Choice America Editorial

The Fugitives Who Have Run to Canada

By Kevin Benderman

Those fugitives who have run to Canada to show their disapproval of the war in Iraq are on the wrong track. They are doing nothing to protect and defend the constitution of the United States by running to Canada. They are not showing any regard for their country by running to another one and then demanding that country provide them asylum and a way to make a living.

Staying in America and working to make this country follow the laws as they are written and standing with others who are already working to reach this goal is the way to handle this situation. Leaving and then saying how tough it would be to stay and work on getting our country on the right track while demanding our sympathy for their plight is pathetic.

I know personally how tough it is as I received a 15-month jail sentence for standing for what I know to be the right thing.

I cannot feel sorry for them as they sit in Canada and whine about the decision they made. I talked to one of them before I went to jail and asked him to come back to America and work with me to ensure that our country is doing the right thing and he said that he could not stand with me. I was told that certain elements wanted to use my case as an example of why they should not stay in America, as they are sure they will be sent to jail.

All I have to say about that is, you cannot have something like this without sacrificing some of your comfort. They need to ask themselves if they really believe what they say when they imply that they want the country to do the right thing. If they believe it then they should be prepared to do something about it instead of just talk.

I would challenge all those individuals who have run to Canada to come back and to face the consequences of their actions and then take a principled stand for what they believe instead of running somewhere else and crying about their plight. I would do everything in my power to assist anyone willing to come here and do the right thing. I will not support anyone who runs away from what they should be doing.

We need Americans who are willing to work from within the laws of our nation to make the changes that must be made. We cannot say how wrong someone else is for breaking the law and then turn around and break laws ourselves. Where is the backbone needed by Americans to fix the problems we face? Are the individuals who have run showing it? I do not think it is being shown at all by these people.

I think what is being shown is how to shirk your responsibility while you expect everyone to feel sorry for you. If these people truly believe what is happening is wrong then come back and let’s work together to make it right. I am willing to sacrifice my comfort because I truly believe I am doing what is right for our country.

Are the ones who went to Canada willing to do them same? I hope so because I need all the help I can get from people who are truly committed to bringing positive changes to this country.

Copyright 2006 The Benderman Foundation

CHOICE AMERICA NETWORK