Posted on 04/24/2006 5:00:38 AM PDT by fanfan
Before we discuss the Conservatives’ anti-crime package proposed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last week, we’re going to give you a figure that will stop you in your tracks.
It’s that violent crime in Canada today is 35% higher than it was just 20 years ago.
You read that right. It’s from last year’s Statistics Canada report on the crime rate.
But how is this possible, you’re asking? Haven’t we constantly been told by the “hug a thug” crowd that crime is going down and thus there is no need to toughen our laws?
Well, what liberal politicians, academics and pundits have been doing is quoting the statistics very selectively. It’s true that after peaking in 1991, violent crime has been dropping, slowly. Today it’s down 10% from a decade ago.
But those who want to coddle criminals don’t tell you that this very slight decline has in no way matched the explosion in violent crime that started in the 1960s and continued for 30 years. The real story is that violent crime today is at levels that would have been considered appallingly high only two decades ago.
In response to this reality, Harper this week proposed three measures.
The first would impose mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking, weapons offences, for crimes committed while on parole and for repeat and violent offenders. (Harper didn’t specify minimums, but during the election he said they should be up to 10 years.)
Harper would also end conditional sentencing — so-called “house arrest” — and increase the age of sexual consent between an adult and a teenager to 16 from 14.
Harper expects his initiatives will get a rough ride from the opposition parties, none of whom are enthusiastic supporters of cracking down on crime.
He asked Canadians to contact their MPs to tell them they support the Conservative crime package. He will also introduce them as separate bills, forcing the opposition parties to go on record explaining why they oppose each one. We can’t wait to hear their arguments, especially in light of today’s appallingly high crime rates.
Liberals lying? I am shocked!
Whoda thunk it?
I know of several instances in which crimes, including assaults, have not been reported because people have lost confidence that the justice system will do anything about them.
It is not worth the time and effort needed to report.
That has to bias the statistics.
“hug a thug” crowd LOL
Agreed. That is why Canadians need to change their gun laws. They will need to be able to travel and carry restricted weapons ( pistols) for their own protection. Unless this comes to pass, the rate of violent crime in Canada will continue to rise unchecked.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
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