Pubdate: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 Source: Barrie Examiner (CN ON) Copyright: 2009, Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2317 Author: Charlie Renaud FICTION FILLS THE VOID THAT A GRIM REALITY IN JUSTICE LEAVES BEHIND My spouse asked me a question yesterday. Why do you like these cop shows that show gruesome deaths and assaults? I had to think about that one for a while. What is the attraction? It is unpleasant and I don't enjoy watching people suffering or dying an unpleasant death. I don't have a fixation on death, blood or battery. So, why the interest? CSI,there are three of them. NCIS,there are two now.Law and Order,three of them.Numbers, also a cop show.Criminal Minds,a cop show too. The basic concept overall is that there is a bad guy and he gets punished for his wrongs. Why is there such an interest in police shows on TV? Because, I believe that there is a lack of proper justice in this world, in the real world, so we are getting our 'justice' through fantasy cop shows. That's it. They always 'get the perpetrator', or at least 99% of the time. That is the reason we watch. To see them get the person responsible. That is the conclusion and what gives us satisfaction. So, instead of feeding our desire for 'justice' in the real world, because that is just not attainable any longer, we use TV shows to satisfy that genuine need. What a shame that we cannot derive any satisfaction or be proud of our government for 'getting the bad guys' for their crimes. Why is this? Because the U. S., and pacifistic Canada following along like a puppy, will not legalize, decriminalize or regulate marijuana or any other drugs. This 'War on Drugs' must end, just like alcohol prohibition did. More than 70% of our courts, police and jails are overwhelmed by drug crimes, most of them petty. No big organized crime bosses are in jail, nor will they ever be. If this enormous drain on our resources was stopped, the police and courts could derive 'justice' for many real crimes. But no. Fear mongering and propaganda (expensive marketing strategy) appeal to the masses and tell them we will have to spend more money on enforcement, incarceration and heavier penalties for drugs. Which just gives the government a blank cheque to increase our taxes, with none of the desired result obtained. Charlie Renaud Phelpston - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D