I grew up in a border town in Canada in 1968. I remember one day a van broke down in front of our home. There was two guys about the age of my older brother. They were draft dodgers and were trying to make their way to Toronto. My father was a WW2 vet. He didn’t hesitate. We pulled the van into the garage and he repaired their van. They stayed for two days. We fed them and my Dad told them of a friend he had in TO, they stay with for a few days when the got there. I never knew till I got older, why he did it. War he said is horrible! Dad died in 2003, guess who showed up at his funeral. Yep, two former draft dodgers, now two Canadians A!
It brought geniuses and socialists who worked at Canadian universities for decades following the socialists and geniuses working at Canadian universities who were kicked out of the USA during the McCarthy era. Many also worked for the NDP.
As a Milenial aged Canadian-American raised in the Rockies of British Columbia by my American Mom, a lot of our friends were families with Dodger Dads. They are all great men, who have contributed significantly to this part of Canada since they arrived as devout environmentalists and social activists. One of them even became a long standing elected representative for our area in the Provincial Legislature. I’m so pleased that their stories are being told. They deserve that. Thanks Richard & Co 🫡
When I was in high school, there were four draftdodgers that showed up one day in my homeroom one day. The teacher explained who they were and why they were in our class. One of the most popular kids in our class stood up and started applauding. We all then stood up and applauded the four who had the courage to move to a new country in the face of an unjust war. I don’t know what happened to the four after graduation. I just know they were well liked in our school.
Back in my "hippie" days, many of my male friends went to Canada to avoid the draft. I've never seen any of them since then. It was a really strange time. Gotta see this film. Richard Gere is a wonderful actor.
In high school, my science teacher for 3 years, was a draft dodger. He was amazing and quirky and very astutely funny in a low key way. He was often seen during his breaks, power walking the perimeter of our school's playing field, wearing an old leather aviator's helmet with the cheek flaps flying. Bless him forever and I hope he's still with us!
God bless Jimmy Carter's soul for signing a national forgiveness and pardon of all these men who couldn't in good conscience fight in Vietnam. My high school sweetheart was drafted before we even graduated. He, at 74, is suffering from PTSD as well as a weird condition caused by an herbal defolient agent orange.
Thank you for this, I didn’t realize that, about Jimmy Carter. And I hate that your high school sweetheart - and so many others - have suffered all this time and suffer to this day.
And even before: In September 1974 President Ford offered amnesty to Vietnam military deserters and "draft dodgers" who had fled the country. Ford hoped that the amnesty would finally heal the deep national divisions the war had caused.
I lived in Nelson BC for several years and when i was there not one person asked me about my background my last name anything, it was a place most draft dodgers went to. I truly loved the privacy and such a wonderful place. People are amazing there.
THANK YOU! We think so too. I’m thrilled to hear you had an opportunity to spend time with us, and not perpetuate the misconceptions that we are a barren, frozen wasteland…using dog teams for transportation…and igloos for homes! It still SHOCKS me to hear Americans say such things, as I have family and friends in the U.S. and have traveled within your country frequently! Cheers!🇨🇦
My uncle moved to BC from Toronto during the Vietnam war and often visited friends in Seattle, because he was of draft age in the US he was often pulled in for questioning when crossing back into Canada.
As a proud Canadian I live in a very upbeat,alternative,arts community with many who dodged the Vietnam war.I believe these folks who found there way to the Kootenay’s in British Columbia are the reason why our town/community is so rich with PHD’s,art,farming,music! I feel blessed to live here❣️☮️🇨🇦
Hi Joanne - I’m not sure if you are aware that Canadians are an extremely highly educated population with only Japan and Luxembourg ever so slightly ahead of us! This occasional changes and we shift ahead, but the important thing is that we value education over such things as guns for which I’m eternally grateful! I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, and have family living in both. It still SHOCKS me to hear the average American believes we live in igloos, use dog teams for transportation, and we are NOT a barren, frozen wasteland! They have merely to hop across the border of our home province, which is an exquisite example of the beauty of our wilderness and the warm hospitality we offer to foreigners. Cheers! P.S. Have you ever been to NEWFOUNDLAND? I was born there, but raised in BC. Newfoundlanders are the kindest people I’ve have ever met, and I constantly hear this whenever someone discovers I was born there and most of my extended family still live there. If you haven’t been…surely consider a trip to the other precious island I call “HOME”!
When the biggest "Canadian" NEWS on American News Networks, and in American News Papers is -- a phoney "mask protest" blockade, made up of of Pseudo "truckers" dressed as hunters, and incorporating imported, and local armed White Supreme 'artists', from 2022, they are bound to think that !
Oh Canada indeed. We took in and helped over thirty thousand of America's slaves back in the day. We accepted and helped upwards of 40,000 Americans who didn't believe in the Vietnam war and chose to live instead. And after that war, in the late 70's and early 80's, we accepted and helped over 130K Boat People fleeing post-war SE Asia. Because all of it was the right thing to do. It's what we do.
I still remember my best friend's father, who helped a young man stay in Canada to avoid the Vietnam War. The war was televised, so it was easy for me as a child to understand why he wanted to be safe in our country.
I had professors at McGill University who were Americans who had dodged the draft. This is in the 1980s, so some of them had been in Canada for 20 years or more by then. Very interesting, caring, very well educated, and some of my best teachers.
Do you recall the Louisiana folksinger, Jesse Winchester, who draft-dodged to Montréal and endeared himself to both francophones & anglophone's audiences delight?
As an obsessive film watcher Paul Schrader is a creative genius and every film of his I've devoured including Gere in American Gigolo all those years ago. Many actors have the screen presence & gravitas that make films come to life but there is something about Richard Gere when he is playing a role that transports you totally into the story he's telling, so pleased he is still working & choosing films with such emotional relevance. Can't wait to see Oh Canada.
I so agree with you about Richard Gere. He is that actor for whom there's always as much going on in his face and eyes, as in the script. A joy to watch. Oh and he's fine too!
Richard is super intelligent, kind, well-spoken, and a very devoted friend of Tibetans and of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He can choose many different subjects to focus on, but his motivation is always clearly expressed. Thank you, Tu je che nang.
I can relate to that time in the 60's and early 70's where Richard Gere was sharing the fears of being drafted. I myself recall as a young girl born in 1963 fearing the draft and having conversations with my parents. They were especially strong in my family because my uncle served in the war and was killed in Vietnam at the age of 19.
My Father turns 100 November 24th , a WW 2 Navy Vet with an incredible life after the War . This inspires me 72 to get his story our as well as his Father a WW 1 Vet who survived the 1st Covid and mustard gas where surgeons removed 2/3 of his stomach
my fathers story !!! i could never be more proud of my father. refusing to go to vietnam to slaughter innocent man women and children. and boy did they. I know after hearing ones that went what horrors happened. thank you toronto 🇨🇦for welcoming my parents ❤️
I was a 4 year old in a Candian border town in 1968. I still remember watching CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (because all of Canada got US TV at that point) and seeing draft dodgers running across the border into Canada where they were welcomed by us Canadians because we didn't support the Vietnam War - at all. My father actually got his MA across the border in Syracuse NY at that time and we camped in a trailer in the a state park while he studied - we got stuck in the traffic jam from Woodstock a couple of years later and we watched the moon landing on a black and white TV another camper had in July 1969. Great early memories. Anyways, many of those draft dodgers ended up staying in Canada and becoming citizens and ended up working at universities like the one my Dad eventually became a prof at, or working for city governments like here in Vancouver, etc. I will always have the highest respect for these people who voted with their feet and stayed true to their conscience - a courageous rarity.
War Objectors / Draft refugees up on our small Island on Canada's pacific coast taught all about playing music and electric guitars & Marshall amps and so much more...some hated them others like us Kids found them to be incredibly resourceful and kind hearted , they all contributed to our small island and we often reflect on them and those magical days back in time Thank You.
@@sharondiaz137 True, JUSTIN TRUDEAU managed to lift the SENIORS' Old Age Pensions ABOVE the POVERTY LINE; Retirees (who worked for employers who DID NOT have a Private pension plan), were now able to "to make ends meet" they were finally able to pay for food in the grocery stores, instead of going to food banks, or they could pay the very high HYDRO bills for sub-par insulated rental housing (with baseboard heating etc.) instead of freezing all winter. CONSERVATIVE Steven Harper announced (while on a TRIP to BELGIUM), when he was the Prime Minister: The AGE of retirement would go from 65 years old, to 67 years old. That did not sit very well with Seniors. PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU made sure it stayed at 65 years for retirement. A little earlier than that, the Conservative Premiere of Ontario, made the decision, and ANNOUNCED: "The Government IS NOT IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS" effectively STOPPING ALL New building of Lower cost Government sponsored Housing in Ontario. Leading to the HOUSING SHORTAGE: NO NEW subsidised Housing, and very little maintainance, for those already in existence, plus many becoming Co-ops, and Condominiums, or simply being torn down because of office buildings going up, or fires.
I have a feeling that this situation will repeat itself and you are welcome again to come to Canada and I truly hope that nothing will happen to us during this sad time.
I too lived in rural Alberta anddraft dodgers came to live near us. A particular guy and his girlfriend came and thought they could live in a tent in the bush throughout the winter. I remember my parents checking on them, to make sure they were ok. They eventually built a house and settled in. He had a leg up as his parents had money so he could buy the land and not have to work but I remember them @nd others well. There were many who came to rural farming communities to live off the land.
Richard , in 1978 I was on a 8,000 mile van trip in the summer of 1978. We left from a small mining town north of Toronto and ended up in the mountains of Colorado. On that August day, I walked into a bar and met a 28 year old vet named " soldier ." I was 18 years old and relaxed as I studied his face that showed trauma and pain and he studied my face and said. " When I was 18 I was you and then I went to the jungle." He never really came home Richard. I still think about " soldier " since that night that my brother and I dropped him off at his fathers farm . I was changed with gratitude and sorrow while I studied that war for 3 decades , to try, to understand what" soldier ' went through ? Richard, your art and story will bring the closure that we all need. This may be one of you most important projects you ever do.
We Canadians have benefited greatly from 60,000 of the most principled and progressive Americans who came to this country. Our national broadcaster (CBC) and film board (NFB) as well as so many art scenes and universities were influenced by their ideals. Half of my profs at McGill in the 1980s were resisters/dodgers/deserters/evaders and other terms we came to learn. Migrants have always made Canada great!
you make Canada great when you contribute in a positive way. Canadians are kind and thoughtful people. but you can keep you're ideologies to yourself. Don't tell Canadians how they should be because we are all different. Most Canadians will give the shirts off their backs for people in need but they won't conform to these woke ideas from the left.
Canadian here. I personally know two Vietnam draft dodgers that escaped the USA. That war was a crime against humanity that was based on a manufactured incident to justify war. Those citizens that came to Canada were completely justified in breaking the laws of their country. Canada was/is proud to have given them safe haven.
Living in BC, we had a lot of conscientious objectors up here. We called them the two ferry crowd, as they tended to live on the small gulf islands that took two ferries to get to.
I met a draft dodger in Yellowknife Northwest Territories Canada. He was a carpenter and a very good one. I ended up working for him framing houses. In 1977 he packed up his van and left. I didn’t know why . The guy i was roommates with knew he was a draft dodger. It was the spring of 1977 . After he left I learned how to paint houses. My roommate was a contractor and owned a painting company. I bought into the company and became a partner. We had lots of work. In the spring of 1978 we left for California to visit my friend the draft dodger. He had established himself in the Simi Valley. Where he was from. He had a lucrative business framing houses . He was very busy and he asked me if I wanted to work. Being that I was a Native North American indigenous man I said yes. Because of the North American Indian act I was free to work in the US and cross the border with just my Treaty card . I was a member of Cowesses First Nations in southern Saskatchewan. I stayed in the US while my roommate and his girlfriend left for Canada. My time my draft dodger friend. Filled with memories of his family 😢and friends. Birthday parties bbq with friends and family. He was well loved by his friends and family. He was active in the community, coaching basketball , and soccer. I eventually became homesick and I returned to the arctic back to my friends. I eventually lost contact with my draft dodger friend but I will always remember him forever. He was a great man.
Howdy partner. I lived in Yellowknife many years ago from 1966 to 1977. Loved the place. Lots of great memories. Now 90 years old and chillin'. Stay warm.
They knew the price of freedom. You see this value in the youth who serve. Not respectful of Gere and Hollywood, who earn a living because people gave to their country the freedom. Will they donate to the veterans hospitals and programming? Not holding my breathe. The so called interior BC culture is cold and suspicious and doped out. Took a while to figure out the Fugitive mentality.
Clearly Victoria you weren't one the 40,000 plus thousand went. I realize Americans exaggerate numbers, dollar values etc. That said, Vietnam was a paying gig so why not have a job with zero benefits.
The small northern village I grew up in saw a lot of “DP’s” (displaced people) as the Elders called them, move into the north (Telegraph, Cassiar, Atlin..) and they lived for years, sometimes bringing family, mostly men who began new families. Now we realize they were draft-dodgers, but they were great, peaceful members of the communities! ❤
We would go to the American/Canadian border on farmland in Manitoba, wait in the dark, pick up dodgers crossing in undesignated crossings, and take them to the youth hostel in Brandon, Manitoba. They made their plans, and started their new life, spreading across Canada with a large group settling in McBride, BC. Some of them are still there. There was a big reunion held there many years ago. It was a poignant event.
