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How Canada failed citizen Maher Arar

JEFF SALLOT

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 4:54 PM EDT 19/09/06

Arar an innocent victim of inaccurate RCMP intelligence reports and of deliberate smears by Canadian officials, commission of inquiry says ...Read the full article

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  1. Firozali A. Mulla from Dar-Es-Salaam Tanzania, Tanzania writes: To enable me to comment the unbiased version, May I take the liberty of what the papers say. Then you may be able to judge that Canada has been VERY unfair to the Canadian citizen. Plus there plans to move more soldiers in Afghanistan and other places. Is this Mr. Harper’s country, one wonders after the election. Muslim held by U.S. was sent to Syria for interrogation Updated: 12:53 a.m. ET Sept. 19, 2006 TORONTO, Sept. 18 - Canadian intelligence officials passed false warnings and bad information to American agents about a Muslim Canadian citizen, after which U.S. authorities secretly whisked him to Syria, where he was tortured, a judicial report found Monday. The report, released in Ottawa, was the result of a 2 1/2-year inquiry that represented one of the first public investigations into mistakes made as part of the United States' 'extraordinary rendition' program, which has secretly spirited suspects to foreign countries for interrogation by often brutal methods. Is this not cruelty to the citizen. And I am talking from another paper that will not give biased opinion.
  2. Douglas Turner from Toronto, Canada writes: The only good news is that at long last Mr. Arar has been found innocent. I would hope that our government will now step up and find some way to redress the hurt and injustice done to him. It frightens me deeply to learn (yet again) how little regard our police services and government agents hold for the small details -- human rights, accuracy, disclosure and responsibility. We will be remembered not for how we treat those we agree with but for how we treat those we disagree with. If this is how we treat an innocent man, we are in a sorry state, indeed.
  3. James Young from Brantford, Canada writes: People are like sheep and they usually follow when the flock runs over a cliff, but now and then a few veer off and don't take the plunge. One expects the authorities and in particular the police, and more in particular the RCMP to act in an intelligent manner, and not follow the sheep. The image of the RCMP gets tarnished more and more. Some of their procedures and actions in recent years is similar to the actions of a small town police force in some obscure Southern US town. A critical look at the history of the RCMP reveals a lot actions taken that reflect no credit on the force. I suggest they spend too much time glorying in their propaganda, of which, they have plenty. Canadians expect more from the RCMP. When local police spout something, suspicion about their reports is automatic. A RCMP report used to be taken as definitive, but not anymore. They must correct this deficiency and start burnishing their image, which is badly corroded at this time. Those involved in this misery to ARAR should and must be prosecuted and held accountable. Heads should roll. Durgan.
  4. Les Caine from brampton, Canada writes: The RCMP/CSIS shared information with U.S. Authorities that this may be a person of interests. They were doing their job. The U.S. Government sent a Canadian citizen to a third country certain that he would be mistreated and possibly tortured with the net benefit being some additional information and certain detainment. It is the U.S. Government that owes Maher Arar and family compensation.
  5. Vik J from Toronto ON, Canada writes: How RCMP and Canadian authorities failed an innocent canadian citizen is something that both RCMP and Canada should be ashamed of. Its very easy to call cases like Mr. Arar's as 'fluke instances' or 'collateral damage', but honestly, no agency or government has the right to affect the life of an innocent citizen in a way that just leaves him or her incapable of living a normal, peaceful life. In my opinion, Mr. Stockwell Day, the RCMP and Canada should officially apologize to Mr. Arar and his compensation claims be settled.
  6. Norm Jom from Petawawa, Canada writes: Dare I type out another comment that the Globe will fail to print. Here goes. Having read many comments on the previous story, it seems that there are a lot of Canadians who do not believe in having rights or freedoms as guaranteed in our Constitution. What has happened to Arar can happen to any Canadian and in fact has to others and not just on terrorism related issues. At the very least Arar deserves compensation for what he had to endure as a result of our government (RCMP, CSIS, and MPs) who ignored our rule of law resulting in this injustice. This is not just about Arar, it is about what ALL Canadians can expect from our government, it is about how our government has ignored basic rights of citizenship. Many here seem to still think Arar is guilty, even though it has been pointed out that leaked reports were made up, which I assume most of you are relying on in your proclaimations. This report is also a commentary on the dangers of failing to stick to the principles of our constitution and charter of rights and freedoms. We should all be concerned with what has transpired and be supporting Arar, lest it happens to any one of us. It's a shame that so many think what happened is okay. Hopefully none of you will ever be falsely accused by our government, and with this report you may owe your very freedom to Arar and his carrying through with this case. Lets hope something positive comes of the reports recommendations so we never have to hear cases like this in the future. Its a very shameful day for Canada, but if we learn from this case hopefully we will be better for it.
  7. dwight steadman from Fort Macleod, Canada writes: Will any individuals within the RCMP or government be held responsible for this disgrace?
  8. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: 'Prime Minister Stephen Harper said later in the day that he will bring in new measures within weeks to respond to the recommendations.' Prime Minister Harper is becoming increasing talented in closing the barn door after the horse gets out. 'The Arar case cast a shadow over diplomatic relations with Washington until former prime minister Paul Martin obtained assurances from the White House that this would never happen again. The Liberals also set up the Arar inquiry.' Former Prime Minister Martin didn't cosy up with George Bush. With Martin, Emerson maybe didn't get the soft wood lumber deal closed as his minister, however the gov't did possess integrity and principles. Mr. Arar deserves a settlement. As taxpayers, we deserve answers from the RCMP and Prime Minister Harper.
  9. David Bakody from Dartmouth, writes: Maher Arar is an innocent victim of inaccurate RCMP intelligence reports and of deliberate smears by Canadian officials. Stevie Harper and Co. made billions of dollars of pledges for the RCMP in the last election. To have this happen with all the resources they have at the tips of their fingures speaks volumes of the lack of leadership at our highest levels of management. Perhaps the RCMP investigation team and management require moe training and personal to properley investigate all avenues rather than having to jump to American pressure in these circumstances.
  10. Peter Devlin from KL, Malaysia writes: And Justice for all! Lucky Arar, not so the 100's / 1000's of others the US has shipped off to countries of convenience to carry-out its dirty work. The RCMP has failed in its duty here and the Feceral Government should quickly ensure that a thorough review of RCMP practices be carried out and those who are guilty be held accountable. Mr Arar should not have to demand but should be awarded the apology of the Federal Government of Canada and given his life back and perhaps anything else reasonable he asks for!
  11. Brian Lowry from Fredericton, Canada writes: Another sterling moment for the RCMP -- well past time to clean house at RCMP headquarters, but probably no chance of the Conservatives ever standing up to the RCMP top brass.
  12. Proud Canadian from United States writes: Better to be save than sorry in this day and age.
  13. Judah Nanneti from Toronto, Canada writes: It is sad that RCMP failed in its duty to provide proper information and it provided Mehar Arar and his lawyers a great opportunity to rip Canadian tax payers. I am sure they will have plenty to enjoy rest of their lives for whatever suffering Mr. Arar endured in Syria. There is no doubt our government failed in providing proper information which forced Americans to send him back to Syria where he supposed to have suffered persecution. If, so why is not he sueing Syrian government ? Judah
  14. Jonathan Kilius from Canada writes: Great the liberal legacy goes on I wonder how much this will cost.
  15. s clark from Canada writes: It is difficult to believe, that in a world state of terrorist conflict, that unfortunate accidents will not occur. This fellow is not a Canadian born, and his name and ethnicity bring suspicion especially since the events of 911. Again, it may be regrettable, but if indeed this fellow was a terrorist, we as Canadians erred on the side of caution and that is indeed better than having the TD towers blown up! As to the matter of compensation, you have got to be kidding! This is not the first case of an ethnic group being persecuted for their ethnicity ( Chinese, Japanese, Jews ) and Canada has yet to set the record straight much less the rest of the world. Perhaps the fellow should return to Syria or another Arab country where his physical appearance will blend with the rest of the populace. Canadians are becoming more intolerant of ethnic groups that subscribe to values that are foreign and offensive, hence mistakes like this will continue as long as radical Islamic groups are allowed to terrorise the world!
  16. Les Caine from brampton, Canada writes: Imagine if the Canadian Government sent a visiting American to certain torture in a considered third world country. That the RCMP said that Maher Arar may be a person of interest (ultimately wrongly) was not a 'go to a third world jail' permit. Maher Arar is also a case which underlines the need to re-evaluate 'dual citizenship' in so much as it played a role in facilitating his transfer and detainment in his place of origin.
  17. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Erroneous info appears to be synonymous with our Mounties these days... the Airbus Affair, Sponsorship Scandal and now this. As a result, former PM Mulroney had his reputation dragged down the gutter, the Grits lost power to govern and now an innocent citizen suffered torture in the hands of 'animals' and probably scarred for life. But somehow the Mounties kept saying they did their best. Could someone in our government have the guts to stand up and tell them their best simply isn't good enough anymore?
  18. Doug Redhoffmen from Toronto, Canada writes: Now will someone kindly point out how quick Mr. Day was in opposition to actually thank the Americans for finding this guy and sending him to Syria, all the while pointing out how 'incompetent' the Liberal government was to not catch this 'terrorist' themselves. Now Mr. Day says the situation is entirely regretable. Will someone hold him accountable for finding an innocent man guilty, making public remarks that damaged Arar's reputation, or will we allow this 'accountable' government to go once again unaccounted for? Shamefull.
  19. robert coffey from Toronto, Canada writes: It's very disappointing that the Canadian Immigration Officials in NY did not demand that a Canadian Citizen be put into Canada's hands versus deportation to Syria. Where were the Canadian Officials? Why did the Liberal government not act to get a Canadian Citizen released into their custody. Is this area really covered in the report?
  20. nancy slauenwhite from Lun. Co., Canada writes: The way things are happening in this world today, it makes no wonder mistakes like this are made...but can anyone actually blame anyone for it. After the 911 attacks the whole world has lost its sense of safety & security. No one is safe anywhere. It is unfortunate that this man endured what he endured and I cannot begin to imagine the horror he went through and I pray he can recover from it. I also pray we, all the people of this whole wide world can recover from all the horror we see day to day on our TV's or read in our papers and on the airways... I pray that one day we can live in peace somehow. Imagine, Imagine, Imagine.....a world without war!!
  21. Barry Monette from Ottawa, Canada writes: This is a case where Canada's 'War against Terrorism' turned our secuity forces into the thing they are fighting against. We are constantly reminded that the fight for freedom and democracy is tough and requires pain and sacrifice. With Arar those security agents and officers who handed Arar over to the USA took the easy road. They lowered their vigilence, and in this battle, the bad guys won. To the extent that Arar was victimized due to racial stereotyping we proved the terrorists right. Freedom and democracy suffered. Now, thanks to the report, maybe the good guys (our Canadian guys) will step up to the task of fighting for freedom and human dignity.
  22. scott thomas from Canada writes: Very clearly, several members of the RCMP, CSIS, the diplomatic corps, and elected officials will now be under question as to why they deserve to maintain their jobs.
  23. Robert Rose from Mont-Royal, Canada writes: What country do we live in? Inaccurate RCMP intelligence reports, deliberate smears by Canadian officials, providing Canadian government information to foreign countries that practice torture directly or by proxy, investigators violating the force's existing policies, senior RCMP officers failing to properly supervise antiterrorist units, officers failing to inform the government properly and even misleading the Privy Council Office, officials leaking confidential and inaccurate information about the case to the media to damage the reputation of Canadian citizens (and to cover their...), officials failing to know what they ought to know (e.g. about the citizens they represent being tortured), failing to cooperate to secure the release of those citizens, and still harassing them after 'nothing was found'?... What country do we live in? That whole army of liars and crooks, those who lead them, support them or even just tolerate that they do what they do, deserve nothing else from us but utter contempt. They have disgraced themselves and have discredited completely the institutions they are in the employ of. What are they all waiting for, before they resign 'en masse'? Unless we, the people, see to it that this entire lot of liars and crooks are held criminally accountable, are punished most severely and are dishonourably discharged; unless we, the people, demand our public stables be scrubbed and cleaned thoroughly, beginning right now... Unless the tough get going, wherever we go fight and die for so-called Canadian 'values', from now on, we are bound to go fight and die there for nothing worth fighting for and, very soon, for nothing at all.
