One issue we haven’t heard anything about in the election campaign is what the parties propose to do to fix our failing justice system.
It has lost all of its teeth, and like an old codger, is trying to chew meat with its gums.
Once again, we were appalled by a recent case involving a Summerland businessman who exploited a teenage employee for his own sexual desires. What made it worse is he was in a position of trust.
But here’s where it gets unbelievable: the court is entertaining the submission of having the man serve his jail time on weekends.
But it gets better. The Crown stayed the other charges, including assault with a weapon, invitation to sexual touching, child luring and possession of child pornography.
Sounds like this businessman got a darn good deal (plea bargain) behind closed doors.
While these bargains (sounds like a store-wide sale) save the court time and taxpayers’ money, they have led to the erosion of our justice system.
And sentences of 90 days on weekends for serious crimes is a joke and must stop, because nobody’s laughing except the perpetrators.
Even though countless voters have become disillusioned with elections, we urge you to cast aside your pessimism and vote for the party that best represents your values.
Don’t be complacent, because sometimes that’s exactly what the government wants. People who are complacent or indifferent don’t know what’s going on, and some governments like it that way.
You may not be convinced, but every vote makes a difference. Your vote says that you want a good health care system, a sustainable environment, and a justice system that works for the victim, not the criminal.
Elections are the only time when voters have the power to make change, so don’t waste it by sitting at home and cursing the government for doing things you don’t agree with.
If you don’t really know what the parties stand for, there is a seat at Frank Venables Theatre tonight (Wednesday) with your name on it. The all-candidates meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will give people a good insight into what the candidates stand for, and what they don’t.
Ask them what they’ll do to keep prolific offenders off the streets. Ask them what they’ll do to make it easier for working class families. Ask them if they’ll continue to represent you when their party has other plans.
Oh, and ask them to keep their promises too.
