CANADA MOURNS RCMP DEATHS

The Mountie is one of Canada's proudest symbols. People around the
world recognized the distinguished figure in red serge. The image
calls up respect and dignity.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police helped form this country, and remain
at the heart of efforts to keep order and justice in "the true north
strong and free." The loss of four RCMP members during an attempted
arrest at a grow-op near Mayerthorpe, Alta. is truly a national tragedy.

Peter Christopher Schiemann, Anthony Fitzgerald Orion Gordon, Lionide
Nicholas Johnston and Broack Warren Myrol were all attempting to carry
on the proud RCMP tradition and fell in the line of duty. The service
says it's the worst such massacre since the Northwest Rebellion of
1885.

The historical significance of these events is undeniable, but those
bearing the biggest burden are the family members who must carry on
without these young men in their lives.

It seems appropriate to acknowledge the important role the RCMP are
playing in helping the tight-knit community at Montreal Lake deal with
the shooting deaths of three community member this week.

One more thought for those shaking their heads, wondering why the
Alberta officers of the law had to die in this manner.

Smoking pot is a way of life for people from many socio-economic
brackets. And buying the stuff supports grow operations like the one
where the RCMP officers died. In light of this tragedy, there are
already calls for tougher penalties for marijuana grow operations.
Those who use this drug might want to think about the contribution
they have made by purchasing pot.