  24. D R from Toronto, Canada writes: Shameful how in Canada and the rest of the western world have sunk into such a terrorist witchhunt that innocent people like Mr. Arar can be subjected to such horrors. Mr. Arar should be appropriately compensated but that will not be enough. Canada will have to take a good hard look at itself and decide if we are really committed to evolving the society of tolerance, acceptance and understanding the world so desperately needs.
  25. Jack Ryan from Toronto, Canada writes: This is a horrid and frightening miscarriage of justice. Anyone who still asks why justice requires preliminary hearings, full disclosure of evidence to the defence, very limited capabilities to hold suspects without charge and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty; is a threat to our society. 'Maher Arar is an innocent victim of inaccurate RCMP intelligence reports and of deliberate smears by Canadian officials...' This could happen to any Canadian. The RCMP should be ashamed. The RCMP has truly no credibility left. We can only guess as to how many other victims like Arar they have targeted. Along with their untimely foray into the federal election in January (they had no, and still have no evidence to justify the media circus they used to smear Ralph Goodale), the RCMP have turned into an organization with its own selfish and perhaps partisan agenda. And the current government wants to throw more money at this corrupt organization! Perhaps what the RCMP really needs are budget cuts. With Canada having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, the RCMP obviously have too much time on their hands: they have been wasting tax dollars conspiring to victimize innocent citizens and influence Canadian politics. I have remained silent on my suspicions of the RCMP up until today, but the Arar inquiry is the final straw.
  26. Tasha S from Canada writes: Finaly Maher Arar has been cleared. Hopefully he can find peace after everything he has had to go through.
  27. Fiona Hammond from Ottawa, writes: I look forward to finding out the names of who precisely will pay, either financially or with jail time, for smearing an innocent man's name, causing him to be subjected to torture and ensuring no one would hire him with this hanging over his head. Congratulations to him and to his wife for sticking by him.
  28. Mary Quite Contrary from Canada writes: I do not feel the government owes Mr. Arar any compensation. Why was he travelling in the U.S. so soon after 911 carrying both a Syrian and Canadian passport? Did he not feel this would arouse suspicion in a country that had a heightened level of security? Why should Canada compensate for a lack of common sense? If Mr. Arar had not been carrying a Syrian passport, gone with only his Canadian passport, or chosen passage through Europe, this woud probably never have happened. If Syria had been bombed by Canadians and I arrived a short while later in a neighbouring country, would my Canadian passport not raise suspicion? lThis case clearly shows again why Canada should not allow dual citizenship. You are either Canadian or Syrian. Thay may have found Mr. Arar not guilty, but I am not convinced.
  29. Guillaume Afleck from Ottawa, Canada writes: The two pieces I am most interested in I cannot find much or anything about: 1) What is the information which brought Mr. Arar to the attention of the authorities in the first place? and I want to know more about Juliet O'Neil's role in 'leaking' government friendly information. Ms. O'Neil was lionized as a force for freedom - what was she doing - with or without her knowledge - helping the liberal government and their allies/agenicies?
  30. C Canada from Montreal, Canada writes: The RCMP and CSIS made a mistake which led to Arar being deported and tortured. He should be compensated for the years that his and his family's lives being put on hold, regardless of the fact that he is 'only' a Muslim immigrant. I wish the Arar family the best, and hope that they can start a new and brighter chapter in life.
  31. sue boohoo from toronto, Canada writes: Excuse me people.Canada is in a state of war and as such we give up certain rights.The Japanese isolated during WW I gave up more than a few paltry years of their lives.They gave up property,families were split, and they began again. Traumatic,yes. You want freedom? Then suffer the responsibilities and accept the consequences of Freedom and Democracy. Arar's compensation is his choice to leave.
  32. William Moore from Toronto, Canada writes: Regardless of the outcome of this particular case it is becoming increasingly obvious that an outside civilian authority with no political ties, or for that matter axes to grind, be established to examine those instances where problems arise in investigations or where perceived mismanagement of resources or information is involved regarding the RCMP. They are a highly respected & admired force throughout this country & the world however it is imperative to maintaining this reputation that they are seen to be reviewed at arm's length on issues & situations where doubt could be cast on the independence & verasity of their own internal investigations.
  33. Kirk McCluskey from Toronto, Canada writes: I can't see how Canada can be faulted for the acts of the Syrian government. Mr. Arar is also a citizen of Syria and as a dual citizen he knows that Canada is powerless if Syria wishes to assert its jurisdiction over Mr. Arar. This case illustrates the very real possibility that, a person who is of dual nationality, will be subject to the customs and laws of that other jurisdiction when they are in their territory.
  34. admore inches from Canada writes: This is the nasty by - product of the war on terror. The continued mistreatment, mistrust and scrutiny of Muslims in North America. That, and fear. More and more fear. And we in the West think we are winning?
  35. Just Canadian from Ottawa, Canada writes: My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Arar and his family for this ordeal. His life will never be the same. I hope the government takes action to compensate him and to make sure this never happens again to any Canadian no matter what their birth place is.
  36. N D C from Canada writes: We should not be surprised at the results. The culture developed through an organization is reinforced by those at the top of the power grid. Messages are continually sent out that signal all areas about expectaions on how to act & react. What happened here is but a small example of how things have gone wrong with our leaders. We should not look down on US actions treating suspected terrorists. We are not much better than our friends. I hope there is a major difference in the response our leadership takes compared to Mr Bush's grab for unrestricted power and abuse. Will the story be swept under the rug with a quick payoff or will the right stuff happen and a tough but fair culture be developed?
  37. Allanah Jack from Canada writes: It amazes me the nonchalant way that torture is now mentioned in the media, a clear reflection of societial opinion. Like that is an acceptable result of the state the world is in. Since when do we as a civilized country stand for such a thing. I can't even accept that those that have been a part of such terriorist activites should be tortured. Punished? Yes...but Tortured? To what end I ask? If someone has the conviction to kill themselves for what they believe, can it actually be thought that they will not have the strength to endure torture. So I ask, what will any torture accomplish??? Do the ends really justify the means? I think not. I think not!
  38. Patrick Cashman from Krydor (cridder) Saskatchewan, Canada writes: When they determine that Arar should get financial remuneration they should penalize every RCMP officer possibly as a surtax on their inflated salaries to pay Arar instead of punishing canadians. Canada should set up an independent body to monitor the RCMP and other police forces for wrong doings and not just rubber stamp every decision the RCMP makes. As someone who has faced RCMP wrongdoings, they can take an innocent party and character assinate him, hide evidence, fabricate evidence and harass and scare witnesses. Canadians deserve better and if the RCMP is properly regulated the Arar incident and many other high profile cases involving RCMP incompetance and misconduct can be avoided.
