-- KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- A Canadian soldier was killed early Sunday by a roadside bomb, becoming the first member of Quebec's storied Van Doos regiment to die while serving in Afghanistan.Now before TJ and Steffi go absolutely apeshit here, let's look at the actual numbers.
The solider has been identified as Pte. Simon Longtin from Longueuil, Quebec. Pte Longtin was a member of 3e Bataillon du Royal 22e Regiment, based out of Valcartier, Que.
Political observers will watch to see how the news reverberates in Quebec, where support for the war is the lowest of any province.
Sixty-seven Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have now died in Afghanistan since 2002.That works out to roughly 11 deaths per year.
And while that is a tragedy for the families and friends of our fallen soldiers... I have just one question...
When are we gonna be surrendering Toronto?
In 2005 and 2006, over 100 people died at the hands of others in the Greater Toronto Area. Our interactive maps show where and when each of these deaths happened, as well as homicides in 2007 to date.Perhaps Jack Layton should do a little more analysis before he pisses all over another brave soldier's grave.
I salute you Pte. Simon Longtin. You will be remembered.
**********
RELATED: Even so, our soldiers "stand and deliver"
Neither the death nor divided support at home in Quebec won't diminish the Van Doos' resolve, deputy commanding officer, Colonel Christian Juneau, said today.Support the troops.
"Though we are very saddened by this incident, Canadian troops remain committed" to the mission here, he said, adding that while Parliament may debate the merits of the operation, the "important thing for us soldiers" is that "we know the Canadian public is behind us."
**********
LASTWORD: Not content to just report a death...
CBC has to try remind everybody that war is not nice.
Technorati Tags: Pte. Simon Longtin, Royal 22e Regiment, Afghanistan casualties