Pubdate: Sat, 05 Mar 2005 Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 Prince Albert Daily Herald Contact: http://www.paherald.sk.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rochfort+Bridge (Rochfort Bridge) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) CANADA MOURNS RCMP DEATHS The Mountie is one of Canada's proudest symbols. People around the world recognized the distinguished figure in red serge. The image calls up respect and dignity. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police helped form this country, and remain at the heart of efforts to keep order and justice in "the true north strong and free." The loss of four RCMP members during an attempted arrest at a grow-op near Mayerthorpe, Alta. is truly a national tragedy. Peter Christopher Schiemann, Anthony Fitzgerald Orion Gordon, Lionide Nicholas Johnston and Broack Warren Myrol were all attempting to carry on the proud RCMP tradition and fell in the line of duty. The service says it's the worst such massacre since the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. The historical significance of these events is undeniable, but those bearing the biggest burden are the family members who must carry on without these young men in their lives. It seems appropriate to acknowledge the important role the RCMP are playing in helping the tight-knit community at Montreal Lake deal with the shooting deaths of three community member this week. One more thought for those shaking their heads, wondering why the Alberta officers of the law had to die in this manner. Smoking pot is a way of life for people from many socio-economic brackets. And buying the stuff supports grow operations like the one where the RCMP officers died. In light of this tragedy, there are already calls for tougher penalties for marijuana grow operations. Those who use this drug might want to think about the contribution they have made by purchasing pot. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake