Pubdate: Fri, 10 Jul 2009
Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.mrtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372
Author: Dan Banov

STUPID SOLUTION

Editor:

Re: Sentence a blow to police, TIMES Mailbag, July 3

Bob Kerfoot complain(s) about some crack dealer getting a one-year
suspended sentence, (but) just what does he consider an appropriate
sentence?

Mr. Kerfoot who, at 73, I am guessing, considers when a child
misbehaves, you should not spare the rod. This primitive mode of
discipline is not only ineffective but detrimental to the proper
upbringing of a child.

To beat a child because he or she does not agree with or meet
expectations can only create hostility or mindless obedience. A child
needs support not suppression.

In the same way, primitive, ineffective, punitive actions against drug
users and supporters (sellers) do little to solve the problem. When
you have stupid solutions to solve drug problems, it is hard for any
police or judge to enforce those solutions.

Like any child, a person needs help with positive choices when
involved in an unhealthy choice of lifestyle. In the same way an
alcoholic or anyone else on cigarettes or other legal drugs needs
help. If someone chooses to overeat or consume too much sugar, should
he or she be punished or given help to change lifestyle?

Just stop equating the solution to bad behaviour as violence. Force
will not cure all and your grandfather's medal of bravery was from a
time that only understood right was power.

Dan Banov

Maple Ridge
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr