Five Last Letters

Society's Problem

Re:"Boy, 14,charged with murder; Second teen accused of being accessory," The Journal, June 3.
It is indeed shocking that two boys as young as 14 could be involved in a gruesome murder. No doubt, there will be calls for a trial in adult court.
What it is in our society that drives young children to gruesome acts?
Whether it is TV and video game violence, poor parenting, bad schooling, addictions or neurological disorders, a concerted research effort is needed to find the cause to minimize such incidents.
Tough punishment is like crying over spilled milk, when what we need is a better container.
(Edmonton Journal, 04/06/09)

NOISE, NOISE EVERYWHERE

I'd like to extend the message of Randy Rucker (Letters, May 28) about noisy motorcycles downtown to other sources of noise in suburbia. We have noisy lawn mowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, loudspeakers in the not-so-nearby park disturbing us from morning to dusk. Warm days are already so few and it is heartbreaking not to be able to enjoy them.
(Calgary Sun, 29/05/09)

50,000,000,000 and counting

I would have no problem with a "more than $50-billion" deficit if the money were being spent on preparing the country for a new conservation-based economy rather than supporting industries symptomatic of excessive consumption in a now, it is to be hoped, bygone era. The government is spending money on lost causes, a little like a drunk who buys more booze because he cannot contemplate being sober.
(Globe and Mail, 28/05/09)

Job well done

Re: Police defend fatal shooting of gunman, May 25.

I am surprised that Police Chief Rick Hanson needs to defend his officers in shooting a man who was brandishing a sawed-off shotgun in a hostage case. Enough police officers have sacrificed their lives to protect citizens. Anything that can be done to protect Police is fine with me. If it means shooting a probable killer who refuses to drop his weapon, what other option do they have? Self-defence is a legitimate argument in court, even if you are a police officer. Hanson shouldn’t have to point that out.
(Calgary Herald, 27/05/09)

RCMP officers must face charges

Re: RCMP Officers May Be Charged In Dziekanski Death

There is no reason for “may be” in this case any more, as there seems to be enough evidence to charge the officers in this case for a wide spectrum of offences.
It is imperative for the reputation of the RCMP and the justice system that the officers are charged without delay, before the public loses any more of the confidence in the integrity of those who are supposed to protect us.
(National Post, 15/04/09)

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