A deserter's "just deserts."

Canada stepped up in a huge way to restore mainstream America's faith in our northern neighbor as a true Ally.

Today, the Canadian Government, in a stunning pronouncement, denied Army PFC Jeremy Hinzman's bogus application for "refugee status" as he attempted to avoid doing his duty and deploying to Iraq.

Hinzman, who, amazingly enough, was Airborne qualified; voted with his feet when he discovered, much to his dismay, that being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division occasionally led to being shot at.

In the message-sending business, this one is huge. If cowards in the military want to take an extended vacation from their sworn duty, perhaps they should try Guatamala?


Canada denies refugee status to American
Thursday, March 24, 2005 · Last updated 11:52 a.m. PT

By BETH DUFF-BROWN
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

TORONTO -- Canada on Thursday denied refugee status to a former U.S. Army paratrooper who said he would be committing war crimes if sent to Iraq, a major blow to Americans who have fled north of the border rather than fight a war they claim commits atrocities against civilians.

The government's ruling said Jeremy Hinzman had not made a convincing argument that he would face persecution or cruel and unusual punishment if sent back to the United States.

The decision, which was formally announced on a government Web site, could affect at least eight - and possibly dozens more - American soldiers seeking refuge in Canada, yet help improve strained relations between Washington and Ottawa.

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