Canadian defense minister to Greg Gutfeld and Fox News: Apologize; Update: Gutfeld apologizes
posted at 4:25 pm on March 23, 2009 by Allahpundit
In which a YouTube grassroots brushfire explodes into a full-blown international incident. You make the call: Below you’ll find the “Red Eye” segment that aired on March 17 followed by MacKay’s demand for an apology this morning. Four Canadian troops were killed in Afghanistan in the interim, something that I suspect would have steered Gutfeld away from this topic if it had happened before the taping. Even so, the only really objectionable line is Doug Benson joking that he didn’t know Canada was part of the fight. Otherwise it’s standard goofs about Canadians being softer/more polite than Americans blended with a critique of foreign governments neglecting military spending. It’s not a knock on Canadian troops, in other words; on the contrary, Gutfeld explicitly agrees with one panelist who says near the end that he has “tremendous respect for anyone who serves,” whether Canadian or American. But as I say, your call. Click the image to watch.
Update: Ask and ye shall receive.
“The March 17th episode of Red Eye included a segment discussing Canada’s plan for a ‘synchronized break,’ which was in no way an attempt to make light of troop efforts,” Greg Gutfeld, host of the segment, told the Canwest News Service on Monday in an e-mailed statement.
“However, I realize that my words may have been misunderstood. It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize. Red Eye is a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humourous and ridiculous manner.”
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Much respect and thanks to the sacrifices Canada has given as an ally. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Canadian Soliders/and their families.
F15Mech on March 23, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Hey, bullfruit. Maybe you should be worrying about the pathetic condition of you military instead of what I have to say. Do you think emporer barry is going to come to the rescue of canada when he isn’t even intent on protecting the US? Even if our country survives the barry years maybe you people should start investing in your own military instead of badmouthing the US while spending nearly nothing on your own national defense because
peacenprosperity on March 23, 2009 at 9:45 PM
you expect us to save your asses.
peacenprosperity on March 23, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Please don’t ever try to gain sympathy via a body count. That is sick and I certainly got you beat, and my totals are nothing compared to the Canadian Military/US Military as a whole.
F15Mech on March 23, 2009 at 9:52 PM
How can these guys ignore the contributions Canada is making?
It’s not like we don’t have Google. When I go to Google and type in “canadian forces in”, autocompletion gets me the following completions: afghanistan, iraq, bosnia, somalia, cyprus, vietnam, sudan, haiti, and korea (not to mention ww2).
In spite of the fact that their beer sucks, that they long ago surrendered the Stanley Cup to the USA, and they still suffer periodically from the Curse of LaBonte, Canadians have much to be proud of, eh?
unclesmrgol on March 23, 2009 at 9:54 PM
So you don’t watch the show and thus have no clue of the context this clip was made in. Forgive me for being underwhelmed at your faux outrage.
If you were were more familiar with the show, perhaps you’d understand why those of us (including some Canadian commenters) who are didn’t take this as an overly objectionable insult to Canadian troops.
Hollowpoint on March 23, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Every time I visit Canada, 95% of them are happy to see me, and the number goes up to 100% if I make the effort to change my US Dollars into Looneys prior to eating or buying stuff. I’d say that 5% anti-Americanism is pretty low. I’ve seen Canadians at Disneyland get talked down by people in line, so the problems are present on our side of the border too — as your comment also seems to indicate.
unclesmrgol on March 23, 2009 at 10:00 PM
You gonna make him ask to see your beaver?
unclesmrgol on March 23, 2009 at 10:02 PM
UGGGG
For the last time they were not ignoring things.
Greg called a spade a spade and pointed out that in 2011 Canada may not have any army.
F15Mech on March 23, 2009 at 10:03 PM
not because of the volunteers but due to the lack of equipment.
F15Mech on March 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM
No clue? I heard the first third of the utube and that was more than enough. How much of a rape or murder or 9/11 would one have to watch to get a clue “of the context”? How much Millers or Pearl beer would one have to drink to get a clue as to it’s taste? I think a third would be quite enough, thank you.
If you think my “outrage” at that gaggle of yukking it up Huhnerfalken at Fox is faux, then you have no clue.
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Some of the comments by the yanks here are pretty overbearing. Remember Canada’s population is similar to California and of course they can’t field huge armies and navies. They do support NATO and the past wars against the Axis powers in the past. It is also embarrassing to witness the utter ignorance of most Americans on their knowledge of Canadian geography, history and their contributions to the world. It seems like they are getting dumped on here unjustifiably
garydt on March 23, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Friends all tried to warn me
But I held my head up high
All the time they warned me
But I only passed them by
They all tried to tell me
But I guess I didn’t care
I turned my back and
Left them standing there
All the burning bridges that have fallen after me
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door
Burning bridges lost forevermore
I look back into the past and
Think of way back then
I know that I lost everything I thought I that could win
I guess I should have listened to my friends
All the burning bridges that have fallen after me
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Burning bridges lost forevermore
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 10:35 PM
No, it wasn’t.