  39. J Luft from Calgary, Canada writes: All of this took place under the Liberal government. The Liberal Party and it's supporters (and those who voted them in) should pay any compensation. I don't feel like it.
  40. John Doucette from Manotick, Canada writes: Well, we all knew this was coming. Now the police, security operatives, the Justice bureaucracy, and government officials on both sides of the border will spend years trying to prevent, or at least slow, the payment of funds to the victim; and to avoid bringing to justice, those criminally incompetent officials who caused this to occur. Never has the need for open, public oversight on all police and security issues been so clearly demonstrated as in the case of Mr Arar.
  41. Jason Fournier from Acton, ON, Canada writes: I agree with Mr. Arar -- someone should be held accountable. This whole affair is very 'un-Canadian' and I am personally embarrassed that my country did all of this to one of its citizens. For what it is worth, my apologies Mr. Arar and his family on behalf of 'The State.'
  42. Asim Iqbal from Toronto, Canada writes: While it is unfortunate, more than unfortunate, that the Arar family suffered so much due to the misconduct of several governmental organizations, we should be proud of the fact that a mechanism exists for such misdeeds to be recognized and, to the extent possible, set right. I can think of no other country in the world where this could have taken place, and certainly no other country I would ever consider living in. To the Arar family I would like to say that while your hurt and anger are justified, please do not lose your faith in this the greatest, and perhaps the most truly Islamic, country in the world.
  43. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: Whichever politicians, Rcmp officials/officers, CSIS officials, etc were involved in this wrongful campaign should be individually held civilly responsible for this. If they are made to pay dearly for reckless disregard for another human being then perhaps in future these sort of abuses will be avoided.
  44. Ren Stimpy from Calgary, Canada writes: I am absolutely appaulled by the actions of the RCMP here. Not only did they make the inital mistake of giving the wrong information, they did not help when the error was determined, and they even tried to cover it up. This man deserves compensation in the 7 figures, unfortunately we the tax payers have to pay it. I agree with the judge that the persons responsible in the RCMP need to be dealt with, maybe we can send them to Syria for a 2 week 'vacation'. Or maybe Mr Arar can sue them personally so they feel the pain he has had to endure for the last 3 years. Everyone makes mistakes and deserves another chance, but come on, a man almost lost his life due to incompetence by the RCMP's continued errors
  45. Lewis Bartholomew from Courtenay, Canada writes: In an era where Canadians are so worried about how they look in the eyes of the world with the government's support of less than perfect foreign governments' aggression toward other nations, the Canadian support of slow response to environmental and social meltdowns in both their own country and in less fortunate areas of our planet, something like this is truely a black eye in the face of Canada and Canadians. This has been obvious since the beginning but many Canadians and Americans who were following this allowed their fears and hatred toward a race and a faith block their reason and elevated their misguided blame toward Maher. Now blame is being flung at the previous government's failure in an attempt to whitewash the present one's meek response to this new bit of Canadian history. Yet I feel we don't have anyone to blame but ourselves when we all knew what the truth was, yet we sat on our butts and never raised our voices in objection to what Canada as a whole allowed to happen to this one man (and others as it is turning out). We relegated this story to the back pages of our conscience as it unfolded instead of making it Front Page thoughts. We had a chance to collectively demand more attention to our participation in human rights violations, but we failed as a nation. We failed as a people. Maher, I am deeply sorry for what my new country allowed to happen to you and deeply ashamed of my former country for sending you into the bowels of hell. I can say no more.
  46. M M from Canada, Canada writes: Findings of this report dealing with Mr. Arar's innocence are not important to me but of course for him. As a Canadian Muslim for past few years I have been observing a significant biased against Muslims, and findings of this report prove that. RCMP, CSIS and our government are filled with people who are lairs, cheaters, unethical and dishonest. Imagine our law enforcing agencies (RCMP and CSIS) on whom we rely for protection, security and justice, will deliberately hide the truth, distort the facts, and if you asked for the justice you will be counter attacked with false accusations. By the way, this is Canada. I know there are people in bureaucracy and politics who hate Muslims. Also, thanks to the media where many earn their bread and butter by spreading hatred for the Muslims and their religion Islam. Now even the Holy Father is officially engaged in this business, well done! Mr. Arar, his family and his lawyers may forget the outcome of this investigation but I would never for the rest of my life and frankly hate those people who try to bridge the gap and reconcile tough they are dishonest and unfair in their intentions.
  47. True Canadian from Hamilton, Canada writes: An Independant commission MUST be setup to keep an eye on RCMP and CSIS! Or else they are going to keep making the same so called 'mistakes'!
  48. S B from Woodbridge, Canada writes: What the main stream Canada doesn't know is that RCMP and CSIS has been harrassing the ethnic minority Canadians for a long time. These are not trustworthy organizations, they are more focused on pleasing politicians in order to get funds. Mr. Harper allocated over 200 million dollars so far.
  49. J Birch from Hamilton, Canada writes: Maher Arar and likely many others are the new interned Japanese Canadians, an historical blot on our nation during WWII that has yet to be completely and fully addressed. I am amazed that we have an attitude that 'this time it will be different' when persons' rights are trammelled under the justification of national security. Perhaps it is time to recognize, if we don't want the terrorists to already win, that living in a free & just society entails some risks which, by the nature of living in a free society, cannot be fully mitigated - for to fully mitigate means an end to the free & just society one is defending. I know, I know, I can hear it now, another weak-kneed liberal ... but cogitate on this; one cannot fornicate for chastity - and in suspending, holus bolus, the right of due process in the name of the war on terror, that is exactly what we end up trying to do. Security and democracy are a difficult balancing act however, if we truly wish a free & just society we need to recognize that, in destroying our most basic rights to defend against a foe, we have in fact admitted that the enemy has already won. Only we, in the end, can really destroy our liberties.
  50. O Perdana from Canada writes: Mr. Arar should be compensated for sure....that means the government of Canada (you and I) are responsible. Now lets see, based on those good 'ol military maps, where can we send the next victim?
  51. Ian in Ottawa from Ottawa, Canada writes: The RCMP's obvious incompetence is a direct result of hiring to meet quotas in the late 80's and 90's instead of hiring the most qualified person for the job. This will start to bite other police departments in the *ss as well.
  52. Banquo's ghost from Canada writes: And the man will *still* get held up in security checks at airports in Canada when he flies because his name will *still* be on the US Homeland Security generated list of 70,000 or so names that Canadian airlines use. Aren't we a good little client state.
  53. Give Your Head a Shake from Southern Ontario, Canada writes: While I sympathize with his plight, we cannot be held responsible for a) his decision to go there in the first place b) the actions of a foreign government c) the actions of a militant religious group. Syria can pay him if they like, or the LieBerals. Not the rest of us, we are still paying the shipping bills for the other bunch, remember?
  54. uncle rukus from Center of the Universe, Canada writes: The RCMP/CSIS need a house cleaning and it starts from the top. PM Harper was praising the acting commisioner the other day in Question Period . Will he have the guts to stand up and say this is not acceptable in our Canada or will be start the damage control. But again if it wern't for a bogus RCMP investigation in the middle of an election Harper would not be in power.
  55. K. Tran from Québec, Canada writes: #33: Canada can't be faulted for the actions of Syria, but it can certainly be faulted for providing false information permitting and leading to the deportation of Mr. Arar to Syria as a 'terror suspect.'
  56. D Burns from mississauga, Canada writes: As far as I can tell, compensation should first be sought from a) Syria for torturing him, b) the USA, for deliberately deporting him to a country that endorse torture, and then c) Canada for passing on false data. More troubling to me is the fact that the RCMP launched a campaign to discredit Arar after the fact, rather than coming clean -- it is the Federal Government (under the Liberals no less) that agreed to share data with our ally. This policy should be revisited. This is another good example of why Canada should discontinue the acceptance or acknolwedgement of dual citizenship. Arar is a Syrian national, with Syrian citizenship, and tortured by his countrymen, but someone Canada owns the blame. If someone is torn between selecting Canada vs a 3rd world islamic dictatorship, I suggest their conflicted loyalties might not make them a good Canadian citizen in the first place.
  57. Hank David from Dublin, Canada writes: Just a reminder about this event, all of this took place during Jean Chretien 's and Liberal goverment 's time, so you know who to blame. Secondly, MM post 46, if you hated this country, government, the Pope and media that much, you should move to a country which is much more compatible with your belief.
  58. D R from Toronto, Canada writes: To thso eof you who say that what happened to Mr. Arar is okay because we need security I would like to ask, if innocent Canadians can be taken away from their homes and subjected to torture for a year or more, how secure can Canadians feel? What exactly are we protecting?
  59. J Kay from Canada writes: s clark: perhaps you should return to the 15th century where your bigoted comments would hold sway and curry favour. It is amazing that people like you still exist in this world much less have a voice on this site considering the insinuation of your comments. This country is NOT a white people only country, nor is it a British only decent country but one made up of many races, peoples and creeds. Mr. Arar is a Canadian citizen and I say this as someone who can trace his family's presence in this country back to the early 1600's. It seems you would have anyone who has slightly brown skin or a 'weird' sounding name deported or imprisoned. As for the TD towers, they are rather ugly, so they wouldnt really be much of a loss, though I in no way wish for them to be the subject of a terrorist attack, nor any loss of life to occur. Architecturally though, they are hideous.
  60. Mordecai Want from Canada writes: Sometimes people get hurt to protect our freedom. Sometimes soldiers die to protect us. Sometimes needlessly. I don't condone the actions that the RCMP took, but we need decisive action to get results to protect our people.
  61. M M from Canada, Canada writes: # 28 Mary Quite Contrary, I admire your sense of humour, common sense, intelligence and your ability to analyze and understand critical situations and facts. I propose you to be our Federal Public Safety or Immigration Minister if not PM. Please go, our PM Harper needs you! And please do not worry about the consequences of not allowing dual-citizenship, after all your assessment must be right. Also, please do not delay suing this Judge since you are not convinced from his findings that Mr. Arar was not guilty.
  62. Luke P from Vancouver, Canada writes: 'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.' --Benjamin Franklin
  63. R. Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: I am lucky to work in a multicultural enviroment in Toronto. I also work with many Muslim Canadian colleagues who are moderate and exceptionally professional. The Hardline Muslims the west trying to portray as a threat to us is a minor group in Canada (maybe 500 out of 700,000). We don't brand every Caucasian in this country as KKK. But what is heart wrenching is that many of these Muslims, Tamils, Chinese, Indian Canadians in Toronto have been harrassed by CSIS and RCMP for a long time. They are threatened and main stream media always show a blind eye to these incidents. We need to setup a commission to investigate this. After all they are Canadians now and they are contributing significantly to this nation. Incompetent CSIS and RCMP MUST NOT stereotype!
  64. Laurie Cornell from Canada writes: Just scrolling down the page to comment and I notice someone commented on Liberal legacy. Why does politics play into everything. Can people look past politics and into right and wrong. I wonder how many more screw ups or just plain blatent mistakes made by 'law' inforcement. Where did they get the misinformation. Did they just fabricate it and for what purpose. Those questions should be asked not which party was in charge.
  65. Rick McNaulty from Calgary, Canada writes: Hello Canada - Another terrible and disgusting Liberal legacy. Hello Jean Cretien, Paul Martin, Bill Graham you all must be so proud of your acheivements. Canada's institutions have been breached by incompetants and cowards after years of Liberals giving their pals the top jobs. Let's take these institutions back Canada. Let's start with the removal of management at the RCMP and CSIS. No fancy commissions, just a pink slip and a good bye.
  66. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: #12 A proud Canadian in the U.S......If your English reflects the capacity of your intellectual magnitude, then there is little wonder that your verbal diarrhoea alllows your cup to runneth over! You probably have no idea what you scribbled incorrectly do you!?...This is rhetorical, hence no need to use your spinal cord trying to muster up a response!
  67. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: #15...Clark...Dude, your name is English. You are no more Canadian than any other Canadian citizen. The gentleman probably pays more taxes than you do, and may very well be more educated. You are a fool to speak such garbage!
