Through fire and water...

Through fire and water...  The Prime Minister of Canada (Stephen Harper) isn't well known to most Americans, which is a shame – because he would be a great role model for many of our politicians.  Here's the conclusion of the speech he gave to the Israeli Knesset yesterday:

Ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude with this thought. I believe the story of Israel is a great example to the world. It is a story, essentially, of a people whose response to suffering has been to move beyond resentment and build a most extraordinary society. A vibrant democracy, a freedom-loving country with an independent and rights-affirming judiciary. An innovative, world-leading "start-up" nation.

You have taken the collective memory of death and persecution to build an optimistic, forward-looking society, one that so values life you will sometimes release a thousand criminals and terrorists to save one of your own.

In the democratic family of nations, Israel represents values which our government takes as articles of faith and principles to drive our national life.
And therefore through fire and water, Canada will stand with you.

Do read the whole thing – it's an excellent speech, full of truths that That One doesn't seem to understand...