Security over personal freedom?

Re: Canadian among dead terror suspects, March 19.

It’s been embarrassing to see our nationality associated with terrorism again. I believe that anyone so involved and unable to pledge true loyalty to our nation has only become Canadian for ulterior motives, hence abusing Canadian benevolence. (Thanks to decades of dismal immigration policies by political parties which support the system because they wish to placate the persistent demands of special interest groups, or go against anything the Conservatives advance.)

Whether these so-called “Canadians” are foreign or homegrown, incompetent policies have allowed for the importation and fermentation of evil ideologies and extremism on Canadian soil. Should the 50-plus residents of this country likely involved in related activities, as revealed by Canadian security authorities, be able to continue plotting unrestricted — under the protection of the Charter — while enjoying the freedom we all expect?

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is trying to fix things while respecting the rights of our diverse cultures. One would hope that the proposed enforcing of rules would reduce, if not eliminate, future abuses of the Canadian name. Doubtful. The problem goes much deeper — the politically correct and apathetic manner which the western world has been so irresponsibly complacent.

With the rapid changes in demographics and unless appropriate measures are implemented soon — similar to Australia perhaps — for cultures to better assimilate in accordance with our laws and societal beliefs, it seems increasingly illusionary to believe that good will prevail.

Should we err on the side of security rather than personal freedom? I believe that most Canadians don’t think so.

There will be a time in a not-toodistant future when our laissezfaire could become irrevocable, to the detriment of political and social stability for future generations and traditional Canadianism.

RICHARD COURTEMANCHE,

Orléans