Canadian historian Jack Granatstein has produced another fine set of essays on Canada’s defence and security. Whose War is it? (Harper Collins, Toronto, 2007) outlines the prices we may still pay for our wishful thinking, vacuous sentiments about peacekeeping and other illusions about the nature of the world and the necessity of security. Many Canadians maintain themselves in a state of blissful ignorance about the threats we face; we have let our protections slip and the author takes no prisoners in attacking those responsible.
Granatstein is trying to kick life into a long overdue informed debate about Canada’s policies, practices and future. One can only applaud his efforts and second his arguments. Unfortunately, as Will Rogers pointed out; good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment; we shall probably have to learn some bitter lessons the hard way.
