US antiwar activists denied entry to Canada

Many countries deny entry to political activists. I think it only shocks us because it’s Canada, which has a history of friendliness toward the American Left. Yet our own country does this all the time: the singer formerly known as Cat Stevens was denied entry, apparently because he’s a Muslim (or maybe because he still sings “Peace Train”). Your blog has reported previously on government surveillance of peace groups.

While I agree that these cases sound unreasonable, I hardly find it unusual for Canada to jump on the national security bandwagon– perhaps under pressure from its more populous southern neighbor.

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DJ

Thu, Nov 15, 2007 / 8:43 am Reply

Many countries deny entry to political activists. I think it only shocks us because it’s Canada, which has a history of friendliness toward the American Left. Yet our own country does this all the time: the singer formerly known as Cat Stevens was denied entry, apparently because he’s a Muslim (or maybe because he still sings “Peace Train”). Your blog has reported previously on government surveillance of peace groups.

While I agree that these cases sound unreasonable, I hardly find it unusual for Canada to jump on the national security bandwagon– perhaps under pressure from its more populous southern neighbor.

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