First, you don’t understand the show, and second you missed where they expressed respect for Canadian troops in the same clip.
You misinterpreted a comment as offensive and degrading- a mistake that a regular viewer of the show probably would not have made.
I’d guess that 95% of the outrageously outraged Canadians who are angered by this have never seen a full episode- something that makes the calls for boycott all the more ridiculous.
Hollowpoint on March 23, 2009 at 10:38 PM
F15Mech
I was not looking for sympathy, I was pointing out the bad timing of events. Perhaps if the war were taken seriously people would not even think to mock the worth of those in a position to die the next day.
BL@KBIRD on March 23, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Bravo Sierra. It was more than enough as I clearly explained. I understand the English language, and many kinds of humor, and a gaggle of Huhnerfalken when I hear them. I misinterpreted nothing. You have closed the eyes of your burning bridges mind and are keeping them shut by force.
BTW, I didn’t and don’t call for a boycott.
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I do agree that Americans should learn more about Canada and their military accomplishments.
Some absolutely true facts about true Canadian military history:
In WWII, Canadian flamethrowers were fuelled not by gasoline, but distilled maple syrup mixed with moose dung.
Prior to being banned for reasons of cruelty, Canadian interrogation techniques include the forced feeding of Clamato while Celine Dion albums are played in the backgroud, and to great success.
Canadian IED disposal units have been extremely effective at safely detonating IEDs by first covering them in a gallon of poutine, which absorbs the blast.
Hollowpoint on March 23, 2009 at 10:50 PM
The Huhnerfalken at Fox who were yukking it up in their totally REMF studio clearly don’t take any war seriously.
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 10:51 PM
War is at best barbarism [and certainly no laughing matter]. Its glory is all moonshine. War is hell.
- William Tecumseh Sherman
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 10:53 PM
You’re judging by the first 20 seconds of a clip from a show you’ve never watched and I’m the closed minded one? Hypocrisy, thy name is MB4.
And I know you personally haven’t called for a boycott, but reading the comments elsewhere by outrageously outraged Canadians (none of whom have ever actually watched the show) are still amusing.
Hollowpoint on March 23, 2009 at 10:54 PM
I absolutely agree that it would be nice if Canada had a larger military. I guess what we could do, is borrow trillions of dollars we don’t have, with annual deficits of trillions of dollars, and fund a fairly large and well-equipped armed force. But alas, we balance budgets, and only spend what we have.
Current Canadian Bank Bailout Spending: $0.00
Dave From Canada on March 23, 2009 at 11:17 PM
You should probably complain to the Army veteran who’s the show’s ombudsman about “Red Eye” disrespecting the military. He gets a lot of e-mails from U.S. troops overseas watching the show.
jon1979 on March 23, 2009 at 11:34 PM
It’s a “burning bridges day” for you, eh?
unclesmrgol on March 23, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Give me a break. We get dumped on all the time, as your post shows. As for ignorance of geography, I’m not sure the knowledge of the average Canadian about the US is all that great, either, beyond the usual tourist spots or centers of power. We’re probably not as ignorant down here, relatively, as you’d like to believe, or as the convenient stereotype would have it.
You’ve never had to do so. If you’d like to start, there are plenty of taxpayers down here who would probably love to oblige.
ddrintn on March 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Where is this place we’re talking about? These Canadians have it totally wrong — there are four Great Lakes, not three.
unclesmrgol on March 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Come to think of it, saying that is sort of like saying that my brown hair is one of my commendable virtues.
ddrintn on March 23, 2009 at 11:48 PM
OK, this debate is a bit ridiculous. The first thing that I would like to point out us that we all become aware of, and learn about, those things that cross our field of view each day. Yes, Americans are woefully ignorant of many parts of the world, but so are Canadians.
If I were to ask a Canadian what is the capital of Kazakhstan (Astara), very few could answer. You should know, shouldn’t you?. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world after all. It is much larger than Great Britain or Japan. Ahhhh, you didn’t know that either did you? Why not?
The truth is that we learn about those things that impact us. The actions of the United States impact almost everybody, so most people in the world are aware of the United States and know something about our country.
Many people around the world see the USA as the measuring stick by which their own countries are measured. So people learn about the United States to make the comparison. Often, the animosity toward the United States starts when the comparison find their own countries wanting.
So now I ask, what overt impact does Canada have on the United States each day to bring itself into the view of Americans?
The answer is nearly none. Not overtly. The United States gets a lot of energy and resources from Canada. Our economies are closely intertwined. But that is not overt. Most Canadians as well as Americans take it for granted.
I bet that most Americans can name at least a few Canadian beers. Because those cross our view. I bet most Americans can name at least a few cities in Canada. Can most Canadians name a few cities in Ukraine? Probably not, it is not information that routinely comes into your view.
