|
What the politicians really think of our military |
|
|
|
Written by Al Hollingsworth
|
|
Saturday, 12 April 2008 |
Every time I hear a politician lament the passing of a member of our military, I do a slow burn. It isn’t as if I don’t believe that they do feel genuine sorrow for the death of a Canadian serving his or her country. These tragic losses are difficult to bear, even for the most grizzled in our society.
However, rather than read a statement of grief, or table a resolution, it is time for those who lead this nation to do something tangible and downright meaningful for our service personnel. Today it would be for the retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. And, down the road, it would be a tremendous gift to those on the front lines today.
I’m talking about repealing a piece of legislation the Liberal government of 1966 slipped past those of us who were then serving in one of the aforementioned bodies. Lester Pearson’s Grits engineered the meanest money-grabbing legislation imaginable, pushing through a bill that robs veterans and retired Mounties of a huge hunk of their pensions when they reach their 65th birthday.
The Liberals’ Bill of 1966 that still stands 42 years later, claws back money from the veterans when they reach age 65. A friend of mine had his pension monies reduced by $400 a month. And keep in mind that these very same people who thought, and continue to think it is okay to steal from veterans, developed thei r own gold-plated pension plan that sets them up for life.
Peter Stoffer, to his credit, has been trying to bring about changes to this bill since he was first made aware of the plight of these special Canadians. The Sackville/Eastern Shore NDP Member of Parliament may be seen as a voice in the wilderness, but he has been a consistent and persistent voice, along with members of his caucus.
On November 7, 2006, NDP Leader Jack Layton put forward a Veteran’s First Motion, a motion that covered various issues including the benefit claw back. The vote passed 156 for and 111 against. The 111 were the members of the Conservative Government; among others, Peter MacKay, retired General Gordon O’Connor, Veteran Affairs Minister Greg Thompson and Prime Minister Stephen Harper said no to the veterans of Canada.
The next time this group has the audacity to deliver their carefully crafted messages around the death of a member of our military, we need to remember that actions speak louder than words..
Let me state here and now, because I opted not to be a career soldier, getting out after six and a half years, the legislation does not affect me financially. It does however, bother me greatly to see the effect it has on these good men and women who willingly faced danger and endured long periods of separation from their families.
When these people were serving Canada, they contributed to CCP and paid taxes, helping to build the pool of money that would someday be available for old age pensioners. The politicians (read Liberals and Conservatives) contribution? Collectively, they have ignored this gross injustice.
When I see members of parliament laying wreaths on November 11th, I want to upchuck. How hypocritical. How callous. And how dumb do they think we are?
We can only hope that someday a political system will emerge, with elected members who have the courage and the conviction to implement measures that will right the wrongs of previous administrations. With some notable and fine exceptions, what we have had in place for far too long has been a steady stream of career politicians intent on their self-serving agendas rather than standing up for these largely unsung heroes.
(Al Hollingsworth is a rertired journalist and broadcaster)
|