  68. maryetta thielen from Lethbridge AB, Canada writes: The inquiry went on for 2 and 1/2 years. The event happened before the inquiry started. It was all done under a liberal government. Yes, martin set up the inquiry, like the gomery one, after the horse was out of the barn. In no way is any of this the conservative governments fault. When the head honcho of the RCMP spends 17,000. on a pair of boots, something is very wrong. He needs to be fired. But, with contracts and buyouts it will be very expensive to fix everything. This all boils down to someone had an axe to grind with Arar and we don't know why. Somebody was afraid to make a decision without the higher ups o.k., and bad things happened. As for compensation, the liberal party, and all liberal voters, should pay it, and offer a sincere apology. Chretain and Martin screwed up, not P.M. Harper. Message to TO voters, remember this before you vote in the next election. Maybe Toronto should kick in some compensation also, they elected the crooks.
  69. Rene Jamieson from Winnipeg, MB, Canada writes: It is to be hoped that Mr. Arar and his family can now get on with their lives, and it is also to be hoped that the Canadian government will do the right thing and compensate the Arars for the humiliation, separation and pain they have suffered as a result of distortions and lies from the RCMP and CSIS. The perpetrators of this gross miscarriage of justice should be penalized, either by losing their jobs or spending some time behind bars! I'd like to respond to a few of the previous posters: #4 - providing false information to the U.S. officials who deported Mr. Arar to Syria, Mr. Caine, cannot be construed as 'doing their job'. It is not the job of the RCMP/CSIS to smear the reputation of innocent people.' #12 - better to be safe than sorry? That's a lame excuse for violating human rights. #15 - I take it Clark is not an Ojibway (or any other native Canadian) name? Why should Clarks be any safer in Canada than Arars or Wangs, Khans, Popovs, or any other Canadian? Your bias is showing. #20 - I am tired of people claiming that the world is not safe since 9/11. The world has never been a safe place! Read your history books. What you mean, I'm sure, is that North America is no longer immune to terrorist activity! #28 - Mr. Arar was not 'travelling in the U.S.', he was changing planes on his way home to Canada. He was taken into custody at the airport! #31 - again, read your history books (the unexpurgated history). The Japanese Canadians did not 'give up' their property in the 1940s - it was forcibly seized from them. However, I would agree with the poster who suggested that perhaps one would be safer without dual citizenship!
  70. SB B from Hamilton, Canada writes: So mistakes were made. In this day and age of horror and terror we shouldn't expect perfection. Canadian tax payers will now likely be on the hook for millions of dollars in compensation. And, the Arars and Al Queda are laughing their socks off. Will we be able to 'track' where the money actually goes?
  71. Guy Olivier from Orlando, United States writes: Proud Canadian #12, you're a disgrace to mankind. Better be safe than sorry? Shouldn't we ask why the US is sending anyone at all to Syria... a country that we don't have good relations with? A country known for it's terrorist ties. A country known for torture. With the manipulation of intelligence going on in the Government, should we trust anything coming out of Washington? Safe than sorry indeed !!!!
  72. Linda Dial from Calgary, Canada writes: Justice Dennis O'Connor's report raises a lot of questions now concerning the RCMP's motives in raiding reporter Juliet O'Neill's home and offices of the Ottawa Citizen on 21 Jan. 2004. Was she getting too close to the embarrassing truth that there had been no hard evidence to warrant placing Mr. Arar, his wife and/or Mr. Almalki on those watch lists? Were those raids and the charges of violation of the Official Secrets Act ordered due to butt-covering concerns? The RCMP started the whole mess by giving the US Authorities the reason to arrest Mr. Arar when he landed in New York on the way back to Canada from Tunisia in Sept. 2002. Having been arrested by them, Mr. Arar was then subjected to the rendition dirty. There are still many Mr. Arars in Guantanamo prison and other secret CIA prisons throughout the world. That is now the subject of fierce debate in the US and high time. To paraphrase Maureen Dowd's words in a recent NY Times column, we don't trash our own ideals, laws and due process in order to defeat terrorism. The RCMP's appearance of having gone along with the 'One Percent Doctrine' is what ruined Mr. Arar's life and now has got the RCMP into very hot water indeed. The reasons for using due diligence and process are expressly to weed out these potentially fatal errors in the first place.
  73. Jim Smith from Toronto, Canada writes: Some of the comments ('no compensation', 'carrying a Syrian passport', etc.) posted here and on the first comment thread just amaze me. Did anyone actually follow this story? The reason the RCMP was interested in Arar is because, when he went to sign an apartment lease in Ottawa in the 90s, a friend of his who had agreed to come and witness the lease couldn't make it, and sent his brother instead. This brother was a 'person of interest' to the RCMP. That's it -- this was the only reason for being interested in Arar, but the RCMP blew it up into 'Arar is part of an Al-Qaeda cell'. Arar came to Canada from Syria as a teenager, but Syria does not recognize renunciations of citizenship. ... Comments like those of Poster 31 are simply stunning. Do you really think it's a 'responsibility of democracy' to allow the state to arrest you, deport you, and have you beaten senseless on a regular basis just because of some flimsy thread of (ultimately false) evidence?
  74. seeymore butts from Calgary, Canada writes: Another disgrace for the RCMP. Their day has passed, they should be disbanded in disgrace for falsley accusing an innocent man and sending him to the torture chamber.
  75. Just The Real Facts Facts from Canada writes: You people run to a conclusion still not made. I say Arar has some guilt to share! My tax dollars paid to let this person into Canada as a 'refuge' and sponsor his family. It cost the tax payer over $250,000 for that intro into this great country! Compensation has been paid MR. Arar and supporters, so end of story. RCMP is allowed to error on the side of caution, did you all forget we are fighting a Clash of Civilization. Shame on the passive Muslim Community for not supporting our troops
  76. paul jones from kitchener, Canada writes: some of you need to be reported to the 'Council on Un-Canadian Activities' under false pretences. we'll see how you like being called a terrorist, deported to be tortured, and ignored when you try to bring up the facts. and then when we all realize that it was a mistake, and that you are a good citizen, we'll ridicule you for wasting our time with your story, and demand that the govt not acknowledge your presence or your suffering that came about because of their ineptitude. its good hes back and safe.
  77. Jim Smith from Toronto, Canada writes: The extent of politicization of this issue is mind-boggling. Do any of you blaming Chretien and Martin for what happened to Arar really believe what you're saying? How was the Liberal Party, in its policies or actions, in any way responsible for the RCMP telling the Americans that they thought Arar was part of Al-Qaeda?