Americans are self-absorbed because we like to feel that we don’t need anybody else. The American way is to stand up on your own feet and make your own future. It is part of what makes us successful as a country and a culture. We do not worry much about other countries unless they become a threat. Sorry, no offense intended, but Canada is not really a threat to us.
So when you get offended because Americans do not know much about Canada, that is because you are in fact the one that does not understand how people gather information and learn. I bet there are a whole lot of Europeans that don’t know squat about Canada too. But it seems that every nationality likes to hammer Americans with that straw dog argument. Americans are expected to know about every country in the world in depth. But you really need to get off it. Because if you are offended that Americans do not know more about your country, that is more a sign of your own lack of confidence in your worth than any indictment of America.
Hawthorne on March 24, 2009 at 12:32 AM
The MSM doesn’t make a big deal about the other countries’ troops fighting along side our GIs against these terrorists, and the American public is pretty unconcerned about them anyway, which I think is wrong.
America is the butt of more than just jokes and wisecrackers but also out and out invective, so a few well-meaning (though badly timed in this case) cracks against Canada bringing on this level of outrage is ridiculous.
I salute and appreciate the British, the Canadians, the Frenchmen, and many others that have shed their blood alongside Americans in many wars. Though, I reserve the right to laugh at them, and at us.
Dr. ZhivBlago on March 24, 2009 at 12:34 AM
Actually, there are five Great Lakes. Not three, not four.
As for the comment made by Greg and Co., THIS Canadian was severely p*ssed off. I spent an hour today on a bridge to wait for the passing of the hearses of the FOUR boys of whom made their way back home today. Call it bad timing for Greg and Co., but still, those comments where not needed. We brought another soldier home last week. I happen to live near the Air Base where they fly our boys home. We see the planes as they arrive. Every Canadian mourns the loss of boys (and not a single Canadian would EVER pull a Code Pink). When boys are dying, no matter what nationality they are, the Country DESERVES RESPECT!!!
pcbedamned on March 24, 2009 at 12:39 AM
Greg Gutfeld’s a newscaster now? I thought he was just the host of a quirky comedy show that rips on everyone.
baldilocks on March 24, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Yes, the fiscal responsibility of Canada has helped them actually reach a lower per capita debt than the USA. But that did not happen until midway through the Bush administration. Prior to that, each Canadian citizen owed more than each American citizen in public debt.
Recent governments in Canada started cutting back some spending due to more fiscally conservative policies in Ottawa. But one thing you need to really take a look at is how spending on your military has changed.
Canada now spends about 1% of its budget on the military. Many of your military commanders have expressed concern that current spending levels have left the military incapable of operations in an active role. That is what prompted your commanders to ask for the one year stand down that was ridiculed by Fox News.
Studies have shown that the commitment in funds for the Canadian military has been insufficient for some time. In fact, some studies have shown that if Canada does not change its direction that the Canadian military will cease to exist by 2015. I refer you to:
On guard for thee? Canada’s shrinking military
The thing that you may not understand is that the way that Canada has managed to balance its budget is by sacrificing your military to maintain social programs. There is good reason to believe that the only reason that you can get away with it is because the United States defends you.
If you would like more information on this subject, you should Google references on Canada Command and U.S. Northern Command. What you will find is that since 2002 Canada has been slowly ceding the responsibility for its own defense to a joint US-Canada force structure.
In other words, you get away with it because the citizens of the Untied States are paying for your national defense. So we add to our own national debt, so that Canada can provide social services and avoid adding to their own.
Yet every time we turn around you guys insult is and disrespect us. You call us stupid and uneducated. But you ignore that your freedom is now being paid for with US dollars and the blood of US soldiers as much as your own.
I don’t ask for your thanks. I don’t even ask for you to pay for your own military. But I do ask that you show a little respect for what America contributes to your freedom and lifestyle. What the people on Fox did was wrong. But it does not justify the ridiculous anti-American sentiment that seems to be growing in Canada.
Hawthorne on March 24, 2009 at 1:10 AM
No, there are only four. Look at it from Canada’s viewpoint, which is what Bob and Doug MacKenzie’s geography lession illustrated. Consider that of your putative five, Lake Michigan is contained wholly within the United States.
In other words, it’s a joke, son!
unclesmrgol on March 24, 2009 at 1:14 AM
Yes, you do. That also goes both directions. I get on a lot of boards and there are many many more attacks that are launched by Canadians on the USA than by American citizens on Canada.
Hawthorne on March 24, 2009 at 1:19 AM
Have you actually been to Canada recently? The overwhelming majority like us, Molson commercials aside.
We and the Canadians do have some policy differences, such as tariffs on lumber and how far Canada’s sovereign borders extend in the direction of the North Pole. We will work these out.
Dave in Canada crows about how little Canada’s military is, but I doubt he thinks about what size it would have to be if the US were a bit more bellicose with respect to our mutual border. After all, Victoria by rights really ought to be in the United States…
Warren G. Harding Memorial, Stanley Park, Vancouver.
unclesmrgol on March 24, 2009 at 1:28 AM
But all of those attacks stop at the first donut shop they see….
unclesmrgol on March 24, 2009 at 1:29 AM
The first third was plenty. Now you might say I jumped to conclusions, clearly I don’t think that I did, but the word “Hypocrisy” doesn’t even fit at all. You need to choose another word/term, like “Quick to judge” or something so that you make sense anyway.
MB4 on March 24, 2009 at 1:36 AM
Oh give it a rest. I am a Canadian married to an American, and as much as Canadians rants about American ignorance; most Canadians really don’t what the hell they are talking about in relation to the United States and really don’t “know” Americans.
How much do you know about New Zealand? Not much I gather.
Faramir on March 24, 2009 at 1:36 AM
Oh that is so yesterday. Just put it on the kids and grandkids credit card. They won’t mind.
MB4 on March 24, 2009 at 1:39 AM
I live in the Detroit area. My ex-wife is Canadian. My children are half Canadian, of course. I used to go to Windsor regularly to eat at the Tunnel Barbecue or Ings (Chinese Restaurant). One of my closest friends is Canadian and lives in Hamilton. I go to visit him a couple times a year. I used to go to Canada a couple times a month. I still go a few times every year. It is harder now with all the security at the bridge and tunnel.
Yes, the majority of Canadians are pretty much just like Americans (until you hit Quebec). I have had very little trouble with Canadians outside of Quebec. You can’t count the Quebecois though. Some are militant about their French heritage. Even to the point of being as rude as the real French about it.
I have not noticed a marked difference in the treatment from Canadians over time. But I am also nearly 6’6″ and 325 lbs. Most people are polite to me out of self-preservation instincts. So that is hard to judge for me. I also know that many people will be polite to your face even though they hate your guts.
Hawthorne on March 24, 2009 at 1:47 AM
I for one would like to state how much we do appreciate the Canadian soldiers who are fighting alongside us in Afghanistan.
I also would ask any Canadians that have never seen Red Eye to understand that it is a VERY satirical look at the news and is full of constant nonsense. Some people think it’s funny – others think its stupid. It is not a serious news show — It comes on at 3am in the morning! Please at least watch the entire segment to see where one of the guests praises the Canadian servicemen and Gutfield heartily agrees. If you would watch a half hour of the show, you would see that they make fun of everyone including themselves.
That said, there is a strong feeling in America that although we are certainly grateful for any help that the UK, Canada, Australia, and some other European countries give, the burden in most any international coalition, in both servicemember lives and money, overwhelmingly falls on American shoulders. The idea that an army would take a year off in any sense of the phrase is truly laughable to most Americans. That is not criticism of Canada as a whole and definitely not of the members of the Canadian armed forces, but unbelief at the political leadership in Canada. We’d like a little respect for all the sacrifices that Americans almost uniquely make to keep most of our allies safe. If you are going to take a year off, at least express eternal gratefulness that we are still here to keep our friends and allies to the north safe.
willamettevalley on March 24, 2009 at 1:48 AM
Some talk of how small Canada’s Army is, but the U.S. Army isn’t exactly very large now. 500,000 guys (a significant number of those ‘guys’ are now gals) out of a nation of 300,000,000. During RVN, at the peak, there were 1,500,000 guys in the Army when the population was under 200,000,000. Plus it is basically the same guys going over and over and over again. As far as the lament of, “Well, most Americans are paying for it”, well, not really as it is being put on the credit card of those not even born yet.
MB4 on March 24, 2009 at 1:49 AM
Um, Canada outsources their healthcare and medical research to the US. Why not send their tanks to us, too? I see a trend of dependency here.
The fact they are in the fight down in Afghanistan speaks volumes to their credit, but this year-long hiatus is just stupid.
Black Adam on March 24, 2009 at 3:11 AM
As I’ve said before, John C. Garand was a Canadian. His contribution to our victory in WWII was huge. For me, that’s enough to send warm fuzzies to Canada for a few more generations.
Problem is, the worst of our two cultures doesn’t respect man-made boundaries and we end up sniping at each other over stuff that should be ignored.
We need each other. Let’s get past this and get on with defending North America from outsiders who would do us harm.
Now if we can just do something about the evil insiders…
SKYFOX on March 24, 2009 at 5:31 AM
Well,if my facts are correct after WW2,Canada,had the
3rd largest Navy.
And I know Canada is lacking in Military hardware,I
think, for what we have,were doing our best!
Why,SarahCuda was dragged into this is a bit strange,
and I don,t believe Canada is inviteing in the USSR,
unless,its a reference to the North passage,and the lack
of ships and personnel to patrol that area!
