the armed forces. It is very distressing that students, and more importantly professors at “Canada’s top academic institution” make such ignorant and unjust comments towards Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan, and abroad.
It is often very difficult for a person in my place to express my views without being disregarded as a war mongering jar head. Given the fact that I live in a highly leftist neighbourhood where Olivia Chow (Jack Laytons wife) is my local MP, who can barely carry out a conversation in the English language( who I have personally spoken to). To just trying to personify the likelihood of the army trying to conduct an exercises in my area. In Winnipeg, you don’t have it to bad. It is very enlightening to see that the administration of the city of Winnipeg would even allow such a excellent opportunity. On the UofT campus in early March, there was a convention held to highlight Canada’s war making ability, and how we “overthrow democratically elected governments” along with other hippie propaganda BS that made my stomach turn. This event organized by the Haitian student association was completely biased, and many of their arguments had no substance whatsoever!
Although looking past the misinformed, biased and insensitive people, there are Torontonians, and more importantly Canadians as a whole that strongly support the armed forces. People that understand our history, culture and sacrifices that Canadians made so we can live our lives free, and in peace. Just because certain groups of people speak up the loudest, does not mean it represents the silent majority. For all the men and women overseas, a strong minority of people in Toronto do support you. This is why when I put my uniform on, and haul my kit onto the subway to travel up to my armoury, I walk with the outmost pride and confidence. Daring those people to give me a sour look. Not because I’m some kind of weekend warrior hotshot, but for the people that are dedicating their lives to the Army, and are overseas serving. A strong Pat on the back for the Winnipeg just went up greatly. The boys from our regiment are envious that you will be able to conduct and ex in your city, and demonstrate the professionalism of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Just my two cents, maybe a bit more.