LET PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME

Vic Toews has lost sight of the purpose of his office. How easy it is to
talk tough. But the chickens come home to roost. Witness Federal Solicter
General Andy Scott sending memos to all involved in the justice system to
impose community sentences and to release as many prisoners on parole as is
monetarily possible. Drug prohibition has filled our prisons with
non-violent "criminals" and the bill comes to rest on Andy's desk.

Vic would be well advised to look south to California to see where "minimum
sentences" and idiotic "three strikes" law and order mentality lead.
California now incarcerates so many of its own citizens that the cost of
the prison system far exceeds the cost of the education system. I see that
mentality is cool with Vic as we in Manitoba continue to cut spending on
education in order to build 2 new wings at Headingly jail. Soon enough as
in California prisons will be our biggest growth industry.

If Vic Toews were to ask the opionion of many judges in California he would
find that many are now reluctant to find accused guilty when theft of a
pizza becomes a third strike leads to life in jail for a petty thief.

Let the judges do thier job and let the punishment fit the crime. Justice
will prevail long after Vic Toews "lock em up" mentality goes out of vogue.

Chris Buors
391 Roberta Ave
Wpg, Mb
(204)663-3485

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski