Pubdate: Sat, 05 Mar 2005 Source: Sault Star, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 The Sault Star Contact: http://www.saultstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1071 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rochfort+Bridge (Rochfort Bridge) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) TRAGIC RCMP DEATHS MUST NOT BE REPEATED The sudden and shocking deaths of four RCMP officers, murdered while doing their job in Alberta on Thursday, is foremost a heartbreaking reminder of the danger that police face every day while protecting us. They have been identified as Peter Christopher Schiemann, Anthony Fitzgerald Orion Gordon, Lionide Nicholas Johnston and Broack Warren Myrol. Johnston, 33, was an ace marksman. Myrol, 29, had just taken his first RCMP posting on Valentine's Day. The families and communities of these slain officers have our fullest support and our deepest condolences. We share their pain because their loss is our loss. Details are still emerging, but it appears they were shot as they investigated a marijuana grow operation near Rochfort Bridge, about 130 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. The four appear to have been ambushed by Jim Roszko, 46, whose own father describes him as "a wicked devil" who got out of jail a year or two ago. It appears Roszko killed himself after murdering the officers. In the midst of our grief, it seems inappropriate to discuss the politics that may have played a part in how this tragedy unfolded. On the other hand, perhaps we do need to talk about the whole topic of marijuana laws with greater urgency so something like this is less likely to happen again. Certainly, RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli immediately called for a crack-down on grow ops and a new look at plans to decriminalize small amounts of the drug. Other police spokespersons have echoed the comments, and federal Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan says she'll consider tougher penalties for growing marijuana. Their reaction is understandable under the circumstances. Anger at the criminals involved with pot production and distribution is natural after such a grotesque murder of multiple police officers. But is it the best way to stop the problem? Or will it lead to yet more deaths in the future? On the other side of the debate we have former senator and Liberal leader in Alberta Nick Taylor, who advocates legalizing marijuana because prohibition doesn't work. Certainly, we have that lesson from history with alcohol. Early last century, when alcohol was banned - especially in the U.S. - the lucrative business was taken over by organized crime and resulted in deaths of many police officers as well as bootleggers. Maybe we need to solve the problem the same way with marijuana as we did with booze - - legalize it, regulate it, tax it. The problem with marijuana may not be so much that it is intrinsically harmful - which it is - but that it has been declared criminal and thus has been given over to the criminal element. That's also what makes it a "gateway" drug to other substances. Anyone who wants it needs to deal with criminals rather than going to a government-regulated outlet. The suppliers, as criminals, are likely sources of harder drugs. If alcohol were still prohibited, it would likely be the "gateway" drug for the same reason. Like alcohol and tobacco and gambling, marijuana has such a broad-based market that any attempt to ban it is doomed to fail. The best we can do is regulate it, taking control and profits out of the hands of organized crime, and educate people about its dangers. That is no panacea. Problems will remain with marijuana if it is legalized, just as there are still problems with booze and tobacco and gambling. But we will not all turn into marijuana zombies overnight either, just as we are not all alcoholics or smokers or gambling addicts. If there is ever any good reason for four police officers to die, a marijuana grow op is not it. But whatever anyone's feelings about drug laws, the fact is that these four heroes were upholding to the best of their ability the laws that are currently in place. It is a time to reflect on the service police officers render every day on our behalf, from coast to coast. And to pledge that we will do everything in our power to stop this from happening again. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake