Afghanistan, Canada and resisting the cult of human sacrifice
by Paul S. Graham, October 20, 2009
Families of Canadian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan can now take comfort in knowing that even if their sons or daughters commit suicide they will receive the very same medal awarded to those killed by enemy fire.
If nothing else, the federal government is proactive. For months now, they have been laying the foundation for Canadian troops to remain in Afghanistan after 2011. The decision to give the “sacrifice medal” to victims of suicide may be a recognition that fighting a war to prop up corrupt war lords and drug runners is bound to increase suicidal thinking among the troops.
The sacrifice medal is the latest manifestation of Ottawa’s campaign to foster a militaristic cult of human sacrifice and to build support for its failed war in Afghanistan. The proliferation of “yellow ribbon” campaigns and the designation of a part of Highway 401 as a “Highway of Heroes” are other elements.
We can expect more such announcements in the run-up to this year’s Rememberance Day ceremonies.