Well I was out in Kensington today for about 2 hours. I was able to collect about 75 signatures (138 in total now) for this petition calling upon the Government of Canada to begin the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from the counter-insurgency mission in Southern Afghanistan. The petion being in paper and not online, of course.

I was surprised at the good response I got today. I’d say around 60-70 percent of people who actually listened or read to see what the petition was about, signed it. It’s definitely not what you hear the media reporting about public perception to the war. My goal is to get 500 signatures by the end of November (May even be able to get more if I find more time and people to help me out.) Next week I plan on taking some other young New Democrats with me, and maybe we can double/triple the amount of signatures.

If you haven’t signed the petition yet, I suggest you do online. This mission is completely unbalanced. For every $1 spent on aid/reconstruction, now the Conservative government is spending $9 on the military effort in Southern Afghanistan. Also there is no clear definition for the mission and no exit strategy. It’s time to start question this mission, and it’s not unpatriotic or against the troops to do so. It’s democracy.

I will be recording question period, if I can’t find any.  However it would be great if I could find some online specifically with the President of the Treasury Board (the loud guy… I don’t remember his name) and Jason Kenney. And actually some with David Emerson as well. I’m putting together a political music video to a song called “Angry People”, and I got a great idea in my head.

If you know where, add a comment to this thread. It will be greatly appreciated and I will add your name or alias to the credits.