Corey Glass

Corey Glass is a deserter who left Iraq and fled to Canada.
Full story here
The U.S. wants Canada to return him, and this would likely set a president for the many other deserters who have fled to Canada since the Iraq war began. Corey was not in the Army, or the Marines, he was a member of the National Guard who got called to Iraq. Corey claims he did not like the killing he saw in Iraq, and insinuates that he did not have such things in mind when he signed up for the guard. If you look at the issue from a legal standpoint, it seems like Canada must honor the wishes of the U.S. and return Corey and any other deserters so that they can be prosecuted. This happens all the time. But when it comes to war, and especially a war like this, the ethics of the subject may make us hesitant to simply go by the rule of thumb. And in fact there are many instances of people being granted political asylum, however that is usually only used when a person is in mortal danger or holds special information. Corey claims he was told he would be killed for deserting, but I hope that wouldn't be the case.

It is hard for me to find ground to stand on when it comes to this case. However, I think I and many others can at least agree to these two premises:
1. Corey Glass deserves praise for maintaining his moral beliefs in such a difficult atmosphere. There are so many instances that you often don't hear in the MSM about soldiers who go crazy, killing many Iraqi civilians. I applaud Corey for what he did, and I think most of us can agree that standing for your morals is something to be proud of, whether we agree with his morals or not.
2. Corey has an obligation. There are an almost infinite number of reasons to dodge a draft, and I believe most rational people would not hound someone because they did so. However, Corey signed up. He claims that he should have been in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, but something tells me there was a clause in the contract he signed stating that he could be pulled away to war. Corey broke this contract, and probably clearly understood the consequences of his action. If anything this makes his moral decision even more bold.

So what should Canada do? They must realize that this will set a president, and that this will lead to many more deserters in Canada to be sent back. Do we want criminals to be able to simply flee to Canada and be safe? I would hope not. However, do we want such harsh punishments for fleeing what many believe to be an unjust war, even if the person in question signed up to serve our country?

Personally, I think I have an easy answer. It may sound slightly utilitarian, but in my own opinion, if the majority of the citizens of your country do not believe the war you are deserting is just, they you should have every right to desert, and that majority should in turn not seek legal action against you.

If no exceptions can ever be made, then signing up for the military is nothing short of becoming an indentured slave.