It Is A Courageous Government Employee Who Stands Up For His Beliefs

Veteran Vancouver Police Constable Gil Puder, 38, ignored Chief Constable
Bruce Chambers' order last week not to give a well researched speech
detailing his views on how drug addicts should be treated like sick people
rather than criminals.

Puder is said to be a tough, respected cop with a no-nonsense attitude
and a black belt in karate. He's no softie.

Neither is his boss, who is quickly gaining a rep for getting tough on cops
who step out of line. But this time it's Chambers who has stepped out of
line with his threats to discipline Puder. We may not back Puder's views on
solving drug addiction but we back his right to voice them.