A U.S. Army deserter who fled to Canada three years ago was deported Tuesday to America, marking the first time a resister to the U.S war effort in Iraq has been removed by Canadian authorities.

Paula Shore, spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency, confirmed that Robin Long, 25, was deported, but she could not discuss specifics of the case, including Long's destination.

Long fled to Canada in 2005 to avoid serving in Iraq. He sought refuge in Canada on the grounds that the U.S. Army wanted him to participate in what he called an "illegal war of aggression in Iraq."

Justice Anne Mactavish of the Federal Court of Canada ruled Monday that Long couldn't provide clear evidence he would suffer irreparable harm if he was returned to the United States.

In her ruling, Mactavish said that although the percentage of American military deserters prosecuted for desertion has increased since 2002, the vast majority have not been prosecuted or faced jail time.

Last week, the Federal Court blocked the deportation of National Guard Sgt. Corey Glass, 25, while it decides whether to hear his case. Glass refused redeployment to Iraq.

Long and Glass were among some 200 American deserters believed to have come to Canada trying to avoid service in Iraq. So far, Canadian immigration officials and the courts have rejected efforts to grant them refugee status.

During the Vietnam War, up to 90,000 Americans successfully won refuge in Canada, most of them to avoid the military draft. The majority went home after the United States granted amnesty in the late 1970s.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/AP/Search/World/Default.aspx?id=179702


199 more would be nice!!

Far as I am concerned, they can stay up there

But,
If we get them back we can spank them!!

If the US were to attempt to draft me now to go to Iraq? Guess what? Packing my bags and going to Canada

I know a lot may disagree with what I say...but I gaurantee some silently agree

To Fanta

don't wait...go now. Buh bye~~~

Same here dude! 4get fighting in Iraq! I whether get laid! LOL

We will get you back and spank you!!!

As long as it is a female with long blonde hair, slim build, and BIG BOOBS...I'll take it!

We are not talking about avoiding the draft here. We are talking about men who signed up..did thier duty...and when it is time to get out...thier tours are extended. They get Stop-lossed. Retirements and end of contracted service are totally ignored through legal loopholes during war time....Lest we forget, "Mission Accomplished"...and "This is an end to the Hostilities in Iraq" (5years ago)

When a man or woman has served and no longer wishes to place himself in harms way or watch the slaughter on both sides any longer......I feel they have done thier duty and should have the option to follow the initial contract they signed...not be criminalized for refusing to obey policies that shift every other month.

Give the ones who have validly earned the option to choose not to extend thier tours or even leave the armed forces if they choose.

Troop levels would plummet and the draft would be instituted.......There would be far more people not liking the concept of thier friends and loved ones being callously shoved into this war.

Im all for punishing Bush over Iraq, but lets not forget that the job in Afghanistan is not done!
It is an American war, and a just war!
It is the war we should be fighting and can win.
It is a war we should all be dedicated to.

These men volunteered for the Armed forces.
Although I think the draft should be reinstated so all Americans sacrifice equally, I do not believe in serving just for personal gain or just when things are rosy.
These men are either cowards or fair weather Patriots who should be punished.

What happened to the firing squads?

as much as i disagree with the war. the problem is these people signed a contract. that's the problem. when you give your word. you should have to live up to your word.

Feel free to pack up your guns and go bro...

I have to much too live for here in the US at my age...

i cant wait to go to iraq,and finally get to experience a real battle

enjoy. what color flower you wont on your casket.

i rather be cremated

I would defend my country, even if I knew I was going to Die in the process..