Actions matter, not rhetoric

Re: Canada snubbed for UN seat, June 18

If Canada learns anything from its failure to win a seat on the UN Security Council, it should be this; the world judges us by our actions, not our rhetoric.

Canada cannot espouse the cause of human rights, then stand by while Palestinians are systematically stripped of theirs. Canada cannot claim to support the rule of international law, only to engage in illegal, non-un sanctioned, NATO attacks in the Middle East.

Latin American nations see clearly that Canada’s commitment to democracy is contradicted by its attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government of Venezuela. And Pacific nations recognize that Canada’s claim to ‘climate leadership’ cannot be reconciled with multibillion dollar, fossil fuel subsidies.

Saying one thing while doing another, invariably results in a loss of trust and respect.

Canada can thank other nations for reminding us that our actions must always reflect our professed ideals. Mike Ward, Duncan, B.C.