@@tbprofile1295 Hi. My parents moved to Brandon, from Winnipeg to start a business, and I was there until I finished high school during the great migration of dodgers to Canada.
@@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633 Hi. Nice you commented. We were all young, probably foolish, idealistic young adults back in the day. Their cause was our cause, and tried to help. I was born in Winnipeg, raising in Brandon, worked in Winnipeg & Edmonton, retired to The Island ( the Canadian version of retiring in Florida). lol
@@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633 Hi Elizabeth ~ What a beautiful story, I hope you had an extraordinary life together! You are always welcome for a visit…our door remains open to such thoughtful and kind persons as yourself!❤xx
There is old "All in the Family" episode about a draft dodger coming to the Bunker house on Christmas Day. I encourage folks to watch it. It is absolutely riveting. In 22 minutes it shows the divide of the nation at the team regarding the war and draft dodgers. Might be the best acting I have ever seen on a TV show, that episode with Carroll O"Connor
i told a story on FB how a soldier from that era ended up in Thompson, MB 🇨🇦. His accent was from Georgia. He told me about Viet Nam. 😭😭😭 Then left me & my husband all his belongings and was 'escorted' back to the usa. He was the most precious man i ever met. ✌️☮️💟
As a Canadian, many of my high school teachers and family friends were American draft-dodgers: such intelligent, deep, kind and joyful men. We were happy to have them in Canada. Looks like we'll be welcoming a lot more smart, ethical and compassionate Americans as they flee Trump's wrath. Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes etc.: the CBC will help you broadcast the Resistance!
100% agree. Most of hollywood should move to Canada. They'd love it. Canada would love it. Canada would love to have their own hollywood and America would love to be rid of theirs.
As an american who lived in Canada for almost 3 decades before moving back to the USA, I can say from experience that Canada truly is a great place to live and work. I am retired now, so unlikely to move back to Canada despite the Chump disaster in the USA currently.
I used to be a barber and met a few of them,they lived here at Bass River Village in 1975……. He felt he was really doing the right thing, so do I ❤❤❤❤war is not right enough to be involved with ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
Absolutely! War should be the utmost last resort in an effort to protect ourselves, those we love, and our extraordinary wilderness we call HOME! Cheers!🇨🇦
Memories come flooding back of that time when my area of south east BC was taken over by eager new pioneers fleeing from over the border and tackling a back to the land dream. They were educated and became the teachers in our rural isolated communities. Some stayed but many went back home when it was safe to do so.
when I was in Kamloops, I met so many that stayed, and their kids who were also having kids...draft dodging gave us Heart, Jesse Winchester..and others
@@thainsworth67 the band was made up of more then just ann and nancy wilson...they moved here, they recorded here, and their dudes dodged the draft, they weren't a duo
I had a college teacher who came from Cincinnati, and was a draft dodger. His wife at the time, and daughter, did not come with him to Montreal. He was always sad about that.
In WWII Canada was part of the British Commonwealth, shortly after Britain declared war on Germany so did Canada, in Sept. 1939. The USA at this point had no interest in getting involved in the war. But there were young men in the USA who wanted to get into the fight, so they joined the Canadian armed forces. My dad was one of them. He had been in born in Britain in WWI to an American father serving in the British army and his English bride. Dad mostly grew up in the USA and served in the CCC during the Depression. In Sept 1939 after Hitler invaded Poland, he enlisted in the US Army. But he grew frustrated and impatient with this nation's reluctance to join the fight against fascism. After the fall of France in June 1940, and an invasion of Britain seemed imminent, he "deserted" the US Army and fled to Canada to enlist in the Essex Scottish at Windsor, Ontario in July 1940. He was 23. The Essex Scottish were sent to Britain to guard the South Coast, to fight off the Germans if they tried to invade. In Aug 1942, by then a Sgt., he was captured at the Dieppe Raid and spent the remainder of the war in various German POW camps. I was born in the '50s and grew up in the '60s during the height of Vietnam. My dad was very contemptuous of the American youth who were fleeing to Canada to "dodge" the draft, after he had "fled" to Canada some 3 decades earlier for the opposite reason. But even as a boy I could see there was a big difference between WWII and the Vietnam War. My dad did not make that distinction, they were coward in his eyes.
Ironically it took Canada a week to declare war on Germany after Britain did. Newfoundland, then not a part of canada were automatically at war when Britain did. I think the Canadian government were dithering and possibly wanted to stay out of the war. Even if thry decided not to go to war right away eventually like the U.S. they would've been dragged into it.
Hi Andrew - Goodness me…what an extraordinary account of your father! My 2 grandfathers were in the Polish and Ukrainian Resistance and later joined our Canadian/British military. I continue to have uncles and cousins serving in our modern military in various capacities. I was wondering if you are a duo citizen? Cheers!🇨🇦 P.S. It continually bothers me tremendously when I hear people disrespect the memory of our fallen solders, veterans, and current serving members! Regardless of one’s perspective on war, military, and conflict in general…the least we can do is show them deep RESPECT and compassion for what they endured on our behalf!🙏
@@shelleyhender8537 old men send young men to die. Vietnam was important because young people said no to a crazy non declared war that had nothing to do with the U.S. WWII was so different. But I too respect all who have chosen to go to war. I feel so sad hearing someone died at 19. Vietnam had the youngest soldiers to go to war. I also respect those that said no and went to Canada. A forger in Paris who made documents for thousands of Jews, also helped some of the kids escape the U.S. with new identities, because he was anti war.
My late husband was from Detroit and worked for the MI Civil Rights Commission in the 60-70s. He eventually became a Quaker and through them he became involved in an underground network that helped “draft dodgers” enter Canada. He had already spent his time in the military but he eventually moved to Canada permanently. And then we met, almost 50 years ago.
My father was one of 60,000 who were draft dodgers, I’m truly thankful that he decided that Canada would be his home. In our family we are thankful for Jimmy Carter.
I think that young people may not be able to relate to it, but it may give them a better understanding of what it was like for people back then. It’ll help us try to understand the older generations a bit better
I was familiar with young men from US coming to Canada, a neighbor's daughter who had a boyfriend was one, not much older than I and introduced me to CCR. I moved to US at 14 went to high school in NY state though I was Canadian. I had moved to help my sister being a new bride at her and my parents request. One of my friends at his graduation had received a draft card and went to Vietnam to never return. At graduation I had wanted to join the USA Airforce but was dissuaded by my sister. A decision I regret and since decided used my heart to make my own choices for it would be me who paid the price in the end.
Canadian, here. I dated an Australian who had been drafted and served but deserted while on R&R. and a Canadian who had joined up but then also deserted while on R&R. I wish I knew what happened to the Australian. He was such a nice guy. He got tonsillitis and couldn’t afford to go to a doctor and was facing the choice of returning to Australia. I lost touch with him. He didn’t talk about his time except for one time. He was so scarred by it.
I worked with 2 guys that came to Vancouver to avoid the draft. I worked hard to get the Youall out of them and it mostly worked. They remained and became good citizens here.
I had a draft doger boyfriend ,i was a teenager my parents lived him and his doger friend, they stayed with us fot some time, tiny village in BC Canada 🇨🇦 🇨🇦🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸
@@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness. Prostitution is reality (FACT)...dealing with reality is your choice..my respect of his acting skills was IMO...Enjoy yr day🫂
Some of my favourite/most memorable school teachers and university professors were American draft dodgers - all highly intelligent, passionate and peace loving individuals. 🇨🇦💞🇺🇸
I worked with an 'American' for a while in the 1980s. I had wondered if he was a draft dodger since he was that age. By chance, he was a friend of a friend, so we met again several times some years later and I asked the question. Technically, he was not a draft dodger but came to Canada with his young wife and his draft card was delivered to his family after he arrived. He was a nice guy.
We just did a project in Michigan a bout Vietnam and the people heading north and the 20 to 30 thousand Canadians that enlisted in our (US) army.I would love to see this movie.
I remember as a kid we looked after quite a few near Ottawa...deserte/draft dodger and a guy who had already done several tours From what I remember they were pretty stressed out about the whole thing.
Let's not forget that a different Canadian government might have decided to have these men arrested and deported, but instead our government chose to look the other way. The draft, or conscription as we call it in Canada, has a very fraught history and has at times greatly divided the country.
I think this interview might be a bit misleading, and I do think Gere realizes it as well. He mentions, "the films really not about that", when different subjects are brought up. The film is about a 'Draft Dodger', but that's not the main theme or story of the film. And after reading a number of comments in this thread, I think this particular interview has mislead everyone. The film "Oh Canada'' is about a man who has decided to face up to and tell the truth about his life, even though it may destroy his reputation as an educator, and a hero. Unfortunately, that man is at an age when his memory doesn't serve him well, and things get confusing. This, to me, makes for a very interesting film. So, those of you who might rush out to watch the film, believing it's about a 'Draft Dodger' and his story, might be disappointed.
I grew up in a border town in Canada in 1968. I remember one day a van broke down in front of our home. There was two guys about the age of my older brother. They were draft dodgers and were trying to make their way to Toronto. My father was a WW2 vet. He didn’t hesitate. We pulled the van into the garage and he repaired their van. They stayed for two days. We fed them and my Dad told them of a friend he had in TO, they stay with for a few days when the got there. I never knew till I got older, why he did it. War he said is horrible! Dad died in 2003, guess who showed up at his funeral. Yep, two former draft dodgers, now two Canadians A!
Thank you for sharing that story. It is wonderful
Your dad was an incredible person. If more of our leaders had to jump into a foxhole and see what he saw, there'd be far fewer wars.
And yet? Trump won?😢
Now that is a great story!
Wow, what a story thanks for sharing eh!
It brought teachers, tradesmen, other workers and family makers to Canada. Good for them. They made a huge contribution to Canada.
It brought geniuses and socialists who worked at Canadian universities for decades following the socialists and geniuses working at Canadian universities who were kicked out of the USA during the McCarthy era. Many also worked for the NDP.
We're never going to say no to good people. 🇨🇦
This is why Murikkuh has failed as a nation.
@@jacquelineleitch7050and yet still, Poiliviere...
@@globalwarmhugs7741 😅Poilievre!
@davidlefranc6240 is a fascist
We were so proud of ourselves , as a country welcoming those young men back then.🇨🇦
Precious lives saved.
Can I come there now? Please?😅
@@leatelierr Yesss!🇨🇦🇨🇦
@@Moluccan56 They can live at your house! Canada has NO housing!
@@leatelierrSure, come on in! It gets a bit cold in the winter and you have to watch out for the geese but the beer is excellent. 😊
As a Milenial aged Canadian-American raised in the Rockies of British Columbia by my American Mom, a lot of our friends were families with Dodger Dads. They are all great men, who have contributed significantly to this part of Canada since they arrived as devout environmentalists and social activists. One of them even became a long standing elected representative for our area in the Provincial Legislature. I’m so pleased that their stories are being told. They deserve that. Thanks Richard & Co 🫡
Yes. Canada benefited greatly from these men. One of my good friends came to us then. His memory is gold.
Corky?
When I was in high school, there were four draftdodgers that showed up one day in my homeroom one day. The teacher explained who they were and why they were in our class. One of the most popular kids in our class stood up and started applauding. We all then stood up and applauded the four who had the courage to move to a new country in the face of an unjust war. I don’t know what happened to the four after graduation. I just know they were well liked in our school.
Really, draft dodgers that were 16 and 17 years old.
@@danieldonaldson8634 these kids were 18 and lied to hide in our schools. Probably saved their lives.
@@danieldonaldson8634 I assume they left because they were close to the age of being drafted and knew it would be much harder to leave if they waited.
@@danieldonaldson8634 Canadian high school went to grade 13 back then, so there were plenty of 18 and 19 year olds
Back in my "hippie" days, many of my male friends went to Canada to avoid the draft. I've never seen any of them since then. It was a really strange time. Gotta see this film. Richard Gere is a wonderful actor.
In high school, my science teacher for 3 years, was a draft dodger. He was amazing and quirky and very astutely funny in a low key way. He was often seen during his breaks, power walking the perimeter of our school's playing field, wearing an old leather aviator's helmet with the cheek flaps flying. Bless him forever and I hope he's still with us!
God bless Jimmy Carter's soul for signing a national forgiveness and pardon of all these men who couldn't in good conscience fight in Vietnam. My high school sweetheart was drafted before we even graduated. He, at 74, is suffering from PTSD as well as a weird condition caused by an herbal defolient agent orange.
Thank you for this, I didn’t realize that, about Jimmy Carter. And I hate that your high school sweetheart - and so many others - have suffered all this time and suffer to this day.
Nixon signed the law making service in the US military entirely voluntary, so actions like "draft dodging" would no longer be necessary.
Yes, after leaving active duty, President
Carter did the right thing. Glad he is 100. 😊
And even before: In September 1974 President Ford offered amnesty to Vietnam military deserters and "draft dodgers" who had fled the country. Ford hoped that the amnesty would finally heal the deep national divisions the war had caused.
I lived in Nelson BC for several years and when i was there not one person asked me about my background my last name anything, it was a place most draft dodgers went to. I truly loved the privacy and such a wonderful place. People are amazing there.
THANK YOU! We think so too. I’m thrilled to hear you had an opportunity to spend time with us, and not perpetuate the misconceptions that we are a barren, frozen wasteland…using dog teams for transportation…and igloos for homes! It still SHOCKS me to hear Americans say such things, as I have family and friends in the U.S. and have traveled within your country frequently!
Cheers!🇨🇦
A favourite childhood summertime place. Father’s family grew up there. Loved the thunder storms.
My uncle moved to BC from Toronto during the Vietnam war and often visited friends in Seattle, because he was of draft age in the US he was often pulled in for questioning when crossing back into Canada.
As a proud Canadian I live in a very upbeat,alternative,arts community with many who dodged the Vietnam war.I believe these folks who found there way to the Kootenay’s in British Columbia are the reason why our town/community is so rich with PHD’s,art,farming,music!
I feel blessed to live here❣️☮️🇨🇦
Hi Joanne - I’m not sure if you are aware that Canadians are an extremely highly educated population with only Japan and Luxembourg ever so slightly ahead of us! This occasional changes and we shift ahead, but the important thing is that we value education over such things as guns for which I’m eternally grateful!
I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, and have family living in both. It still SHOCKS me to hear the average American believes we live in igloos, use dog teams for transportation, and we are NOT a barren, frozen wasteland! They have merely to hop across the border of our home province, which is an exquisite example of the beauty of our wilderness and the warm hospitality we offer to foreigners.
Cheers!
P.S. Have you ever been to NEWFOUNDLAND? I was born there, but raised in BC. Newfoundlanders are the kindest people I’ve have ever met, and I constantly hear this whenever someone discovers I was born there and most of my extended family still live there. If you haven’t been…surely consider a trip to the other precious island I call “HOME”!
Nelson ftw!
When the biggest "Canadian" NEWS on American News Networks, and in American News Papers is -- a phoney "mask protest" blockade, made up of of Pseudo "truckers" dressed as hunters, and incorporating imported, and local armed White Supreme 'artists', from 2022, they are bound to think that !
doubtful
@@SssshirazzzZ Could be Kaslo.
Oh Canada indeed. We took in and helped over thirty thousand of America's slaves back in the day. We accepted and helped upwards of 40,000 Americans who didn't believe in the Vietnam war and chose to live instead. And after that war, in the late 70's and early 80's, we accepted and helped over 130K Boat People fleeing post-war SE Asia. Because all of it was the right thing to do. It's what we do.
Canadas prime minister has worn blackface in 3 decades of his life. By his own admission has worn it more times than he knows
After the recent presidential election we may be accepting and helping more Americans again! 🙂
@@bobjohnson1587IF I COULD….I’d leave! I now live everyday in fear that Trump will take away my social security & I’ll end up homeless!….😢
@@DippyHippie What a terrible feeling that must be! What a terrible thing is now happening to your country! l don't know what else to say. Sigh!
@@bobjohnson1587 Yes, have heard that the current Prime Minister is a make-up artist
Gere looks fabulous for 75 ! Amazing.😮
I wonder what you think 75 is "supposed" to look like. There is nothing amazing about Richard Gere's appearance.
Can you believe here he is working with Paul Schrader again all these years later. American Gigolo 1980! 😮
He looks fabulous for 50 let alone 75. Clearly with a Dad who made it to 101, the Geres have good genes! ☺️ Lucky for us.
@@sharonmassey2923 👀 Wow. Grumpy.
@@ahill4642 Gen KnowNotMuch, of the male variety? Plus Richard Gere has always looked "amazing", as most women will tell you.
I still remember my best friend's father, who helped a young man stay in Canada to avoid the Vietnam War. The war was televised, so it was easy for me as a child to understand why he wanted to be safe in our country.
More Americans will come to Canada when Trump becomes president.
" The facts are fluid, but the emotion is true." What an accurate analysis of human memory.
Classic literary device: the unreliable narrator.
Thank you from Canada's Capital. In loving kindness from Canada's Capital ❤🙏🥰
I had professors at McGill University who were Americans who had dodged the draft. This is in the 1980s, so some of them had been in Canada for 20 years or more by then. Very interesting, caring, very well educated, and some of my best teachers.
Do you recall the Louisiana folksinger, Jesse Winchester, who draft-dodged to Montréal and endeared himself to both francophones & anglophone's audiences delight?
Same as at York U Toronto. We got some of their best guys.
Good and intelligent men who knew they’d dodged a bullet, grateful, vibrant. Fabulous.
@@3souris The Yellow Door coffeehouse in McGill "ghetto". Jesse Winchester playing in the basement
@@ahill4642 I heard estimates of almost as many women leaving too.
As an obsessive film watcher Paul Schrader is a creative genius and every film of his I've devoured including Gere in American Gigolo all those years ago. Many actors have the screen presence & gravitas that make films come to life but there is something about Richard Gere when he is playing a role that transports you totally into the story he's telling, so pleased he is still working & choosing films with such emotional relevance. Can't wait to see Oh Canada.
I so agree with you about Richard Gere. He is that actor for whom there's always as much going on in his face and eyes, as in the script. A joy to watch. Oh and he's fine too!
@ absolutely concur on the 'fine' bit too. It's not often a man looks as good at 75 as he did at 30!
Well said, Gere is a gem. Luckily he comes from good genes so hopefully we’ll have lots more movies from him.
Richard is super intelligent, kind, well-spoken, and a very devoted friend of Tibetans and of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He can choose many different subjects to focus on, but his motivation is always clearly expressed. Thank you, Tu je che nang.
AND a VERY bad actor
Not sure if kind, but definitely has always been prickly
@@edwardcoward5003 Nicolas Cage, Ben Affleck and Keanu Reeves are bad actors! Richard is a so-so actor. 😉
He's Buddhist, a follower of the Dalai Lama, like me.
@@bobjohnson1587 Keanu Reeves is Canadian…well…a he’s a duo citizen now.😉
I can relate to that time in the 60's and early 70's where Richard Gere was sharing the fears of being drafted. I myself recall as a young girl born in 1963 fearing the draft and having conversations with my parents. They were especially strong in my family because my uncle served in the war and was killed in Vietnam at the age of 19.
My Father turns 100 November 24th , a WW 2 Navy Vet with an incredible life after the War . This inspires me 72 to get his story our as well as his Father a WW 1 Vet who survived the 1st Covid and mustard gas where surgeons removed 2/3 of his stomach
Happy BIrthday to your father.
Wow, what a life! Happy birthday to your wonderful dad!
my fathers story !!!
i could never be more proud of my father. refusing to go to vietnam to slaughter innocent man women and children. and boy did they. I know after hearing ones that went what horrors happened.
thank you toronto 🇨🇦for welcoming my parents ❤️
"Facts are fluid but the emotion is true." Absolutely.
I was a 4 year old in a Candian border town in 1968. I still remember watching CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (because all of Canada got US TV at that point) and seeing draft dodgers running across the border into Canada where they were welcomed by us Canadians because we didn't support the Vietnam War - at all. My father actually got his MA across the border in Syracuse NY at that time and we camped in a trailer in the a state park while he studied - we got stuck in the traffic jam from Woodstock a couple of years later and we watched the moon landing on a black and white TV another camper had in July 1969. Great early memories. Anyways, many of those draft dodgers ended up staying in Canada and becoming citizens and ended up working at universities like the one my Dad eventually became a prof at, or working for city governments like here in Vancouver, etc. I will always have the highest respect for these people who voted with their feet and stayed true to their conscience - a courageous rarity.
War Objectors / Draft refugees up on our small Island on Canada's pacific coast taught all about playing music and electric guitars & Marshall amps and so much more...some hated them others like us Kids found them to be incredibly resourceful and kind hearted , they all contributed to our small island and we often reflect on them and those magical days back in time Thank You.
75, and still has a great mind, and a wonderful presence.
This film looks great - looking forward to seeing it. Proud and fortunate to be born in Canada/1950.
You are right.
The last 9 years of Justin Trudeau has changed a lot of how Canada used to be
@@sharondiaz137 True, JUSTIN TRUDEAU managed to lift the SENIORS' Old Age Pensions ABOVE the POVERTY LINE; Retirees (who worked for employers who DID NOT have a Private pension plan), were now able to "to make ends meet" they were finally able to pay for food in the grocery stores, instead of going to food banks, or they could pay the very high HYDRO bills for sub-par insulated rental housing (with baseboard heating etc.) instead of freezing all winter.
CONSERVATIVE Steven Harper announced (while on a TRIP to BELGIUM), when he was the Prime Minister: The AGE of retirement would go
from 65 years old, to 67 years old. That did not sit very well with Seniors. PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU made sure it stayed at 65 years for retirement.
A little earlier than that, the Conservative Premiere of Ontario, made the decision, and ANNOUNCED: "The Government IS NOT IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS" effectively STOPPING ALL New building of Lower cost Government sponsored Housing in Ontario. Leading to the HOUSING SHORTAGE: NO NEW subsidised Housing, and very little maintainance, for those already in existence, plus many becoming Co-ops, and Condominiums, or simply being torn down because of office buildings going up, or fires.
@@sharondiaz137how so?
@ are you sure you live in Canada ?
Greetings and love from Norway. I am so looking forward to watching this movie. Thank you, Mr Gere -
I have a feeling that this situation will repeat itself and you are welcome again to come to Canada and I truly hope that nothing will happen to us during this sad time.
We have had Trudeau now for too long...we have been suffering our own "sad time".
I too lived in rural Alberta anddraft dodgers came to live near us. A particular guy and his girlfriend came and thought they could live in a tent in the bush throughout the winter. I remember my parents checking on them, to make sure they were ok. They eventually built a house and settled in. He had a leg up as his parents had money so he could buy the land and not have to work but I remember them @nd others well. There were many who came to rural farming communities to live off the land.
Canada has a long, close relationship with America, but is able to observe an objective, even critical distance. That's why we're your best friend.
Richard , in 1978 I was on a 8,000 mile van trip in the summer of 1978. We left from a small mining town north of Toronto and ended up in the mountains of Colorado. On that August day, I walked into a bar and met a 28 year old vet named " soldier ." I was 18 years old and relaxed as I studied his face that showed trauma and pain and he studied my face and said. " When I was 18 I was you and then I went to the jungle."
He never really came home Richard.
I still think about " soldier " since that night that my brother and I dropped him off at his fathers farm . I was changed with gratitude and sorrow while I studied that war for 3 decades , to try, to understand what" soldier ' went through ?
Richard, your art and story will bring the closure that we all need. This may be one of you most important projects you ever do.
Canada was glad to welcome these people. They helped Canada.
We Canadians have benefited greatly from 60,000 of the most principled and progressive Americans who came to this country. Our national broadcaster (CBC) and film board (NFB) as well as so many art scenes and universities were influenced by their ideals. Half of my profs at McGill in the 1980s were resisters/dodgers/deserters/evaders and other terms we came to learn.
Migrants have always made Canada great!
you make Canada great when you contribute in a positive way. Canadians are kind and thoughtful people. but you can keep you're ideologies to yourself. Don't tell Canadians how they should be because we are all different. Most Canadians will give the shirts off their backs for people in need but they won't conform to these woke ideas from the left.
@@Michael-u3n5lavoiding the ideologies of the extreme left and right is the sanest approach to everything.
@@sandrabarrie84 Agreed. The human race has forgotten that.
Get lost.
What the heck is a woke idea@@Michael-u3n5l
Canadian here. I personally know two Vietnam draft dodgers that escaped the USA. That war was a crime against humanity that was based on a manufactured incident to justify war. Those citizens that came to Canada were completely justified in breaking the laws of their country. Canada was/is proud to have given them safe haven.
As much as I support the draft dodgers it was the communist north invading the south that was the cause of the war.
Richard is a conscientious and good hearted human being .This movie is a natural interest to him .When I see him I think of Haji ❤
Richard looks wonderful! I'm proud Canadian who's going to enjoy this ! Thank you, Richard and cast !❤
Living in BC, we had a lot of conscientious objectors up here. We called them the two ferry crowd, as they tended to live on the small gulf islands that took two ferries to get to.
They wanted to be hard to reach! 🇨🇦 Victoria, BC
I met a draft dodger in Yellowknife Northwest Territories Canada. He was a carpenter and a very good one. I ended up working for him framing houses. In 1977 he packed up his van and left. I didn’t know why . The guy i was roommates with knew he was a draft dodger. It was the spring of 1977 . After he left I learned how to paint houses. My roommate was a contractor and owned a painting company. I bought into the company and became a partner. We had lots of work. In the spring of 1978 we left for California to visit my friend the draft dodger. He had established himself in the Simi Valley. Where he was from. He had a lucrative business framing houses . He was very busy and he asked me if I wanted to work. Being that I was a Native North American indigenous man I said yes. Because of the North American Indian act I was free to work in the US and cross the border with just my Treaty card . I was a member of Cowesses First Nations in southern Saskatchewan. I stayed in the US while my roommate and his girlfriend left for Canada.
My time my draft dodger friend. Filled with memories of his family 😢and friends. Birthday parties bbq with friends and family. He was well loved by his friends and family. He was active in the community, coaching basketball , and soccer.
I eventually became homesick and I returned to the arctic back to my friends. I eventually lost contact with my draft dodger friend but I will always remember him forever. He was a great man.
Howdy partner. I lived in Yellowknife many years ago from 1966 to 1977. Loved the place. Lots of great memories. Now 90 years old and chillin'. Stay warm.
50,000 Canadians went south to volunteer with the U.S. military during the American Vietnam War. Such interesting times.
They knew the price of freedom. You see this value in the youth who serve.
Not respectful of Gere and Hollywood, who earn a living because people gave to their country the freedom.
Will they donate to the veterans hospitals and programming?
Not holding my breathe. The so called interior BC culture is cold and suspicious and doped out. Took a while to figure out the Fugitive mentality.
