Deserving of a reply

The following letter to the Editor appears in today's Guelph Mercury. I'm currently buried in work and am not sure I can take the time to pen an appropriate reply. That doesn't mean someone else can't jump in.

We mustn't participate in 'criminal follies'
November 19, 2008
Michael Keefer

Dear Editor - Thanks to Rob O'Flanagan for his thoughtful and eloquent column, "Too many things make me sick of war" (Guelph Mercury, Nov. 15).

... The American invasion of Afghanistan was a direct violation of international law; the ensuing occupation is likewise illegal.

The deaths of almost 100 young Canadians in such a cause, and the grievous injuries suffered by many hundreds more, should horrify us all. These losses, together with the still more appalling losses being inflicted upon Afghan civilians by the occupying forces, are the legacy of the George W. Bush regime's now wholly discredited policies.

Canadians must refuse any further participation in these criminal follies.

-- Michael Keefer, professor, School of English and Theatre Studies, University of Guelph

Letters to the Editor can be submitted online, by email, fax (519-767-1681) or snail Mail (The Editor, Guelph Mercury, 8-14 Macdonell St. Guelph, Ont., N1H 6P7)