Pubdate: Fri, 12 May 2006 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: C. Fred Bentley Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) TIME FOR ACTION I support the changes being proposed by the Harper Conservatives, but I disagree with the proposal to build "luxury" prisons. It is well known that some prisoners become drug addicts or contract HIV while in jail. But those problems can be overcome by preventing all outside contact. Let's ban all non-licensed guns and set a minimum five years in jail for a violation of any kind. Deaths by shootings, stabbings, drug overdoses and drunk drivers could be reduced by 90 per cent by imposing long sentences in spartan jails. I will never vote for Stephen Harper or his party, but I hope the legislation for draconian punishments for serious criminals will be approved soon. C. Fred Bentley, Edmonton - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom