Why does Canada want these “men”?

Lovely.  I suppose the court was trying to make some kind of point by releasing this decision on July 4th.

Canadian “Federal Court Justice Richard Barnes ordered the Immigration and Refugee Board to reconsider the failed refugee claim of Joshua Key” a US Army deserter. Key served in Iraq then ran away to Canada during a two-week leave. Why? He had to break into civilian homes looking for terrorists and insurgents. That’s it. He blew open doors and helped to isolate the men. He witnessed “humiliation.” During a war. Imagine that. And for that, this judge thinks he deserves refugee status. Please, please, please tell me that this decision will be appealed. Key should return to the United States and face the consequences of his decisions like an adult. He might face a court-martial. He may have to serve time. He is not a refugee by any reasonable standards.

As a National Post editorial points out, Key is a “bogus refugee” and, if his refugee claim ultimately succeeds, he won’t be the last. Apparently, there are 100 soldiers like him already in Canada. They ought to be embarrassed.

Funny related story: One of the other soldiers applying for refugee status isn’t even a deserter. Corey Glass is supposed to be deported in five days (fingers crossed!). He was in the California National Guard when he went AWOL in 2006. A few months after he ran away to Canada, he was discharged so he’s not AWOL and can freely return to the US with no fear of prosecution. Now, I think that he ought to be charged with desertion but the Army must not feel that he’s even worth it. His supporter aren’t even happy with this turn of events. Probably not enough publicity for them … anti-climactic. They’re upset that he was given a less than honorable discharge (but not dishonorable) and he’s still part of the ready reserve which means that he could be recalled to active duty anytime through 2011. This happens to everyone discharged from the military. It’s not some special way to punish him. I’m willing to bet that the Army doesn’t want him and it’s just a technicality. Personally, I would have given him a dishonorable discharge because he certainly deserves it. Anyhow, bye-bye Corey. Off you go. Don’t let the door hit you in the butt.