Pubdate: Fri, 14 Nov 2003
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Daniel McMillan

CHRETIEN KEPT COUNTRY TOGETHER

This weekend's Liberal leadership convention is the beginning of the end of 
Jean Chretien's tenure as Canada's Prime Minister, and even after 10 years 
in office, he still doesn't get the respect he deserves.

While some of Chretien's actions have been questionable, he did so much 
good for this country, such as saying no to the phony war in Iraq, 
decriminalizing marijuana and legalizing same-sex marriages.

But his finest hour was during the 1995 referendum. When the country was on 
the brink of falling apart, Chretien showed tremendous leadership and pride 
as a Canadian. I firmly believe his leadership is what kept this country 
together then and still holds it together now.

It's obvious that Chretien loves Canada. But I have always wondered whether 
his opponents in the other parties have the same love for this country. You 
can disagree with his policies, but no one can accuse Chretien of not 
loving the country.

Chretien will now take his place alongside Wilfrid Laurier, William Lyon 
Mackenzie King, Lester B. Pearson, and Pierre Trudeau as one of the 
greatest prime ministers in our history.

Daniel McMillan, Brampton
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