  78. K Scott from Smithers, Canada writes: Proud Canadian from United States writes: 'Better to be save than sorry in this day and age.' Would you be saying the same thing if it had been you? You'd spend months being tortured and locked up in a room not much larger than a coffin because after all, better saFe than sorry. And then you can pay for the intensive therapy you'd need for the PTSD that torments you 24/7. Mary Quite Contrary: He wasn't traveling IN the States; he was flying home from vacation and his flight had a stopover at JFK. Which should be a lesson to travelers who aren't clearly white anglo-saxon protestant Bible-waving Christians ... don't book flights which will place you on American soil, no matter how briefly.
  79. richard coombe from Canada writes: Yes, Mr Arar should get an apology from our government, and maybe compensation.....but those who are blaming the Conservatives for this disgrace, should remember the fact that it was the Liberals under Jean Chretien who were in power at the time. Have you ever heard Chretien apologize for anything???? Despite the fact that Chretien is still medling in Canada's affairs, it is unlikely we will hear of any responsibility taken by the Liberals of that day.
  80. Marian Atkinson from St. John's, Canada writes: From Marian in Newfoundland. From a very personal point of view, the sad thing about this whole business is that the results of that report do *not* surprise me. Isn't that a sad statement to make? All along I couldn't help but think -- the RCMP and CSIS etc., are jumping on the US *axis of evil* bandwagon and bending over backwards to please the mighty US. Harper is now even using the same language, ie. 'evil' -- reminds me of something from the bible - spare me please! As for Mr. and Mrs. Arar -- I hope you get all the compensation you deserve and I have absolutely no problem with it coming from tax dollars. Better to spend it on your compensation than on funding for the RCMP or CSIS. And as for those comments on asking 'why did he go to the US'? -- excuse me, he was getting a connecting flight to Canada -- duh! and why shouldn't he fly through the US without the expectation of harassment, imprisonment, deportation and torture! And this business about dual citizenship that keeps coming up -- so what? He is a Canadian. How many Canadians also hold British or American citizenship? Are they also hauled off to a private room in an airport and harassed etc. Do you include these 'dual citizenships' when you question people holding more than one citizenship?
  81. salty sam from Victoria, Canada writes: 95% US's fault; 5% RCMP/CSIS's fault. Heads should roll for whoever produced the report in Canada - they was speculative and irresponsible. The US officials that did this deportation should be tried in a War Crimes Trial and sentenced to lengthy stays in prison - they executed viscious crimes against our fellow Canadian!
  82. Doug Redhoffmen from Toronto, Canada writes: Can someone now please mention that when this first happened, Mr. Stockwell Day actually congratulated the Americans for catching him and sending him to Syria. He then proceeded to blast the Liberals for Canada not getting him. Now I hear Mr. Day say that the situation is 'regretable', can he please tell us what is regretable, that an innocent man was found guilty, sent off and tortured, or that Stockwell Day himself was one of the first to assume this mans guilt.
  83. R. B. from Toronto, Canada writes: s clark (15) - what you are advocating is a monocultural state (as opposed to multicultural state). Three flaws with that. First, the only countries in the world that have legislation to that effect are either socialist or borderline terrorist - which should be a warning. Second, there are a lot more Americans in other countries than non-WASPs in the US and you've just justified deporting or attacking them all. Third, what culture would you choose for Canada? Multiculturalism is an extension of the fact that Christians decided to stop slaughtering each other in the name of the same religion. How long before the Christian religious wars flare up again?
  84. Slander Libel from Kitchener, Canada writes: I should get compensation to have to read comments like those from J. Luft. This case is a perfect illustration of the slippery slope that the War on Terror can lead us down. Checks and balances are being thrown out the window in the name of 'security'. A person can be put on some government risk list without any real basis, and just try to get your name off! You are working hard to get off some no fly or security list? Well, that must mean that you 're up to no good hence you're trying so desperately to gain free access at the border no?
  85. Alex MacLean from Toronto, Canada writes: Poster #15 s clark claims it is better to err on the side of caution (a catch-all cliche if there ever was one) than 'getting the TD Towers blown up'. Perhaps you could explain how victimizing an innocent man is 'caution' and how adding fuel to the fire of Muslim rage and righteous indignation will protect us against acts of terror?
  86. blubbering puss from Canada writes: I am heartened and encouraged to read many of the responses here. Canada is a land where citizens have both freedom and justice at heart, and the outrage expressed at this travesty of justice visited upon Mr. Arar is most certainly a symptom of this. There is more to freedom than security. As for the other posters... So YOU were the people that Stephen Harper wanted to shut up when he implemented his draconian centrally controlled system of public relations. I cannot believe that you do not recognize the contribution that immigrants have made on this country, particularly because even for whites, this country is by and large a country of immigrants. Some people seem to forget that not all hyphenated Canadians are black, or brown. 'Go back to where you came from', or ' should pay', 'the japanese internment was worse' or even 'this stuff.. it just happens' is the depth of depravity in this extent. You are shirking responsibility, and denying justice. You show an ignorance and blatant racism not befitting any Canadian. I will go as far to say that you are not a credit to the hard-fought, imperfect, yet loved harmony that we seem to be working towards.
  87. Ted Jenkins from Ottawa, writes: My concern is that Canadian officials did not demand that Arar be returned to Canada from New York by US authorities. Or that he be immediately returned from Syria once he was shipped there. Some Canadian officials (and their political masters) must be disciplined for that. And I'm a person who supports the occupation of Iraq and admires the potential of the US (though not idiot Bush)!
  88. Vikas Jha from Hamilton, Canada writes: #70 SB - For you to put the Arars and Al Qaeda in the same sentence...that's disgusting!! And to suggest that the Arars are 'laughing'...imagine if your dad was sent to a prison for a year, tortured, and then returned home with no job, no money and his name ruined. Imagine what the Arar family is going through. You think they deserve that just because they are Muslims? Did you even READ the article?? They're living on public assistance! Is that something to 'laugh' about, you inconsiderate excuse for a Canadian? My God I can't believe you're from my home town. Brutal. #67 reader from New Orleans - AMEN! Thank you for the voice of reason :) Much appreciated.
