As expected, the US Pentagon (in a memo posted on the Pentagon website) has released its list of countries that can contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq - and of course, Iraq does not and will never have a binding say in this matter. Canada (who was recently approached by Iraq to assist in the rebuilding of their oil industry), France, Germany, Russia and China (among another 100+ countries) are banned as punishment by the US and the BushWhacker administration. Awhile back, Canada pledged 300 million dollars to the rebuilding of Iraq - with assurances of more money to follow over the coming years. When you figure in the other nations on the US banned nation list, there must be billions of dollars. Canada is reconsidering its pledge. Let the US (and to a lessor extent, the UK) absorb the multibillion dollar shortfall. I urge all of those who are located in the banned nations, to push your governments to withdraw all monies earmarked for Iraq - and if necessary, impose countervailing tarriffs against the US as compensation for any monies already paid. And as individuals, reconsider purchasing goods and services from companies from any of the nations on the rebuilding list - including the US and the UK. It will be added bonus to your local economies and national pride. Even just not shopping at Safeway or not buying lunch at McDonalds is a start in the right direction. Further, since Iraq is considered by the US to be part of the war on terrorism, all banned nations should definitely reconsider their involvement in this war - whether in Afghanistan or some other US-designated locale. I, for one (and many), would like to see Canada withdraw its nearly 2000 troops from Afghanistan. Grassroots can grow deep. Time to sow.

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Cheers,

Dan
Founder and CEO

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