DEBATING THE MERITS OF THE CONSERVATIVES' CRIME REDUCTION PLAN

Peter McKnight's column illustrated why Prime Minister Stephen Harper
is opposed to the ivory tower's response to crime. McKnight's approach
to those who are "trafficking in certain drugs, such as heroin and
cocaine" is to not incarcerate them if they are users themselves. If
McKnight's ideas were to become policy, I can't imagine any
self-respecting drug trafficker not immediately pleading addiction
when arrested for trafficking.

McKnight even wants house arrest for perpetrators of certain "violent
crimes." He says that would allow these criminals to "work, support
themselves and their families and pay taxes."

Would someone please inform him that these criminals generally aren't
interested in being responsible members of society?

I do thank your columnist, though, for giving me a clearer
understanding of the kind of thinking to which Harper is justifiably
opposed.

Tim Spangler

Vancouver