I sincerely hope that Maclean's will continue to cover this sad story enough to muster all the support it can for Capt. Robert Semrau. Keep up the good work MACLEAN'S!

This whole debacle reeks of conspiracy in the name of Political Correctness; to demonstrate to the world that we Canadians must be seen to be “Squeaky” clean at the expense of one of our soldier’s who was there to serve his country and assist indigenous peoples in their struggle to rid the evil Taliban.

For your information I am not a conscientious objector or dissident! If asked to serve my country I would without hesitation. But I would expect those in charge to have the intestinal fortitude to stand up and support the young men and women asked to perform a duty of numerous horrors and nightmares.

The recent article in MacLean’s regarding “A Soldiers Choice” whereby Capt. Robert Semrau has been charged with Murder (A Mercy Killing) on the field of battle and brings to light the helplessness and brutality of warfare.

I am totally at a loss to understand these predefined rules for combat; on one hand a “soldier” pursues the enemy. He/she has orders to “search and destroy” all combatants; he/she has been given the authority of “Playing God”.

But when an act of kindness for another human being (albeit an enemy combatant) to relieve that individual’s suffering, that soldier, the one we trained and sent over there, has now been charged with murder? I would also question the actions or lack thereof taken by the senior Afghan officer in charge of not providing aid as required by the Geneva Convention?

There is a distorted morality in the minds of the Military’s upper echelon and our “Teflon” Political Leaders, who together train our young men and women for war. These new recruits have no doubt heard of the many horror stories, but none of them are prepared for what they will experience. Sent there in an advisory capacity only they accompany the Afghan Army; they cannot give orders, directions or take the lead if they find it necessary.

They are the hosts and our soldiers are the guests.

Why do we send our brave young men and women to a war torn country knowing that there will be casualties and some will not return alive? We are told that they are serving only as peacemakers and training the Afghans to fight their enemy, the Taliban! However, in the stark reality of warfare, roadside bombs do not distinguish between “friend and foe”.

In addition to witnessing the horrors of war, they have to operate with their hands tied behind them; blind folded and feet shackled together. The “Geneva Convention” also provides a set of guidelines for warring combatants on how to morally conduct their selves before, during and after battle has been fought.
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war.

OUR troops as with all other NATO members are required to follow these set of protocols. Whether these conventions are recognized by our enemies cannot be assured or guaranteed during today’s conflicts.

Our Fallen Heroes

No matter how many times we see this on TV it is always an emotional and traumatic sight. An escorted black hearse with entourage carrying another fallen young soldier speeds along the “Highway of Heroes” to rendezvous with the Chief Coroner in downtown Toronto.

During this journey along the “Highway of Heroes” the route is lined with ordinary people wanting to pay their respects in support of one of their own. Also bridges spanning the highway provide another platform for ordinary folk to welcome home their fallen hero’s. Some waving the Canadian Flag, while others just wave most of them shed tears as the motorcade speeds by them.