YOU SAID IT: Grab the Gripen

GRAB THE GRIPEN

Re: U.S. warns Canada of potential negative consequences if it dumps F-35 fighter jet, online, Sept. 15

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Donald Trump and his cronies make no secret of, in fact publicly boast of, their retaliation against even perceived “enemies.”

Sycophantic ambassador Pete Hoekstra and others are now threatening serious consequences — there’s the intimidation tactic again — if Canada abandons its participation in the F-35 deal. It’s high time Mark Carney, his Liberals, indeed Canada, showed some backbone and stood up in response to these idle threats. The U.S. needs us as ongoing partners in NORAD, regardless of what fighter we purchase and anything else they claim to the contrary.

Follow through with acquisition of the 16 that Canada is under contract for to remain compatible in NORAD, then pivot to the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen or another NATO-compatible fighter. These options are a fraction of the per plane cost of the F-35. They also do not come with the encumbrance of a foreign power (U.S.) controlling future software upgrades, repair and replacement parts.

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Even Lt.-Gen. (ret’d) Yvan Blondin, once a proponent of the F-35, now says the purchase should not go ahead.

After the Carney-ordered review, if Canada still completes the purchase of the remaining F-35s, it will only reinforce Carney’s weakness as a toady to American interests. Not to mention his willingness to waste tax dollars to mask a foregone decision. His tough election talk was only so much rhetoric. It may qualify him to join Trump’s Hot Air Club.

MIKE ALAIN
OTTAWA

MAKING ME ILL

Does anyone else get physically ill listening to Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon? His pomposity is mind-boggling. He has the audacity to blame the Conservatives for shutting down Parliament when it’s the Liberals who are the guilty ones for refusing to provide any transparency in the Sustainable Development Technology Canada slush fund scandal.

Then MacKinnon goes on the say the Conservatives should not give the Liberals a hard time. Not happening. I’m counting on the Conservatives to continue to do their excellent job of holding the Liberals accountable.

GISELE LAVICTOIRE
ORLÉANS

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