BAN GUNS, LEGALIZE DRUGS, MAKE HOCKEY FREE TO END GANG VIOLENCE

With the gun and gang violence in Canada appearing to escalate, I'd like to
put forth a plan to curb it. First, ban all manufacture, sales and
possession of handguns.

Make the areas within city limits "gun free zones".

Launch government-sponsored class action suits against gun manufacturers
for intentionally creating a product specifically designed for killing
humans and not keeping tighter safety controls on their use. Clamp down on
our own border. Enforce our gun laws in the courts.

Second, regulate the entire recreational drug market.

Remove the allure of the market and the impetus to use violence to achieve
financial goals or to settle legitimate business disputes within the industry.

Bring this massive existing industry under regulation; institute quality
controls, accountability and transparency.

Third, provide funding for sports, recreational and arts programs,
especially in the cities. Make a wide range of sports (such as hockey) free
for low-income families.

Give teens and young adults something to look forward to, an outlet for
their energy and a tie to the greater community.

Seems simple, eh?

We remove the need for guns and the allure of gangs by taking the money out
of the industry that funds them by regulating said industry.

Then by strictly enforcing penalties for firearms offences and giving
people a legitimate alternative, the gangs of the future may be on the
pitch, or the diamond, or best of all, on the rink.

And the shots fired may be of a completely different kind.

TOM PASHKOV

RICHMOND HILL