Closer to 40k and that's the high end of the estimate.
@@user-mc6we5ln1w The Vietnam war was never about America's freedom, nor Iraq, nor Afghanistan.
Clearly Victoria you weren't one the 40,000 plus thousand went. I realize Americans exaggerate numbers, dollar values etc. That said, Vietnam was a paying gig so why not have a job with zero benefits.
@ In Ken Burns Vietnam War film he cited 60,000 Canadian volunteer soldiers.
The small northern village I grew up in saw a lot of “DP’s” (displaced people) as the Elders called them, move into the north (Telegraph, Cassiar, Atlin..) and they lived for years, sometimes bringing family, mostly men who began new families. Now we realize they were draft-dodgers, but they were great, peaceful members of the communities! ❤
We would go to the American/Canadian border on farmland in Manitoba, wait in the dark, pick up dodgers crossing in undesignated crossings, and take them to the youth hostel in Brandon, Manitoba. They made their plans, and started their new life, spreading across Canada with a large group settling in McBride, BC. Some of them are still there. There was a big reunion held there many years ago. It was a poignant event.
Amazing. I've never heard of this. Hello from Manitoba.
@@tbprofile1295 Hi. My parents moved to Brandon, from Winnipeg to start a business, and I was there until I finished high school during the great migration of dodgers to Canada.
Great! Like the underground railroad that helped escaped slaves. Good for Canada. I had a wonderful husband, a Canadian born in Winnipeg.
@@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633 Hi. Nice you commented. We were all young, probably foolish, idealistic young adults back in the day. Their cause was our cause, and tried to help. I was born in Winnipeg, raising in Brandon, worked in Winnipeg & Edmonton, retired to The Island ( the Canadian version of retiring in Florida). lol
@@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633 Hi Elizabeth ~ What a beautiful story, I hope you had an extraordinary life together! You are always welcome for a visit…our door remains open to such thoughtful and kind persons as yourself!❤xx
There is old "All in the Family" episode about a draft dodger coming to the Bunker house on Christmas Day. I encourage folks to watch it. It is absolutely riveting. In 22 minutes it shows the divide of the nation at the team regarding the war and draft dodgers. Might be the best acting I have ever seen on a TV show, that episode with Carroll O"Connor
i told a story on FB how a soldier from that era ended up in Thompson, MB 🇨🇦. His accent was from Georgia. He told me about Viet Nam. 😭😭😭 Then left me & my husband all his belongings and was 'escorted' back to the usa. He was the most precious man i ever met. ✌️☮️💟
As a Canadian, many of my high school teachers and family friends were American draft-dodgers: such intelligent, deep, kind and joyful men. We were happy to have them in Canada. Looks like we'll be welcoming a lot more smart, ethical and compassionate Americans as they flee Trump's wrath. Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes etc.: the CBC will help you broadcast the Resistance!
100% agree. Most of hollywood should move to Canada. They'd love it. Canada would love it. Canada would love to have their own hollywood and America would love to be rid of theirs.
I "think" you just want Trudeau voters. Good luck with that.
Yes!! To this comment! 🇨🇦💖
As an american who lived in Canada for almost 3 decades before moving back to the USA, I can say from experience that Canada truly is a great place to live and work. I am retired now, so unlikely to move back to Canada despite the Chump disaster in the USA currently.
@@coreyham3753 I doubt you would find it the same. Trudeau has done the same to Canada as what the democrats have don to the US
I used to be a barber and met a few of them,they lived here at Bass River Village in 1975……. He felt he was really doing the right thing, so do I ❤❤❤❤war is not right enough to be involved with ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
Absolutely! War should be the utmost last resort in an effort to protect ourselves, those we love, and our extraordinary wilderness we call HOME!
Cheers!🇨🇦
Oh my God, I love Richard Gere so much look at him he's the best❤❤❤
Memories come flooding back of that time when my area of south east BC was taken over by eager new pioneers fleeing from over the border and tackling a back to the land dream. They were educated and became the teachers in our rural isolated communities. Some stayed but many went back home when it was safe to do so.
You are a great man, Mr. Richard Gere, and a great actor! I have always been your fan!
💙 I love Richard Gere! 💙
A story to be told but how true❤❤❤❤😊😊😊
when I was in Kamloops, I met so many that stayed, and their kids who were also having kids...draft dodging gave us Heart, Jesse Winchester..and others
Heart??? I don't think the sisters were dodging the draft. They were coming up from Seattle to Van City to play music.
@@thainsworth67 the band was made up of more then just ann and nancy wilson...they moved here, they recorded here, and their dudes dodged the draft, they weren't a duo
Can't wait to see this! ❤🇨🇦
Not bad for 103. We have got to keep moving. Thank you.
Looking forward to seeing this film. Yes, Richard Gere has aged well.
AND he didn't learn to act well
@@edwardcoward5003 Careful, ed the coward, your agenda is showing.
I had a college teacher who came from Cincinnati, and was a draft dodger. His wife at the time, and daughter, did not come with him to Montreal. He was always sad about that.
My sisters first husband crossed into canada near duluth minnesota...still lives in thunder bay, ontario.
I fell in love with this man (Richard Gere) in An Officer and a Gentleman......I will definitely be seeing this movie if it plays near me
He is so amazing. He turns stupid questions into brilliant answers.
In WWII Canada was part of the British Commonwealth, shortly after Britain declared war on Germany so did Canada, in Sept. 1939. The USA at this point had no interest in getting involved in the war. But there were young men in the USA who wanted to get into the fight, so they joined the Canadian armed forces. My dad was one of them. He had been in born in Britain in WWI to an American father serving in the British army and his English bride. Dad mostly grew up in the USA and served in the CCC during the Depression. In Sept 1939 after Hitler invaded Poland, he enlisted in the US Army. But he grew frustrated and impatient with this nation's reluctance to join the fight against fascism. After the fall of France in June 1940, and an invasion of Britain seemed imminent, he "deserted" the US Army and fled to Canada to enlist in the Essex Scottish at Windsor, Ontario in July 1940. He was 23. The Essex Scottish were sent to Britain to guard the South Coast, to fight off the Germans if they tried to invade. In Aug 1942, by then a Sgt., he was captured at the Dieppe Raid and spent the remainder of the war in various German POW camps. I was born in the '50s and grew up in the '60s during the height of Vietnam. My dad was very contemptuous of the American youth who were fleeing to Canada to "dodge" the draft, after he had "fled" to Canada some 3 decades earlier for the opposite reason. But even as a boy I could see there was a big difference between WWII and the Vietnam War. My dad did not make that distinction, they were coward in his eyes.
Ironically it took Canada a week to declare war on Germany after Britain did. Newfoundland, then not a part of canada were automatically at war when Britain did. I think the Canadian government were dithering and possibly wanted to stay out of the war. Even if thry decided not to go to war right away eventually like the U.S. they would've been dragged into it.
Hi Andrew - Goodness me…what an extraordinary account of your father!
My 2 grandfathers were in the Polish and Ukrainian Resistance and later joined our Canadian/British military. I continue to have uncles and cousins serving in our modern military in various capacities.
I was wondering if you are a duo citizen?
Cheers!🇨🇦
P.S. It continually bothers me tremendously when I hear people disrespect the memory of our fallen solders, veterans, and current serving members! Regardless of one’s perspective on war, military, and conflict in general…the least we can do is show them deep RESPECT and compassion for what they endured on our behalf!🙏
@@shelleyhender8537 old men send young men to die. Vietnam was important because young people said no to a crazy non declared war that had nothing to do with the U.S. WWII was so different. But I too respect all who have chosen to go to war. I feel so sad hearing someone died at 19. Vietnam had the youngest soldiers to go to war.
I also respect those that said no and went to Canada. A forger in Paris who made documents for thousands of Jews, also helped some of the kids escape the U.S. with new identities, because he was anti war.
This story hits close to home. Gotta see it.
Also Richard Gere looks great.
My late husband was from Detroit and worked for the MI Civil Rights Commission in the 60-70s. He eventually became a Quaker and through them he became involved in an underground network that helped “draft dodgers” enter Canada. He had already spent his time in the military but he eventually moved to Canada permanently. And then we met, almost 50 years ago.
Richard Gere is one of the top performers to come out of Hollywood ❤
My father was one of 60,000 who were draft dodgers, I’m truly thankful that he decided that Canada would be his home. In our family we are thankful for Jimmy Carter.
He is handsome
I think that young people may not be able to relate to it, but it may give them a better understanding of what it was like for people back then. It’ll help us try to understand the older generations a bit better
Can’t wait to see the film!
I was familiar with young men from US coming to Canada, a neighbor's daughter who had a boyfriend was one, not much older than I and introduced me to CCR. I moved to US at 14 went to high school in NY state though I was Canadian. I had moved to help my sister being a new bride at her and my parents request. One of my friends at his graduation had received a draft card and went to Vietnam to never return. At graduation I had wanted to join the USA Airforce but was dissuaded by my sister. A decision I regret and since decided used my heart to make my own choices for it would be me who paid the price in the end.
My high-school drama teacher in the late 70s/early 80s in Toronto dodged the draft from Texas. He was an amazing teacher.
This looks GOOOOOD!
Richard Gere ❤!!! Handsome forever ❤!!!
I went to a public school in Grade 12 and my Math Teacher was a Draft Dodger in 1968. The school was in Ottawa Canada
He looks good; we share the same birthday, but he's eleven years older.
Canadian, here. I dated an Australian who had been drafted and served but deserted while on R&R. and a Canadian who had joined up but then also deserted while on R&R.
I wish I knew what happened to the Australian. He was such a nice guy. He got tonsillitis and couldn’t afford to go to a doctor and was facing the choice of returning to Australia. I lost touch with him. He didn’t talk about his time except for one time. He was so scarred by it.
Great man. 👍👍👍
I’m very proud to be Canadian.
Oh,I love Richard!
Richard gere is a legend
Met many nice, brave American guys in 68 and 69.
I knew several American draft dodgers here in Canada back then. They all stayed even when pardoned. It was such a waste of youth.
I met young Americans in this situation in 1968 near the Université de Montréal when I was a student.
Only live once, and critical thinking skills deserve public discussion, or we fail miserably by acts of willful ignorance.
Was it President Carter or Reagan who pardoned them? I can’t remember.
I’ve met a couple of them back in the 70s.
I worked with 2 guys that came to Vancouver to avoid the draft. I worked hard to get the Youall out of them and it mostly worked. They remained and became good citizens here.
Interesting. Had an English teacher in Vancouver during the 70's that was a draft dodger. He was a very memorable influential person.
One of the favourite high school teachers in Montreal was a draft dodger from Nebraska. He passed a few years ago. RIP Mr. Guinty.
I had a draft doger boyfriend ,i was a teenager my parents lived him and his doger friend, they stayed with us fot some time, tiny village in BC Canada 🇨🇦 🇨🇦🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸
IMO....Gere...R E S P E C T ⭐
Pretty Woman was about pr0stitution. No respect for anyone involved in that from me.
@@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness. Prostitution is reality (FACT)...dealing with reality is your choice..my respect of his acting skills was IMO...Enjoy yr day🫂
@@Mrsplanetmaster9 Well said.
@@Mrsplanetmaster9There's nothing realistic about how pr0stitution is portrayed in Pretty Woman. He is a very mediocre actor.
@@barcelonachair6487LOL
This looks like a really interesting film. And yes, Gere does look great.
Richard Gere. Ten times smarter with depth and more dignified than anyone on the MSNBC panel.
What a beautiful place to runaway to❤ 🌲
Some of my favourite/most memorable school teachers and university professors were American draft dodgers - all highly intelligent, passionate and peace loving individuals. 🇨🇦💞🇺🇸
I worked with an 'American' for a while in the 1980s. I had wondered if he was a draft dodger since he was that age. By chance, he was a friend of a friend, so we met again several times some years later and I asked the question. Technically, he was not a draft dodger but came to Canada with his young wife and his draft card was delivered to his family after he arrived. He was a nice guy.
We just did a project in Michigan a bout Vietnam and the people heading north and the 20 to 30 thousand Canadians that enlisted in our (US) army.I would love to see this movie.
I can't wait to watcht the movie
I remember as a kid we looked after quite a few near Ottawa...deserte/draft dodger and a guy who had already done several tours From what I remember they were pretty stressed out about the whole thing.
Yep. I housed two of them back in the day in Nelson, BC. Helped them get established until they were self-sufficient. Great guys.
Current celebs, don't move here. Looking forward to seeing this
We have two that are DJs on a community radio station on the west coast of Canada
Let's not forget that a different Canadian government might have decided to have these men arrested and deported, but instead our government chose to look the other way. The draft, or conscription as we call it in Canada, has a very fraught history and has at times greatly divided the country.
Another great actor who has barely aged!
Thank you.
Not bad for 103… - Gere is fantastic
I think this interview might be a bit misleading, and I do think Gere realizes it as well. He mentions, "the films really not about that", when different subjects are brought up. The film is about a 'Draft Dodger', but that's not the main theme or story of the film. And after reading a number of comments in this thread, I think this particular interview has mislead everyone. The film "Oh Canada'' is about a man who has decided to face up to and tell the truth about his life, even though it may destroy his reputation as an educator, and a hero. Unfortunately, that man is at an age when his memory doesn't serve him well, and things get confusing. This, to me, makes for a very interesting film. So, those of you who might rush out to watch the film, believing it's about a 'Draft Dodger' and his story, might be disappointed.