Law and Disorder: Comments, Questions and Suggestions
Gun Violence: The Problem is with the Courts
Note that Police Chief Fantino, David Miller, Liberal MPs and Human Resources Minister Joe Volpe call out for money and resources to combat the "disease" and get at "root causes" to combat gun crimes in Toronto. What follows are Worthington's excellent ideas on this.
[. . . . ] The fact is, it is ludicrously simple to reduce gun crimes -- without bringing in "new" laws.
Just enforce existing laws.
The problem, as it exists, is with the courts.
Under the Criminal Code, anyone carrying a gun while committing a crime risks five years in prison, plus whatever the sentence is for the crime.
Gun sentences should be mandatory.
As it stands now, using a gun in a crime carries a maximum 14 years.
Pointing a gun at someone entails five years.
If even these relatively modest penalties were imposed, it can be guaranteed that the use of guns would be cut down.
[. . . .] Gun crimes have nothing to do with firearms registration, which is the peculiar obsession of the federal Liberal government -- even to the point they fudge figures to make registration look successful, when it's a costly disaster.
Roughly half the guns used in crimes in Toronto (Canada?) are stolen, half come from the U.S.
[. . . .] "Root causes" of crime and social disorder need attention, but more important -- and easy to do -- is "curing" one of the symptoms, which is gun crimes.
Scare the bejeezus out of gun criminals.
Make them afraid to risk carrying guns because of the penalties.
[. . . .] As well, speed up the court process and get the low-lifes off the streets faster.
[. . . .] Miller's plans are preventative (he wants to provide jobs, recreational activities, social assistance), they cost money the city doesn't have, they give long-term payoffs as opposed to an immediate cessation of gunplay and they need to be buttressed by police enforcement measures that cost money and federal legislative actions that are outside his jurisdiction.
Letters to The Star, Mar. 5, 04
Suggestions: Stop the Plea Bargaining, the Studies, Get the Guns, Give Long Jail Time for Perps!
1. I do not want another study on why these people do this or why people are in gangs. I want something done about this now! I want my children to be able to grow up in an environment where they are not afraid to walk and play in the local park.
I want the guns taken away from these killers.
[. . . .] These killers, and others who possess guns for crime, must be put in jail for a long, long time. We must stop thinking of them as the victims of society. They must be held accountable for their own actions.
The people who were shot, and their families, are the victims - not those who pulled the trigger. CK
2. I think if our illustrious mayor took the time to speak with some of these delinquents, he would learn they all have a fundamental lack of regard for human life. It has absolutely nothing to do with not having a recreation centre in which to play basketball. MJ
Absolutely correct! It has more to do with drugs and gang activity, gun running especially across the border, and lax immigration controls on totally unworthy and dangerous people -- brought to you by government. NJC
