Dear Members of Parliament:
We are compelled to write to you as citizens of Canada to express our views about the events of September 11th. We speak with clear voices and add ours to all those at home and worldwide who are calling for reason amidst anger. We urge our elected representatives to join others throughout the world who plead for a calm and enlightened response, preventing the escalation of violence and fear. We have to believe that our voices have value to you, that you will listen to us and act in the spirit of our requests.
The acts of the 11th shocked the world because of their blatant indifference to human life, the magnitude of their strategic destruction, and their utter destabilization of the North American continent's sense of security. We weep for the dead and their loved ones, first of all. But we also weep for ourselves and a way of life that we may have lost forever.
We say "may" because this is where you, and every other Member of Parliament, hold it in your power to change what many view as the inevitable. We believe that we are at a vital crossroads and we do have a choice. Please remember that these unspeakable acts of terror are violent crimes but they are not 'acts of war.' If we do not look carefully at these events, if we do not analyze them in the context of historical patterns and policies, if we allow rage or panic to blind our vision and cloud our minds, we will choose a path for which future generations will never be able to forgive us.
Canada is in the best possible position to steer the world on the road to reason and peace.
This must be remembered in the coming days as the Parliament of Canada debates questions arising out of the events of September 11th, and makes decisions that will affect our planet and its people long into the future.
We ask: will you, as a member of the Parliament of Canada, use your vote to
stop the rush toward ill-thought-out acts which will result in the loss of countless innocent lives and which are in the gravest danger of plunging the world into 'war,' widespread revenge killing, and the suspension of civil society?
support continued humanitarian efforts required for the USA as a result of the events of September 11th, and align with American citizens committed to international forums for justice, not coalitions for global revenge?
stand on guard for Canadian sovereignty and civil rights in all decisions?
cooperate with the world community through the United Nations and other legitimate democratic institutions to find and bring to international court the individuals responsible for the acts of September 11th?
prevent the escalation of violence, period, but in particular any violence by our own citizens at home and abroad and that directed at members of Muslim and any ethnic communities?
commit Canada to the above actions and to no others at this stage?
Again, we urge you to allow reason and knowledge to govern your decisions. This is a time for brave hope and courageous leadership.
Thank you for your attention. We ask that you respond clearly and decisively to our requests at your earliest opportunity.
Sincerely,
S. Hauer, W. Zimmerman, M. Kustudic, C. Cann, T. Livingston for Post Quebec Democracy In Action
Questions? Contact 542-5157
Please join us by acting to express your opinion on this urgent matter as our elected representatives debate it in Parliament.
You can help by immediately contacting these MPs. You can make phonecalls, send e-mails or FAXes, write letters or photocopy and use this letter. No postage is required to send letters to MPs in Ottawa.
MEMBER PHONE FAX EMAIL POSITION
Mr. Gilles Ducepp (613) 992-6779 (613) 954-2121 Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca Leader -BQ
Ms. Alexa McDonough (613) 995-7224 (613) 992-8569 McDonough.A@parl.gc.ca Leader -NDP
Mr. Stockwell Day (613) 996-6740 (613) 947-0310 Day.S@parl.gc.ca Leader -Official Opposition
Rt. Hon. Joe Clark (613) 995-1561 (613) 995-1862 Clark.J@parl.gc.ca Leader -PC Party
Mr. Scott Brison (613) 995-8231 (613) 996-9349 Brison.S@parl.gc.ca Member for Kings--Hants
Hon. Art Eggleton (613) 941-6339 (613) 941-2421 Eggleton.A@parl.gc.ca Minister of Defense
Hon. John Manley (613) 992-3269 (613) 995-1534 Manley.J@parl.gc.ca Minister of Foreign Affairs
Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien (613) 992-4211 (613) 941-6900 pm@pm.gc.ca Prime Minister