The federal New Democratic Party has become so consumed by anti-Americanism that it dominates the party’s every policy deliberation, says the Globe and Mail’s Jeffrey Simpson.

[T]he instinctive anti-Americanism ingrained in the NDP runs deeper than distaste for this [the Bush] administration.

Anti-Americanism reflects New Democrats' suspicion of market capitalism, transnational corporate structures, free trade, wealth and, most profoundly, the use of power in international affairs — all of which are associated negatively with the United States.
. . .
Of course, many New Democrats will take umbrage at this description, insisting some of their best friends are Americans. But even the most casual perusal of NDP speeches or review of party positions, let alone a glance at the many resolutions presented at this weekend's convention, demonstrates the fatuousness of this denial.

Case in point: NDP leader Jack Layton wants to withdraw Canadian troops from Afghanistan because he sees our presence there as aid to President Bush.  The UN has passed seven resolutions supporting creation of a multi-national NATO-led military force in Afghanistan, but the NDP wants Canada to get out now and calls instead for negotiations with the Taliban.

At the same time, however, Mr Layton has called on Canada to lead a military intervention in relief of Darfur.  As Mr Simpson points out, that is contrary to the position of the African Union, which presently has a peacekeeping contingent in place there; and it is vociferously opposed by the government of Sudan.

Why is it legitimate for Canadian soldiers to use deadly force in Darfur in an effort to protect citizens from terrorists, but not in Afghanistan?  Is it just that the former cause is not supported by the United States, while the latter is?

For access to Mr Simpson’s complete column, click here.

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