Since Paul Martin came into power, there has been a concerted effort on the part of the Canadian leadership to have a more friendly relationship with the US. Unlike the brain-dead Chretien, Martin has extensive private sector experience and understands that good relations with the US are central to Canadian well-being while peripheral to American well-being. If Canada does not cooperate with the US on matters relating to common defense and border security, there is little incentive for the US to be flexible on softwood lumber and cattle imports.

Martin's approach has been sensible and I welcome it, as believe it or not, I like a lot of things about Canada and want friendly cross-border relations. I think that's good for both of us.

Hinzman's case was ludicrous. How can a volunteer enlistee into the military claim conscientious objection? I am curious to see how expeditiously Hinzman is handed back to the States for court martial. It would not surprise me if the loony left tries to hide him and the Canadian justice bureaucracy deliberately creaks along slowly.

He has the right to have the decision reviewed by the Federal Court, and he will undoubtedly try, but it won't go anywhere.

I recommend perp walking home.

Martin has a minority government and needs to assuage the anglo-socialists from the NDP and the separatist-socialist Bloc Quebecois - both anti-American in outlook. Had he won a majority last time around, he wouldn't be dithering in his decisions concerning US-Canadian cooperation.

But power is what he wants, and to keep it he'll poke the Americans in the eye occasionally until he can call an election in the hopes of winning a majority.

Send them to Abu Ghraib.

Clap him in irons on the U.S.S. Ronald Reagen.

Let me tell you what will probably happen, ant least, what would probably happen in the absence of politically motivated command influence.

The guy will go to a G.C.M. for Desertion. The Court will carefully consider his claim of contientious objection. They are most unlikely to buy it as a defense, but they may give it some weight in Extenution and Mitigation, if they find the Accused credible and sympathetic. If he has allowed himself to be used for anti-American propaganda, he had better bring his toothbrush, but otherwise don't expect too much time. Cases like this are worth Four-Four-and-the-Door--A DD or BCD and enough brig time to process the paperwork.

"Cases like this are worth Four-Four-and-the-Door--A DD or BCD and enough brig time to process the paperwork."

Which is some sense is the best possible solution— treat him like any other common criminal. Deny him the attention he craves. Only the most looney Leftists will embrace him as a martyr, while everyone else can ignore him as is proper.

Iceland would probably take him. they would emberace him and crown him a national hero for standing up against the world's bully, the USA.