And neighbours do have disagreements,I like Red eye,so
as a Canadian,I’m not offended,but those that were offend
ed are the Military!!
canopfor on March 24, 2009 at 7:30 AM
It is a show that does Satire of the news. The majority of the clip was talking about Canada not having a military in the future because they are so thin stretched. Greg even said he respects the military from Canada. Get over it people. By the way I do thank Canada for their contribution in the War on Terror, monetarily and with lives lost.
sweet92169 on March 24, 2009 at 8:50 AM
After tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, I’d gladly fight alongside Brits, Aussies, Canadians and/or Kiwis. See a trend? Add to that Danes, Poles, Czechs, and Georgians (I worked with their Commandos in Iraq and came away impressed).
Despite that, we – and more importantly our allies – need to face the following fact. Our allies – including Canada – have relied on the US to protect them for decades, and have consequently allowed their own militaries to shrink and shrivel to the point of near uselessness. The Eastern Europeans I mentioned are exempt from that criticism for reasons that should be obvious.
One reason European countries have had the ability to lavish their populations with extravagant welfare state benefits is that they’ve spent relatively little on defense. The reason they’ve been able to spend so little on defense is that we’ve defended them so effectively over the last 50+ years. Now that we’ve asked our allies to carry their weight in defending the free world they find themselves unable and, in some cases, unwilling.
None of that reflects on the quality of their troops, but as a German observer said of the British during the Boehr War, “Their Soldiers are lions, but their generals are jackasses”. In this case, the jackasses are their civilian leadership.
OscarSchneegans on March 24, 2009 at 8:56 AM
The guy was poking fun at the idea of not having a standing army for a year, not making light of Canadian sacrifices. I heard people on that show say that they appreciate their contributions. He apologized promptly when people were offended.
Seems like much ado about nothing.
brogers on March 24, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Hahahahahahahhaha.
Yeah, that piqued my humourometer.
Anyhoo, really, seemed Greg was just giving Canada stick, as opposed to directly ragging on the military. If you really wanted to nitpick, then I’d say he was giving it more to the brass or the pollies than the individual fighting soldier.
*shrugs*..
I know I might feel compelled to defend ANZAC soldiers if they copped some stick, but chances are I’d eventually remember I was watching Red Eye, so..
Reaps on March 24, 2009 at 9:12 AM
A Gutfeld;
VA TE FAIRE FOUTRE SALE YOUPIN!!!!!!!!!
jordy2009 on March 24, 2009 at 9:16 AM
That the Red Eye people are ignorant, ungrateful and classless goes without saying.
But considering that the bodies of Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, Cpl. Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes have just been returned from Afghanistan, some of the comments on this board are appalling.
Dave Rywall on March 24, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Oh, and
This just in:
Canadian news has nothing better to do than make a big deal out of a 2am cable college-humour show.
Reaps on March 24, 2009 at 9:22 AM
As usual, Gutfeld et.al. are dopes. Monica, also as usual, is the only one there to make any sense.
Mr. Grump on March 24, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Oh, and
This just in:
Canadian news has nothing better to do than make a big deal out of a 2am cable college-humour show.
Reaps on March 24, 2009 at 9:22 AM
———
Afghanistan is an extremely sensitive topic up here.
Nobody gives a shit that you don’t understand that.
Dave Rywall on March 24, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Has anyone asked the question of Canada WHY they have suffered so many casualties especially in Kandahar Province? We cleaned Kandahar out in 2005, and turned it over to NATO to hold the ground. Now we have to go back in. Something to do with NATO Countries rules of engagement. We are going back in 4 years later to reestablish Kandahar, we already did that once…WHY because the NATO troops are not American Troops. That is the reality. Who wants to spend American lives twice because NATO is NOT getting the job done? Maybe somebody needs to dig deeper into the situation on the ground. Try asking an American Solider or Marine who has spent time in Afghanistan. The Canadians like our European counterparts think we are uptight because we are efficient. Why? Because we want to get the job done and go home.
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Not funny at all, nor a sincere apology:
starfleet_dude on March 24, 2009 at 9:52 AM
I have spoken to someone who has been in Afghanistan my brother in law he was there in 2005, and he is well aware of NATO deficiencies. What does everyone think we are sending in 17,000. troops and marines in for? To clean up the Taliban again, NATO couldn’t hold the territory. Google “NATO rules of Engagement”
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Speaking as a Canadian and Red Eye viewer, Gutfeld is right in that he was completely misunderstood.
This kind of joke falls in the category of “so when are we annexing Canada”, “Where’s Canada?”, “What Canadian military?”, “What’s their dollar worth, 3 cents?”.
Gutfeld would never mean to disrespect the loss of western soldiers fighting allied wars, he was just making Canada jokes.
Even Canadians make these same jokes, or make them on the people of Newfoundland (the newffies).
