The truth is, I don’t think I’ve ever seen more inflammatory statements from Canadian political officials, but I can’t say that I blame them. Putin sent divers to plant a Russian flag on the floor of the Arctic Ocean, staking a claim in a way that hasn’t been seen since the 15th century. This part of the Arctic Ocean has long been part of Canadian territory, but Russia has been trying to stake a claim to it because of the lucrative natural gas rights, and potential for oil and other mineral deposits in the area. These deposits have always been thought to be there, but getting at them has been so difficult that no one has really given it a serious go. Russia has made it clear that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get at those deposits.
While this makes sense for Russia in an antiquated and desperate way, the reality of the modern world is that we don’t go around slapping up our flags and staking claims anymore. Even though an American flag is planted on the moon, it’s not like the moon is exactly America’s property. It’s not. We just happened to get there first and thought it would be cool to show the placement of the flag on national television. It’s not like we really own the place. In Putin’s case though, he’s just really gone off his rocker this time. Someone needs to smack Putin around a bit and say, “Um… the days of exploration and staking claims to territory are long gone. If you want something, go talk to the UN, otherwise, quit pissing in Canada’s sandbox.”
Canada has already slapped Russia across the face by saying that they will fight for their sovereignty over Arctic waters. Strong words coming from a country that is typically quiet when it comes to world affairs. What else can you expect from them though?
Good for you Canada. Good for you!
