Winnipeg Rally Against the War in Afghanistan

On Saturday March 26 about 100 people participated in a rally at the Legislative Building organized by the Winnipeg Coalition Against War and Racism. The rally was called to oppose the presence of Canadian troops in Afghanistan and recent statements by the U.S. government about the possible use of nuclear weapons in situations it deems threatening to its interests. Two speakers addressed the rally, Cec Muldrew representing Veterans Against Nuclear Arms and native activist Terrance Nelson.

Mr. Muldrew condemned the Canadian presence in Afghanistan as being in contravention of Canadian and International law. He said the current Canadian involvement, as well as its participation in aggression against Iraq and Yugoslavia, violated the UN Charter, the 1946 Nuremburg principles and the National Defence Act. He specifically condemned the glorification of Canadian "kills" by the Canadian media. Mr. Muldrew said: "We have to say we will do what is right, and not just tell the States: 'Yes, we will be good soldiers' …Canada must decide, are we going to honour the treaties we have signed or are we going to continue to trash them and our reputation."

Mr. Nelson also condemned the war in Afghanistan and the policies of the U.S., Canada and other governments for ignoring the realities of the present day world. He pointed out that the U.S. and Canada represent only a small percentage of the world's population and yet they act as if the whole world must submit to their policies and interests. He noted it was to be expected that people who were at the receiving end of those policies would strike back. He expressed concern that the American and Canadian position that might makes right will inevitably lead to even greater and more deadly conflicts in the near future.

He drew a parallel between the present situation and the domination of the world sought by Nazi Germany. To illustrate the fact that terrorism takes many forms and weapons of mass destruction are not limited to bombs or biological weapons, he gave the example of the sanctions against Iraq which have taken more than a million Iraqi lives. He noted that while much has been said about those who died on September 11, the mass media has said little to condemn the tragedy caused by sanctions on Iraq. This, he said, was indicative of the attitude of the U.S. and Canada towards other people.

The rally concluded with a song written for the occasion and performed by singer, songwriter Greg Crowe.