This started with Red Eye detractors (David Frum) jumping on the occasion to go “YOU CAN’T INSULT CANADA’S MILITARY THEY DIED FOR US” in a cynical attempt to get cheap rhetorical revenge.
ebrawer on March 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM
ebrawer, what part of Gutfeld’s cutsie twitter “My apologies to the Canadian military, they probably could at least beat the Belgians.” is truly sincere? Or even funny?
starfleet_dude on March 24, 2009 at 10:04 AM
This started with Red Eye detractors (David Frum) jumping on the occasion to go “YOU CAN’T INSULT CANADA’S MILITARY THEY DIED FOR US” in a cynical attempt to get cheap rhetorical revenge.
ebrawer on March 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Exactly! I guess all the American Military Dead from Afghanistan don’t count…it only counts if you are A NATO troop. Has anyone bothered to see why Afghanistan is back where it was after we had defeated the Taliban? One word “NATO”
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 10:04 AM
No apology was required, this Canadian defense minister twisted the words of Gutfeld. Gutfeld was not knocking the Canadian military, he was knocking the lazy and irresponsible attitude of the Canadian government that is happy to sit back and allow America to carry all the burden for keeping North America free.
It’s this Canadian defense minister and the Canadian government that owes Americans an apology for refusing to carry their fair share of the load.
Maxx on March 24, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Ah, I see the Gutfeld twitter statement is bogus. I should have known better.
starfleet_dude on March 24, 2009 at 10:34 AM
No apology was required, this Canadian defense minister twisted the words of Gutfeld. Gutfeld was not knocking the Canadian military, he was knocking the lazy and irresponsible attitude of the Canadian government that is happy to sit back and allow America to carry all the burden for keeping North America free.
It’s this Canadian defense minister and the Canadian government that owes Americans an apology for refusing to carry their fair share of the load.
Maxx on March 24, 2009 at 10:20 AM
———-
What a steaming pile of bullshit.
Dave Rywall on March 24, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Saw the show, thought it was funny. It was a political joke and he did agree that he has “tremendous respect for anyone who serves,” whether Canadian or American. Over.
The point is dead-on accurate. You can argue about the effectiveness, equity and cost of socialist approaches to health care but the reason Europe has been able to do it at all is because they do not have military budgets to worry about. They have the US! So, the idea that the US can become some sort of groovy, Euro place where health care is “free” yet still be the world’s police.. oh wait, that’s right! The same people that want national health also do not want us to be the world’s police cuz they don’t like violence (unless it is against someone who disagrees with them). No military, no problem! Peace, dude!
yubley on March 24, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Nothing like poking a finger in the eye of a good country, seems par for the course for this administration. Where did they find all of these idiots anyway? I thought it was a remake of the Clinton administration, but they didn’t make big mistakes like this.
workingforpigs on March 24, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Every single person on that show should be removed from whatever job it is that they do. My shoes have higher IQ’s.
Who do they think hung out in Afghanistan while we fought in Iraq? Canada. They deserve a break and other UN countries can finally step up to the plate and justify their membership.
tmq on March 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Get off your high horse Ryan and save the feigned outrage. Every dead soldier is a tragedy.
That’s not the issue. The issue is Canadians get their titties in a knot over some obscure show most Americans don’t even watch.
Faramir on March 24, 2009 at 11:12 AM
That doesn’t negate the fact that Canada and the rest of our NATO allies have such pathetically small defense budgets that they are incapable of supporting their pathetically small number of troops on the battlefield without American logistics.
Face it. The US is the only member of NATO that has pulled it’s weight – and then some – over the last 50+ years. It’s high time for our allies to step up. The US is not the only country at risk in this global war.
OscarSchneegans on March 24, 2009 at 11:16 AM
I am more embarassed that David Frum is a Canadian.
And yes, some of these posters prove that Canadians have a gift for being perpetually offended.
Faramir on March 24, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Canadian defense minister. He has what 56 people to supervise? Enough of this northern aggression. The Police Force of a minor U.S. city could conquer Canada. Carve it up into new states. With the fall of the big fort in the Revolutionary War all of Canada was at our disposal.
Jerricho68 on March 24, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Get off your high horse Ryan and save the feigned outrage. Every dead soldier is a tragedy.
That’s not the issue. The issue is Canadians get their titties in a knot over some obscure show most Americans don’t even watch.
Faramir on March 24, 2009 at 11:12 AM
——
I’m no more or less annoyed than you would be.
As for the obscureness of he show, I guess this is kind of like rightie Americans getting their titties in a knot over the Daily Show?
Dave Rywall on March 24, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I am more embarassed that David Frum is a Canadian.
And yes, some of these posters prove that Canadians have a gift for being perpetually offended.
Faramir on March 24, 2009 at 11:17 AM
——–
Hard to believe David Frum the clown is the product of Barbara Frum the angel.
Dave Rywall on March 24, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Food for thought:
Jon Stewart would have gotten away with saying this.
Agree or disagree, and why?
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 24, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Face it. The US is the only member of NATO that has pulled it’s weight – and then some – over the last 50+ years. It’s high time for our allies to step up. The US is not the only country at risk in this global war.
