Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jan 2003
Source: Markham Economist & Sun (CN ON)
Contents Copyright 2003, yorkregion.com, Metroland Printing,
Contact:  http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/newscentre/markham/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2360
Author: Tom Pashkov

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
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