Let's be clear about facts, which get lost in the understandable emotions surrounding this case. A Canadian child was tortured, and physically and sexually abused by Americans, denied medical attention for his wounds, and held in isolation for a prolonged time, itself cruel and unusual punishment.

What was the 'excuse' for this barbaric behaviour? That he was found on a battlefield defending his home from invasion by armed soldiers.

Not one other battlefield combatant was treated the way he was. No one else was brutalized, tortured, sexually humiliated, and subjected to extreme and prolonged cruel and unusual punishment simply for being part of a battle. 

But a Canadian child was. By our allies.

And how did the agencies we pay to protect and defend Canadians act? They rushed not to his defence, but to eagerly participate and abet the torture and barbaric abuse taking place. 

It is a shameful period in Canadian history that should never, ever be repeated. This is least we can do.