Open letter to North Shore MPs, John Weston and Andrew Saxton:
Your propaganda with the Remembrance Day memorial ad you - and probably all the Conservative MPs - placed in local newspapers is a slap in the face to our current members of the Canadian Armed Forces, in particular those who were deployed to Afghanistan.
"Lest We Forget." Yes, unfortunately you and the rest of the MPs have forgotten. And, so soon! This new group of soldiers who have sacrificed life and limb for the sake of democracy, have been tossed aside like bags of garbage.
Your vote to eliminate the lifelong disability pensions in place of a lump sum is disgraceful.
A 25-year-old soldier at the time may think a $25,000 dollar payment for injuries or PTSD is a lot of money. What does a 25-year-old soldier with injuries and/or post traumatic stress syndrome do with a lump-sum payment of $25,000? He or she will probably go out and buy a new vehicle, take a fancy vacation, or drink it away. What does this soldier have five years later? A broken-down vehicle, a broken-down body and a broken-down mind. They need the lifelong disability pensions reinstated.
Our son serves in the Canadian military and was deployed to Afghanistan. As his parents, we say, shame on you! We have been loyal Conservative supporters, but hell would have to freeze over before you get another vote from us.
Ken and Debbie Williams West Vancouver
