EXTREME UNFAIRNESS, HYPOCRISY BY CONSERVATIVES SICKENING

(The following letter was addressed to Halton MP Lisa Raitt, and a
copy was filed with the Champion.)

DEAR MS. RAITT:

It was with great disappointment that I read the news about
ex-Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer. I don't begrudge his second chance
to smarten up in the future. Decent people can and do make serious
mistakes, and I believe in forgiving them if they're truly remorseful.
However, Mr. Jaffer and the Conservative Party are proponents of
mandatory minimum sentencing for drug possession offences. Mr. Jaffer
voted for Bill C-26 (reintroduced as Bill C- 15), which essentially
espoused the view that those who commit such crimes aren't worthy of a
second chance.

How can you demand harsh sentencing for drug offenders, yet look the
other way when one of your own slips up? I'm a non-partisan centrist,
which means that I rarely vote Conservative. Because of that, you
probably won't take my words to heart. However, I urge you to reflect
on your party's 'tough-on-crime' rhetoric.

If you and those in your party agree that decent people like Mr.
Jaffer can make mistakes and deserve forgiveness, how can you support
mandatory minimum sentences? I'm sickened by what I perceive as
extreme unfairness and hypocrisy. As you are my MP, I would appreciate
a reply. Thank you and all the best.

SEAN KELLY

MILTON