REAL CRIME STATISTICS JUST GET IN THE WAY

Columnist Ian Mulgrew employs a bridge to nowhere technique in
disparaging the Conservatives' measures to reduce gun, gang and drug
violence. Mulgrew points out that increased and mandatory sentencing
for minor drug offences employed in the United States have largely
failed. What Mulgrew fails to add is that this is not the direction
indicated in the throne speech.

The intent of the proposed legislation is to ensure stiffer and more
certain sentencing for violent and repeat offenders, especially those
who use weapons. The possession and use of weapons is hardly a minor
offence. If Mulgrew is correct in reporting that violent crime is
actually decreasing then this proposed legislation should result in
jailing an ever-decreasing number of criminals who would maim and kill
in their criminal pursuits.

Michael Edwards

Garibaldi Highlands