Pubdate: Fri, 06 Mar 2009 Source: Interlake Spectator, The (CN MB) Copyright: 2009 Sun Media Contact: http://www.interlakespectator.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.interlakespectator.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2164 Author: Al Yakimchuk GET TOUGHER ON CRIMINALS What can be said that hasn't been said before regarding Canada's sad state of a justice system? Violence-weary cities of Vancouver and Toronto are no doubt grateful for any bit of good news to ease their gang problems. Even the perennial "soft-on-crime" Liberals and NDP are willing to pass the Conservative anti-gang bill without too much fuss. In reality the government proposal is little more than window dressing. Defence lawyers are already smiling over the ambiguous terminology and judges are no doubt just as eager to accommodate them. There are already a growing number that propose we even legalize drugs to lessen the problem. Go figure. You might ask, why doesn't the government push for more prisons, life sentences without parole, no more two for ones or probation? Or how about getting rid of the anemic Youth Justice Act once and for all? That unfortunately would require a governing party with a conscience along with a firm determination to do the right thing. Such a political party is a rare, if not, extinct entity in this country. The search continues. Al Yakimchuk Sandy Hook - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin