What Level Of Gun Crime IS Acceptable?

Zero would be wonderful but that is a pollyanna objective but one that many think they can reach by blaming society as a whole for the problem and that more $$$, more basketball courts, etc. will solve the problem but it is not working. Quicker trials, harsher mandatory consecutive sentences and hard time might be the answer. Our present system is not working:

Alarmingly, one of every seven arrests our police make today is for someone violating bail conditions.

That indicates our "catch and release" criminal justice system must be overhauled. Prime Minister Stephen Harper must fulfil his election promise to crack down on gun crime and soft-hearted Liberal, Bloc and NDP MPs must get their heads out of the sand and stop obstructing needed reforms.

EDITORIAL: Don't let up on gun crime

By SUN MEDIA

The good news as we enter the final week of the holiday season and 2006, is that gun crime is down in Toronto.

The bad news is that the one-year anniversary of the Boxing Day shooting on Yonge St., which took the life of Jane Creba and wounded six others, is fast approaching.

That gun crime is down from the record mayhem of a year ago brings no comfort for those who lost loved ones. We all know, the police most of all, that at any moment, good news about crime stats can turn into bad news overnight. That said, gun violence is down in every major category from last year's record pace.

As of yesterday, there were 27 gun-related murders in Toronto this year compared to 50 at this time a year ago. Shootings are down from 239 to 199. There have been 277 victims, down from 323.

Total homicides are down as well -- 65 this year compared to 77 last year, although Police Chief Bill Blair is concerned about a spike in domestic murders.

more