ARE THE COWBOYS IN CHARGE?

If the name Arar doesn't ring any bells then you haven't been paying attention over the last few years. He was the Canadian engineer of middle eastern background who was arrested by the United States back in the 90's allegedly for terrorist connections. The U.S. then sent this unfortunate soul back to the middle east, probably to a progressive regieme such as Syria, libya or Egypt for interrogation. During Arar's initial incarceration, like any honest and legitimate Canadian citizen, he appealed to his government for assistance. The Canadian government in their competence and concern sold him down the river. Apparently they had nothing positive to say and further indicated their lack of concern to the U.S. thus permitting Arar's extradition to his original birthplace and homeland. Here these progressive governments lacking any evidence attempted to torture him into confessing his guilt.

Well the good news for middle eastern immigrants to Canada is that as long as you stay in Canada, you probably won't be tortured merely arrested and incarcerated if you behave provocatively. Now keep in mind that this article in the K-W Record on February 3, 2012 repeatedly emphasizes that Saad Allamis's allegations in his civil suit are at the moment unproven. The title of the article is "Quip made man a terror suspect". Apparently and allegedly he texted his co-workers at a trade show in New york City that they should "blow away" the competition. Clearly for the Quebec Provincial Police this provocative comment justified their arresting him and searching his home. No charges were ever laid but it has negatively affected his job and reputation. Although Mr. Allami's allegations in his lawsuit are unproven to date, there do seem to be some similarities here with Mr. Arar. We've had cowboys locally on our Regional police SWAT teams and their predecessors. It seems that a number of other Police Forces also have cowboys looking for excitement. Racism and extremism are not the sole perogative of private citizens. It seems as if our authorities also like to racially profile and jump to confusions.