Pubdate: Wed, 26 Nov 2003
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: James Craig
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1827/a04.html

SYMPATHY AND SKEPTICISM GREET GUILTY POLICE OFFICERS

A number of young police officers have given a physical beating to a number 
of drug dealers, a practice which our grandparents or great-grandparents 
would have approved.

Understandably, the drug dealers' lawyer appears frequently on TV to 
express his indignation about the beatings. But that is what he is paid to 
do. Public relations is part of good representation of those who live by 
crime; to evoke public sympathy, whatever aid that might be to people who 
live in a world of violence.

It is hard to sympathize with the dealers who now appear whining on TV. No 
one is forcing them to engage in the trade and there are multiple agencies 
to assist them to get into something more useful, like journalism.

James Craig, Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager