David James Varnes

    Photo by Elliott Brown    Freedom is our most private precious privilege in a democracy. But know this - freedom is not free .    Our democracy was created by our ancestors, who took up political and military service to establish it, struggled constantly to perpetuate it and many died horribly in numerous wars defending it -- for us.    These defenses should not be forgotten. Our ancestor's sacrifice allow us to enjoy the many present freedoms we so often take for granted today.    Mandatory military participation by all citizens is a way of honoring that sacrifice. Military obligation would educate all citizens about the role for a military presence to defend our freedoms, and engender a respect for military service to ensure the continuity of our precious privilege of liberty.    So, allow me then, some very brief arguments...    Canada has a long and respected history, both as a defender of freedom in the western world under the North Atlantic Treaty Organizatio