Pubdate: Thu, 18 Mar 2010
Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Contact:  http://www.miltoncanadianchampion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503
Author: Sean Kelly

EXTREME UNFAIRNESS, HYPOCRISY BY CONSERVATIVES SICKENING

(The following letter was addressed to Halton MP Lisa Raitt, and a
copy was filed with the Champion.)

DEAR MS. RAITT:

It was with great disappointment that I read the news about
ex-Conservative MP Rahim  Jaffer. I don't begrudge his second chance
to smarten up in the future. Decent people can and do make serious
mistakes, and I believe in forgiving them if they're truly remorseful.
However, Mr. Jaffer and the Conservative Party are proponents of
mandatory minimum sentencing for drug possession offences. Mr. Jaffer
voted for Bill C-26 (reintroduced as Bill C- 15), which essentially
espoused the view that those who commit such crimes aren't worthy of a
second chance.

How can you demand harsh sentencing for drug offenders, yet look the
other way when one of your own slips up? I'm a non-partisan centrist,
which means that I rarely vote Conservative. Because of that, you
probably won't take my words to heart. However, I urge you to reflect
on your party's 'tough-on-crime' rhetoric.

If you and those in your party agree that decent people like Mr.
Jaffer can make mistakes and deserve forgiveness, how can you support
mandatory minimum sentences? I'm sickened by what I perceive as
extreme unfairness and hypocrisy. As you are my MP, I would appreciate
a reply. Thank you and all the best.

SEAN KELLY

MILTON
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D