OscarSchneegans on March 24, 2009 at 11:16 AM\
YES exactly. The reality is we turned over Kandahar to NATO in 2005 after cleaning out the Taliban. All NATO had to do was hold the territory, now we have to go back in to fight the same battles again. But I guess the Canadians, and the rest of NATO think American Military Troops are expendable?
Any casualties the U.S or NATO suffer are from the Enemy we are ALL fighting. Maybe Canada should release a statement telling us how terrible they feel about U.S. causalities. After all we are allies fighting the same WAR.
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Actually, I’d love to see Canada increase its military spending significantly. The main reason it hasn’t is because of a long Liberal rule in Ottawa. But now that military spending has begun to increase, and Canadian soldiers are pulling their weight, certain people decide to deride their efforts. That makes no sense. And if America had huge deficit problems soley because of military spending, I’d agree with you, and be sympathetic. But we all know that it’s entitlement spending that’s breaking the bank.
I just wish people weren’t so quick to stereotype, and diminish the efforts of the Canadian military in Afghanistan, and lumping us in the same boat as Germany, France and other cowardly NATO “allies.” The Red Eye panel needs to make itself better informed when it decides to ignorantly discuss certain topics.
Dave From Canada on March 24, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Dave From Canada on March 24, 2009 at 12:45 PM
EXCEPT Canada had to follow the same rules of engagement. Again Kanadhar had been cleaned out in 2005 by the Americans we handed it off to NATO.
KABUL, Afghanistan — A British general moved to quell fears about rules of engagement as NATO prepared to assume command of Canada’s troops in southern Afghanistan Monday.
Instead of reporting to American military officials, Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, who is head of multinational forces in Regional Command South, will answer to British Gen. David Richards, leader of the NATO-led
Dave From Canada on March 24, 2009 at 12:45 PM
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Canadian combat soldiers had worried that under NATO they would operate under stricter rules of engagement preventing them from defending themselves properly, and that they might be prosecuted under international law if they responded to a threat in a way permitted by Canada, but forbidden by NATO.
Richards said the NATO Rules of Engagement (ROE), agreed to by the troop-contributing nations, are adequate.
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=63b93669-64f0-4a0a-95b5-920632d6f3ea&k=76096
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 1:11 PM
I didn’t mean to stick your tag in the middle.
Dave From Canada on March 24, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Food for thought:
Jon Stewart would have gotten away with saying this.
Agree or disagree, and why?
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 24, 2009 at 12:40 PM
———
I highly doubt he would touch the subject with a ten foot pole.
Dave Rywall on March 24, 2009 at 1:17 PM
Ed, mentioned Obama sidestepping NATO here and I chimed in on that thread…I trust Robert Gates a whole lot more then I do NATO.
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/03/23/winning-friends-internationally-again/
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Why not? He hits on a lot of controversial stuff.
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 24, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Most military’s are not set up for a long drawn out struggle.
The Canadians possess a very professional, albeit very small, force that has had to stretch small procurement budgets for the past forty years due to very liberal governments. Canada’s Joint Task Force 2 has received our Presidential Unit Citation for service in Afghanistan and the longest sniper kill evah was accomplished by a Canadian sniper in Afghanistan serving with their PPCLI regiment (over 2 miles or some such distance….). Yes they have relied on their bigger brother to the South (what are North Americans for but to help out other North Americans!) but the Canadians have always tried to pull their weight as a member of NATO and NORAD and I will remind all of you what the Canadians did to literally thousands of airline passengers, most Americans, on 9/11/2001: made sure that planes landed safe that were over their territory, fed and housed the passengers until the okay to fly again was given.
These morons on the show need to:
a) Learn politeness
b) Learn respect for warriors who fight to defend freedom regardless of nationality
c) Learn some history
d) Stay south of our northern border
e) Learn to make fun friends in a way that makes them laugh as well – it’s called comedy.
f) Join the ranks of those serving Big Macs.
Bubba Redneck on March 24, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Bubba Redneck on March 24, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Or the Canadians could just grow a pair and ignore it.
Dr Evil on March 24, 2009 at 2:13 PM
“Don’t make fun of us, buddy!”
“I’m not your buddy, guy!”
“Don’t call me guy, friend!”
Blacklake on March 24, 2009 at 2:59 PM
They do realize that Red Eye is completely irreverant satire that routinuely makes intentional factual errors and airs at three in the morning, right?
With that said, the contribution Canada is making in Afghanistan is really neglected in our media. The only time I’m reminded of it is when Don Cherry salutes more dead troops each week on Coach’s Corner.
Sign of the Dollar on March 24, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Just get ready for round 2.
I heard some wannabe reporter was watching Bigger, Longer and Uncut Sunday night; Matt and Trey, consider yourselves on notice.
Bic667 on March 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM
The strategy in Afghanistan seems to consist of taking, leaving and then retaking the same town over and over again. Thiss a postmodern approach to warfare is doomed to failure.
aengus on March 24, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Neither is ours. Adapt and overcome.