  89. TERRI ROBSON from Kimberley,, Canada writes: I am very sorry for Mr. Arar and his family having to undergo this terrible situation.We all must remember that having a brand new agency to deal with terrorist threats is bound to have flaws, one of the main ones is that cross border agencies do not share the right intellegence as they are too busy protecting their own turf.I put quite abit of blame on the American agencies that sent Arar to Syria for arbitrarily taking Canadian information at face value.I would hope that Canada does research better in the future.We are playing into the American Gov. fear game and it is the deadliest game on the planet.
  90. Randal Cullen from South Africa writes: Very sad story. Condolences to Mr Arar and his family and may they prevail in their search for justice and some kind of compensation for lost income and lost time. Reminds me that the finish carpenter I have been using has a Muslim sounding name (Kamlesh) and is not white. I have begun tearing out the fabulous cupboards and shelving he has just completed and contracted with Joe Soap to replace them. How could I have been so stupid? Sorry Mom.
  91. Jonathan Kilius from GTA, Canada writes: #62 don't forget when Fraklin was saying that stuff he also had slaves, so whats your point.
  92. Jack Ryan from Toronto, Canada writes: #31 sue boohoo from toronto, Canada writes: 'Excuse me people.Canada is in a state of war and as such we give up certain rights.The Japanese isolated during WW I gave up more than a few paltry years of their lives.They gave up property,families were split, and they began again. Traumatic,yes. You want freedom? Then suffer the responsibilities and accept the consequences of Freedom and Democracy. Arar's compensation is his choice to leave.' This is one of the most appalling comments I have ever read on this message board. Yes I do want freedom Sue. So does Mr. Arar. Not only does Mr. Arar want freedom, but he was supposed to have it. Along with his rights: (7)Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. (8)Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure. (9)Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned. (10)Everyone has the right on arrest or detention: a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor; b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful. (12)Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. Mr. Arar was afforded little, if any of these rights. Rights which were not, and have not been suspended, and which no innocent Canadian - dual citizenship or not - has relinquished. The consequence of Freedom and Democracy, Sue, is that the RCMP must use due process and conduct themselves according to our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That is the consequence of freedom. Nothing more.
  93. S Blue from Calgary, Canada writes: Middle class engineer....wife is a University Professor....I'm just thinking...could this happen to me? Would my government help and protect me? If it did happen, how would my fellow Canadians treat me when I returned home? Would they complain about having to compensate me for leaving me in a prison for an entire year? Would I be laughing my socks off after finding out my BABIES had been put on the homeland security list of suspected terrorists? I hope not. I sincerely hope not.
  94. Guillaume Afleck from Ottawa, Canada writes: I hope this brings on the long overdue discussion about canada allowing dual citizenship and dual passports and the mixed responsibilites and obligations that this creates. One citizenship, one passport per person I say.
  95. Jim Smith from Toronto, Canada writes: Poster No. 70: 'mistakes were made'? It's not like he was kept overnight for surveillance or something. He was arrested, deported, and imprisoned for a year in a 3rd-world country, where he was beaten senseless on a regular basis, all for no reason. No-one, not even the RCMP or CSIS, currently believes that he has anything to do with Al-Qaeda. By lumping his name in with theirs, you perpetuate the 'guilty even if proven innocent' attitude that is ruining Canada.
  96. Vikas Jha from Hamilton, Canada writes: #70 SB - For you to put the Arars and Al Qaeda in the same sentence...that's disgusting!! And to suggest that the Arars are 'laughing'...imagine if your dad was sent to a prison for a year, tortured, and then returned home with no job, no money and his name ruined. Imagine what the Arar family is going through. You think they deserve that just because they are Muslims? Did you even READ the article?? They're living on public assistance! Is that something to 'laugh' about, you inconsiderate excuse for a Canadian? My God I can't believe you're from my home town. Brutal. #67 reader from New Orleans - AMEN! Thank you for the voice of reason :) Much appreciated.
  97. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Poster 31, read post #49 (if only it were that simple to educate the likes of #31!). My only other comment has to do with this painting of the RCMP as incompetent - people, if it were only incompetence! These were deliberate and intentional acts meant to smear a Canadian citizen and to see him tortured! Be afraid, fellow Canadians, be very afraid. Note to those prone to misinterpretation - this is not an admonition to carry on with the fear-mongering tactics of those supporting this so-called war on terror. My admonition is aimed at all thinking Canadians, who come to think of it, don't need to to tell them we have something to fear in the RCMP.
  98. Ali Mahfouz from Krypton, United States writes: 'So mistakes were made.' I wonder if you would be so flippant if you were the one imprisoned in Syria for a year, forcibly taken out of your country away from your family and tied to a chair getting beat with an electrical cable until your black and blue. Your assinine comment is comparable to eggs have to get broken when you make an omelette. President Bush's incompetent and corrupt 'war on terror' is what leads to crimes against innocent citizens like Mr. Arar.
  99. Sceptical Observer from Canada writes: R from Toronto, Canada writes: To thso eof you who say that what happened to Mr. Arar is okay because we need security I would like to ask, if innocent Canadians can be taken away from their homes and subjected to torture for a year or more, how secure can Canadians feel? What exactly are we protecting? >>>> Innocent Syrian citizen was tortured by the brutal Syrian regime as many other innocent Syrians. Mr Arar had his Syrian passport when he was sent back to Syria. It was important to him to have a prove of his Syrian nationality. I hope that the Canadian society will have enough moral integrity to apologize for the RCMP mistake and not to apologize for the brutality of the Syrian regime. I also hope that not PC opinions will not be rejected by G&M.
  100. J R from Vancouver, Canada writes: Obviously those responsible for the deportation and torture of Mr. Arar did not expect to be held personally accountable for their actions. So long as these crimes can be committed with impunity, RCMP and CSIS officers will keep doing things like this. How about prosecution and serious jail time for those responsible for this crime? Otherwise the government is saying that it is OK to have Canadians arbitrarily deported and torured. This is one of those situations that cannot be swept under the rug, the government will send a clear message by its action, or by its inaction on this matter. Let hear what the message is.
  101. sorta kinda from Toronto, Canada writes: To: Mary Quite Contrary (Post 28)- Have you completely lost your mind? Why shouldn't Mr. Arar have travelled with two passports, through the U.S., etc. THE MAN DID NOTHING WRONG! To imply that he somehow deserved to be held and tortured for an apparent 'lack of common sense', according to you, is ridiculous, to say the least. Mary, I am assuming that you are a plant from the G&M to incite more