I don't see dead people.

This page, believe it or not, agrees with the Harper government returning to Canada's original policy for flying the flag at half-mast. Lewis MacKenzie provides a succinct explanation in today's Globe & Mail, stating that, given the dangers of the Afghanistan mission, frequent lowerings of the flag have the potential to turn a symbol of respect into a symbol of defeat. Those who question Canada's involvement in Afghanistan (like this page) have enough evidence to pose those questions beyond why the Maple Leaf can't seem to make it to the top of the pole these days.

That being said, what concerns this page more than seeing a flag at half mast is being able to bear witness to the return of the fallen from Afghanistan, a privilege which is being denied by the Harper government. Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor wants the return of our troops to be restricted to their families and the military, but ignores the fact that the military is supported and paid for by Canadians. These brave men and women represent all Canadians, and all Canadians should be able to share the paying of respects and contemplation of their service.

Barring the media from the Trenton ceremony is either Bush Administration style denial, or an extension of Stephen Harper's hostility towards the media. Either way, Canada's Armed Forces are by no means everyday government employees, and Harper has no business treating them in the same paranoid manner he treats his cabinet. What message does it send to Canadian troops that their government doesn't want Canadians to bear witness to their ultimate sacrifice?