Peter Worthington

Welcome to articles by Peter Worthington.

Mr. Worthington is a Veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War. Mr. Worthington was an Air Gunner in the Second World War and an Intelligence Officer in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Korea. He is recognized as one of the foremost writers on military matters. His column, well-beloved by the Veteran Community, reflects the popular mood of the moment, as they are always informative, frequently entertaining and eminently readable. Over the years, Mr. Worthington has been a powerful voice and advocate of Veterans' rights and benefits. He was a member of a delegation to Korea in July 2003 , a pilgrimage organized on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. A champion of Veterans' interests, he has also covered major events, reporting from numerous hot spots around the world. Mr. Worthington has and continues to make an outstanding contribution to the perpetuation of the memory of the sacrifice and contributions of all Canadian Veterans, and brings to his writings a unique knowledge and understanding regarding the role of Canada's Veterans in the Korean War. (web site Veterans Affairs Canada).

Blame the Arizona shootings on the shooter

By PETER WORTHINGTON

11 Jan 2011

The shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the killing of six and wounding of 14 others in Tucson, is one of those American tragedies that threatens to be interpreted according to what one wants to believe.

The shootings will be argued over and debated as more information comes forward, but what’s unavoidable is that the shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, was a nutbar through and through, and there was no way he could have been deterred.

Arizona’s curious (to Canadians) gun laws that permit concealed weapons to be carried by anyone, are blamed by those who seek more gun controls. Ironically, Ms. Giffords was not one of those, and advertised herself as a Glock owner and a good shot.

Nor should left and right ideologues seek to blame each other for Loughner — although elements will try to. It’s unlikely he ever listened to talk radio or TV, and he had contempt for American traditions.

New Afghan role will still risk casualties

By PETER WORTHINGTON

05 Jan 2011

As 2011 starts its perilous voyage towards 2012, the question of Afghanistan’s future is a key priority for Canada which hopes to end its combat role in that country.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Sancho Panza, Defence Minister Peter Mackay, insist that cutting our military commitment from 3,000 to around 1,000 to help train police and army, will mean more order and fewer Canadian casualties.

This adjustment to earlier total withdrawal statements has the approval of the Liberals, with both Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae recognizing that Canada can’t quit cold turkey.

But will it work? Can theoretical hopes be translated into hard reality?

Canada's forgotten Native warrior

By PETER WORTHINGTON

01 Jan 2011

As a new year begins, what better time to recall soldiers of aboriginal blood, who have served valiantly for Canada in all of our wars and campaigns.

In a tribute article last Remembrance Day, the National Post ran a full page on Canada’s famous “native warriors” who served in our wars in greater numbers than their population warranted.

They were generally treated better in the army — i.e. as equals and without prejudice — than they were when they returned to civilian life after the two world wars and Korea.

Canada’s most renowned soldier of aboriginal blood was Tommy Prince, who won a Military Medal (MM) in Italy during the Second World War, and later was awarded the U.S. Silver Star.

He served throughout the Korean war and on retirement had a dozen medals — 10 of them campaign medals.

NPR reasons for firing Williams 'rubbish'

By PETER WORTHINGTON

22 Oct 2010

Sometimes, it seems my wife and I are the only people in Canada who regularly watch Fox News on TV, and are slavishly addicted the Bill O’Reilly.

Canadians tend to be indoctrinated against Fox, which is depicted as a channel given to extreme Conservative views. Those who condemn it the most (CBC and Liberal acolytes), invariably watch it the least.

Veteran affairs minister's a toothless tiger

PETER WORTHINGTON

August 28, 2010

Another indication of the government’s fading interest in the welfare of veterans, now that we are committed to pulling out of Afghanistan by next July, is Jean-Pierre Blackburn as minister of veterans affairs.

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