Questions About The Arctic That George W. Bush Won't Be Asked In Saskatoon Today
Right wingers will be salivating over George W. Bush in Saskatoon today. Too bad that none of them will ask him about the 'Arctic Policy' that he implemented in the final days of his presidency. The Bush policy acknowledged that 'Climate Change' has affected the Arctic to the point that a northern passage, allowing international shipping, is now possible during the summer months.
The funny thing is that some of Saskatchewan's most prominent Climate Change Deniers will be amongst the salivating crew that simply worship George W.
"Key elements of Bush's policy challenge the ambitious Arctic sovereignty agenda put forth by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that includes bolstering Canada's military presence and fostering economic and social development. The Bush directive reiterates that the Northwest Passage is an international waterway — a rebuttal of Canada's claim of sovereignty over what is emerging as a major global shipping route because of the shrinking polar ice cap — and it highlights the boundary dispute in the resource-rich Beaufort Sea. [...] Bush's memorandum directs several key agencies to define the full extent of U.S. Arctic boundaries because of its "compelling interest" in the region. The policy cites climate change, defence against possible terrorist threats and a "a growing awareness that the Arctic region is both fragile and rich in resources."
The text of the directive also contains a suggestion of the unilateralism that has sparked much international criticism of Bush.
"The United States has broad and fundamental national security interests in the Arctic region and is prepared to operate either independently or in conjunction with other states to safeguard these interests," the text says.
"The United States also has fundamental homeland security interests in preventing terrorist attacks and mitigating those criminal or hostile acts that could increase the United States vulnerability to terrorism in the Arctic region.
"This requires the United States to assert a more active and influential national presence to protect its Arctic interests and to project sea power throughout the region."
The document also urges U.S. co-operation in a number of bilateral settings, including the Arctic Council and the International Maritime Organization to develop "new international arrangements" as human activity in the region grows."
Bush Asserts Power Over Arctic Straits.
The funny thing is that some of Saskatchewan's most prominent Climate Change Deniers will be amongst the salivating crew that simply worship George W.
"Key elements of Bush's policy challenge the ambitious Arctic sovereignty agenda put forth by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that includes bolstering Canada's military presence and fostering economic and social development. The Bush directive reiterates that the Northwest Passage is an international waterway — a rebuttal of Canada's claim of sovereignty over what is emerging as a major global shipping route because of the shrinking polar ice cap — and it highlights the boundary dispute in the resource-rich Beaufort Sea. [...] Bush's memorandum directs several key agencies to define the full extent of U.S. Arctic boundaries because of its "compelling interest" in the region. The policy cites climate change, defence against possible terrorist threats and a "a growing awareness that the Arctic region is both fragile and rich in resources."
The text of the directive also contains a suggestion of the unilateralism that has sparked much international criticism of Bush.
"The United States has broad and fundamental national security interests in the Arctic region and is prepared to operate either independently or in conjunction with other states to safeguard these interests," the text says.
"The United States also has fundamental homeland security interests in preventing terrorist attacks and mitigating those criminal or hostile acts that could increase the United States vulnerability to terrorism in the Arctic region.
"This requires the United States to assert a more active and influential national presence to protect its Arctic interests and to project sea power throughout the region."
The document also urges U.S. co-operation in a number of bilateral settings, including the Arctic Council and the International Maritime Organization to develop "new international arrangements" as human activity in the region grows."
Bush Asserts Power Over Arctic Straits.
If we lived in a truly just society Bush would be in a holding cell tonight at Saskatoon Police Service. I thought Canada arrested persons who invaded sovereign nations without provocation and are known or suspected of war crimes including the sanctioning of torture.
Today for the first time since I moved from Saskatoon to Regina two months ago I can honestly say I was glad to be living here instead of there.
Now that Dubya is gone I'm just hoping that our Riders can keep it together with Weston Dressler out for the season. See I'm speaking like a true green & white Reginian already!
Posted by
Elliott Taylor |
6:14 pm, October 21, 2009