Nice history, King, but it neatly ducks the issue. No one has questioned the courage of Canadian warriors. The issue is Canada's political failure to bear a fair share of the military burden in alliances in which it is a willing partner.

Canada's military investment is about 1.1% of GDP - far below that of its major defense partners in NATO and NORAD. And even below most of the smaller nations, such as tiny Belgium (1.3%), Czech Republic (1.8%), Finland (2%), Netherlands (1.6%), Portugal (2.3%). To Canada's credit, its defense commitment exceeds that of Luxembourg (.9%).

Canada's "spotty" contribution to NORAD and NATO long predates the current resident of the White House, and even Mr. Reagan. For half a century - throughout the Cold War and ever since - Canadian politicians have been happy to save money by freeloading off the defense efforts of its partners. And the Canadian taxpayer has been happy to go along.

To their credit, some Canadian politicians have tried to stiffen their country's flaccid defenses in recent years. The issue has even risen to the surface of public discourse occasionally. But as an ally, you're still doing only half as well as Portugal.

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