CRIME SICKENS

Recent press has described a litany of crime and social deviance in
Canada. Major drug seizures, with another under investigation; the
shut-down of an alleged Vernon drug gang; illegal immigrants
protesting deportation; terrorist scares in Toronto; B.C. Ferries
employees advised by lawyers not to talk.

Not being one of the gentle people, following a lifetime of practical
experience, I am at the same time saddened, sickened, appalled,
disgusted and frightened by the apparent powerlessness of Canada's
"justice" system.

Unpopular as it will probably be, I would like to draw readers'
attention to a recent story in Reader's Digest describing the change
of opinion effected in two Canadian teachers following several years
living experience in Singapore. In conclusion they report having
decided to extend their stay from two to 10 years, for both financial
and social reasons.

According to their story, the smuggling of drugs does not net a jail
sentence, it results in execution. Anything that smack of social
deviance enjoys zero-tolerance. Intentional scratching of cars
results in caning. The list continues as do social advantages,
security, health-care and cleanliness. One writer states Singapore
has few muggers, drugs or gangs. In his opinion it is probably the
world's safest country and indeed the cleanest big city he has ever seen.

Coming from experienced, educated Canadians, where then is Canada's
problem in following suit and one day ridding our streets of known,
erosive and malignant social concerns?

Could it be from recent media stories that our present justice
system, by its insistence on rights, is afraid to provide a system
which is offender hostile and citizen friendly, thus protecting those
who are law-abiding rather than those who are not?

Is this the state of our nation?

Stephen Lamb

Victoria