It's sad to see the degree to which some Canadians are driven by vengeance and hatred, once the word "terrorist" is attached to an individual. And regardless of whether the label is appropriate or not. 

Terrorists are marked by their willingness to violate human rights in favour of their beliefs. Yet I watch astonished as many Canadians express the same sentiment in the case of Omar Khadr. They believe he's an evil terrorist, despite all the mitigating evidence. And they would deny his fundamental rights because of it. Clearly, only a thin veil separates us from the terrorists we hate.

Few will accept the lesson that Khadr teaches us. We all have the capability to violate human rights in favour of our personal beliefs. The impulse to do so is just under humanity's surface. Only circumstance keeps it in check in one case, while unleashing it in another. If you believe in human rights, then tame the beast. If you don't, you're better off with the terrorists.