Canadians and the CF: The Boy Scout syndrome

Adrian MacNair hits the bullseye:

An Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has shown that Canadians overwhelmingly favour ending our combat mission in Afghanistan after 2011. 79% of respondents oppose Canadian troops taking part in a combat mission [in Afghanistan] after our current mandate is completed.

But, and here’s the tricky part, a whole 54% would like to have Canadian soldiers stay and train the Afghan military after 2011. More still, 64%, would like Canadian soldiers participating in “activities related to development and governance work.”

I think this poll really identifies and highlights the cognitive dissonance of Canadians on the Afghan file. Clearly a majority of people want us to be in Afghanistan in some capacity. It’s just that they’re uncomfortable with the idea of having soldiers come back in coffins. They want a military. They just don’t want that military to do any of that warfare stuff...

I blame our eductational system's, and our major media's, constant harping on Canada's "traditional peacekeeping role" (a total myth) for that attitude.

Meanwhile, a prime example of the syndrome's trying to come back to life:

"Out of Afghanistan, Into the Heart of Darkness?"/Agitprop