VIGILANTES ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND

Re: Residents Laud 'Crack House' Fire, Aug 4.

The incident of Grand Manan islanders allegedly burning down a
suspected drug-dealer's house makes us reflect on the role of law
enforcement. The RCMP states it cannot tolerate lawless acts. On the
other hand the people claim they are not getting the protection the
police are paid to provide.

The source of all law is the will of the people. We hire politicians
to write our laws, judges to interpret those laws and police to
enforcement them. In any civilized society, these are highly
desirable distinctions. What if these hired people are not doing
their job? Citizens can fire them, at least in theory.

But the reality of Grand Manan Island is different. The people there
cannot fire the police. Everyone, except apparently the police, knew
of drug-dealing in the community. In such a case, are private
citizens entitled to act? If so, to what extent? Is destroying a
suspected crack house a measured response (to use the currently
popular phrase)? Only the citizens of the island are entitled to
answer that question. Legal theorists need not apply.

Raymond Peringer

Toronto