Canada is not pulling its weight. Yes, they’re doing better than the French and the Germans, but is that anything to brag about?
“Canada: at least we’re better than France and Germany!”
The rest of the free world – including Canada – needs to start pulling its own weight if they wish to remain free.
OscarSchneegans on March 24, 2009 at 4:28 PM
peacenprosperity on March 23, 2009 at 9:45 PM
your ignorance becomes you.
spareadime on March 24, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Well, yeah. The Red Eye thing still is nowhere near as vile as, say, Heather Mallick, who’s still going strong, I take it. I don’t hold Canada responsible.
ddrintn on March 24, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Hawthorne,
Your country analogy is ridiculous!
Kazakhstan is large only in regards to land mass which is a absurd standard to consider. It has only 15 million people which means in generally conversation it is considered a small country while Japan with 127 million is consdered large and India with 1 billion huge. Honestly when was the last time people spoke of a country with regards to their physical size.
DustyGreen on March 24, 2009 at 6:06 PM
The USA IS IGNORANT by anyone standards, the UN does a survey of education across a selection of developed countries and we come pitifully low everytime. Facts say or neighbors to the north and in Europe know more not just about other countries but science, history math and writing skills.
In an increasingly globalized world where US dominance is ona steady decline this fact is going to shoot us in the foot. We don’t just pay attention to what affects us, we are to ignorant to even guess what may affect us, thus we are woefully unprepared.
DustyGreen on March 24, 2009 at 6:06 PM
The most pertinent question that has been overlooked: How in the world is this show still on TV? I’ve seen it a half dozen times and I don’t remember even cracking a smile. It’s painfully unfunny.
johnnynucleo on March 24, 2009 at 6:12 PM
umm… is it just me or…. i dont get it? i did no hear anything bad or wrong anyone on the show said… besides maybe fundamental norweigens (can’t spell that) but really? is the pm/ or what ever this tools name or title is; of Canada this big of a pussy to even be offended by what greg said? all he said was they had no army, and were pretty much pansys… which is a common steroetype and pretty true imho…
Well, to answer my own question – Canada is not mad at Gutfeld, since the headline was “FOX MOCKS CANADA TROOPS” or “FOX MOCKS FALLEN CANADIAN SOILDERS CAUSE FOX IS EVIL”
The fact that soooo many poeple, some american , a very few of them are americans that now live in canada, or from canada living in america, calling our soilders terrorist…. when we lost 4000… alot mroe than 4…
Also Celine dione is very anti war….. so we demand an appology cause she is insentive to our 4k men lost? yeah didnt think so.
This is only an attempt to bash Fox
Donut on March 24, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Yeah, and the UN is totally disinterested. Of course the education system in the country stinks. That doesn’t mean there are loads of Einsteins north of the border, though.
I’m reminded a little of the ridiculous Reporters Without Borders “press freedom rankings” in which the media here were considered to be less “free” than in just about any European country.
ddrintn on March 24, 2009 at 6:17 PM
I watched all the news clips at the link the big picture goes to.
My God what a bunch of F’ing babies.
Gutfield was not insulting thier troops, they were joking about the buereuracracy.
I rememeber when Trimuph the Dog was in Montreal making fun of Canadians, they got in a huge uproar about that.
Canadians are sanctimonious little babies… and believe me, they have no qualms talking smack about us.
VinceP1974 on March 24, 2009 at 7:57 PM
My good opinion of the HotAir community is considerably reduced. Talk about a remarkable lack of ability to place yourselves in someone else’s shoes.
Let’s try this: someone flies a jetliner into a building in downtown Toronto, killing thousands. You offer your support to Canada, including sending troops overseas to help take down the cabal that hosted the attackers. Your troops are busy fighting and dying, with a planned operational stand-down coming up. A Canadian comedy host starts yacking about how the Americans are taking time off to run around in capri pants and paint landscapes, pussies that they are. What a ridiculous country, he says. Someone else chimes in that he didn’t even know the Americans were fighting. Their soldiers are doing so little, after all, it’s barely noticeable.
I think you’d call it like it is: the comedian is a shithead.
One more thing: when Heather Mallick spewed her supposedly entertaining bile in a CBC opinion piece about American conservatives (not even the soldiers, as I recall) a lot of people on HotAir were rightly disgusted. A lot us Canucks were too. Many outraged letters were written to CBC, including by myself. After seeing the outrage the editor of CBC published a full-page apology, promising that this would never happen again.
You’ll notice the difference in response here. Of course, in this case it’s made worse that it comes from Fox. They’ve just given the left added ammunition. At least with CBC we all know it’s a rabidly leftist nutswamp, so it only reflects badly on the loons. Foxnews, on the other hand, is blue on blue. Thanks a lot gents.
Clue in people. We’re you allies. Our soldiers deserve better than this. Gutfeld is a shithead.
Gaunilon on March 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM
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