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The September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States inflicted unprecedented destruction, fear, and sadness on our continent. As NATO prepares to retaliate, we, the people, must consider the consequences for the innocent citizens of other nations.
Justice will not be served by killing more innocent people. We saw thousands of people in Iraq and the Balkans disposed of as "collateral damage" by NATO forces, without capturing the single MAN they desired.
Already, both physical and verbal attacks have been carried out on Canadian and American citizens of Arab descent. Other minorities have also fallen victim to the racist backlash. Some of our innocent neighbours now lay dead due to this quickly emerging intolerance; others are fearful of leaving their homes. As a caring society, we must counter this racist response to the hateful anger. If we do not act now, people will continue to be persecuted and unnecessary restrictions will be placed on immigration.
Civil liberty is also at risk. The perceived threat of terror has triggered ever-increasing security and may infringe on our personal privacy. All forms of communication could fall victim to government scrutiny and our right to free speech will be severely restricted.
The Victoria Peace Coalition is a group of concerned citizens. We recognize that our enemy is not any race, religion, or country. We do not believe that war on any scale will help us to heal or bring about justice. The Air India and Lockerbie bombings were handled using investigative work, diplomacy, and international law. The independent actions of a small group of people do not constitute an inter-nation war.
The Victoria Peace Coalition calls upon the Canadian government to respect international law and justice, and not support military action in any form.
The Victoria Peace Coalition is also forming a buddy system, for those who feel threatened, especially in the Muslim community, and are now living in fear of unjust retaliation.
"Concerned that terrorism in all its forms has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and in societal disintegration, the Victoria Peace Coalition calls upon the Canadian government to respect international law and justice, and to not support military action in any form."
