RUM RUNNER DAYS AN INSULT TO RCMP?

Dear Editor,

Four tragic RCMP deaths have shocked our nation and condolences are pouring
in from all over Canada and from other nations as well.

As a small rural community in Alberta, the Crowsnest Pass can easily
empathize with the impact such a massacre would have on a small town,
having half of its police force killed in one incident. Our community, like
others served by the RCMP in Alberta, should be taking the time to reflect
upon what our own Mounties mean to us. How do we show them respect and
gratitude?

The media report that this was just a routine duty, but police officers and
their families know that there is no such thing as routine. Police
officers' lives are at risk each time they put on their uniforms. Yes, even
our local officers have staked out grow operations in our own area. We are
not immune. Are their lives at risk? Yes, every day, for each one of us
that they aim to serve and protect.

How, as a community, do we begin to express our condolences and
appreciation to the families of these fallen heroes who risked their lives
for us? And how do we begin to express our gratitude to those who continue
to risk their lives for us every day, especially our local RCMP officers?

Perhaps this is a good time to reflect upon something that has disturbed me
since we moved here with the RCMP two years ago: why does the Crowsnest
Pass celebrate Rum Runners Days? Rum running was an illegal activity that
caused the deaths of police officers who's duty it was to enforce laws,
which they did not create, and to protect citizens from the crimes created
by rum running. Police officers were killed, wives lost their husbands,
children were raised without fathers, and parents lost their sons to this
illegal activity which is the most celebrated event of this community.

I understand that every community likes to celebrate and keep its
traditions, but perhaps it is time to re-consider what kind of message is
being sent by celebrating rum running and what is even more shocking,
asking RCMP members to lead the parade! Is this a reflection of the level
of gratitude and respect this community has for its police officers?

Consider for a moment, with the government push to legalize drugs in
Canada, how the families of these four slain RCMP officers would feel if
fellow officers were asked to march in a "Drug-Runners Days" parade. Is it
not the same thing?

Since the amalgamation of the Crowsnest Community has no celebration of its
own, perhaps the time has come to celebrate something new. One thing is for
certain, I'm sure there must be something better to celebrate.

Mary Pringle

Blairmore