These soldiers are not draft dodgers

Let’s be clear about one crucial fact in the ongoing debate as to whether Canada should harbour American soldiers who have deserted their country’s fighting forces — they are not draft dodgers.

Robin Long, the dreadlocked U.S. Army soldier who ran to Canada two years ago, was sent back to the U.S. this past week.

Several more deserters remain in Canada illegally as they fight to be recognized as refugees.

Every one of these American citizens voluntarily joined the military.

Not one was drafted. Not one was forced to carry a gun.

They all joined the military and, by doing so, agreed to the ultimate reason for joining up — that one day, they may be ordered to fight in a war.

These are not the draft dodgers of the Vietnam War era, the young men who had no choice in whether they wished to fight the Vietcong.

Long argued he should be granted refugee status, citing his belief the U.S. was involved in an illegal war in Iraq.

But picking and choosing where one fights — and that is the primary reason soldiers exist — is not a decision a soldier makes.

Nor does a soldier decide which war is just and which war is illegal.

Canadian courts were correct in denying Long refugee status, pointing out he would not be subject to persecution if returned to the U.S.

He will likely be sent to prison, which is to be expected when one deserts his unit.

Having sympathy for Long and others who must do what they themselves decided to do — kill and be killed — does not necessarily translate into agreeing to harbour them after they entered this country illegally.

— Kamloops This Week