KEEP POLITICS OUT OF TRAGEDY

A horrible and senseless tragedy took place in the small community of
Rochfort Bridge, Alta., Thursday when four young RCMP officers were
shot dead by a criminal who later turned the weapon on himself.

As is human nature, people are reacting in anger. The heartbreaking
story had barely reached the newscasts and people were stepping
forward to call for or promise tougher laws.

This reaction won't help. It's pointless at the moment. The time now
is for grieving. Families have lost sons and brothers, possibly
husbands and fathers or sisters and wives.

It was so early that their identities were not released by press time.
Yet, people were already entering into the political debate about
whether marijuana should or should not be decriminalized. The
discussion arose as soon as it became known the officers were
conducting a raid on a marijuana grow operation.

Within hours of the shootings, Alberta Public Safety Minister Anne
McLellan said she will consider tougher penalties for marijuana grow
operations. Conservative MP Randy White was blasting the Liberals for
their lack of action on justice issues. B.C. Solicitor General Rich
Coleman was opining in a similar fashion.

Obviously, they, like everyone else, are sickened and saddened by the
deaths of the RCMP officers. But as well as offering condolences, they
felt they had to respond in a political fashion. There is no need. The
only response necessary is a heartfelt expression of sympathy to
families and fellow RCMP members.

Prime Minister Paul Martin found the right words.

"This terrible event is a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the
men and women who serve in our national police force," he said.
"Canadians are shocked by this brutality and join me in condemning the
violent acts that brought about these deaths."

Today, spare a thought for the RCMP in this community and across the
nation who will feel the loss of these four officers in a devastating
fashion. They and their families know only too well the risk they take
each time they go on duty.

While it is the career they chose, most do it out of a sense of
responsibility to their country. They do not choose to be shot down in
the prime of their lives.

It's a heartbreaking story that deserves the countrywide attention it
is getting. However, if the primary discourse is about law and order,
it diminishes the worth of the police officers who lost their lives
Thursday.

Leave the political commentary alone for a day or two and allow the
Canadian police force a period in which to grieve their fallen
colleagues. Join them in mourning the loss of four brave officers.