Psychological Operations (also known as PSYOP, PSYOPS) is planned propaganda to create beliefs (of mass population) using various forms of manipulation to control the support of and outcome of national objectives.  This propaganda method is used to change, alter or affect the opinions of individuals.  Here in Canada various warfare propaganda methods are used, these include: tying yellow ribbons on trees (typically used to suggest support to a soldiers family once the soldier has been killed in warfare), red shirt Fridays (used to show individual support for soldiers fighting in Afghanistan), bumper stickers or magnets (”If you don’t stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them”, and “Support Our Troops”), military co-op placements offered by high schools, media portraying anti-war activists as violent and dangerous, etc.
Here in London Ontario local events are held in support of our troops such as Heroes Day, which take place in Victoria Park where war monuments are on display.  All of these propaganda methods manipulate an opinion about war by ultimately stating or suggesting that the war in Afghanistan is for the greater good of national security, and that “The troops are fighting for our freedom”.

Here are some facts:
•    20% of Canadian soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss
•    In 2005 over 6,000 US soldiers committed suicide
•    US War Resisters (a soldier who was enlisted in the military who decided to stop participating in the war in Afghanistan) live in Canada to avoid US punishment and military imprisonment
•    Since 2002, 107 Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan
•    360 troops have been wounded since 2008 (this doesn’t include injuries between 2002-2005)

If you support the Canadian troops fighting in Afghanistan consider this:  What does supporting our troops mean, and who are you really supporting?  What is the reason Canada has invaded Afghanistan and why is it no longer peacekeeping?  Are there any positive affects of war (consider environmental affects, social affects, authority, government, and corporations)?  How do children react to war?  How much money is being spent on the war knowing that our country is in a recession (50 million Canadian per day)?

Alternative/effective ways of supporting our troops:
•    Contact local and federal MP’s and pressure them to end the war and send the troops home.
•    Come out to a War Resisters Support rally or Peace rally and learn about what soldiers experience during their employment with the Canadian Armed Forces.
•    Take advantage of alternative and independent media: check out www.londonresisters.ca for information and resources.

“We are the Canadian Forces and our job is to be able to kill people”.  - General Rick Hillier, Canadian Forces

“Canada can no longer be called a committed peacekeeper, and certainly it is no longer the prolific peacekeeper”.  - Walter Dorn, Professor of Defence Studies, Royal Military College

By: A Concerned Individual