Registering disapproval
Following the Montreal Massacre, in which my daughter and her 13 companions were killed by a man with a legally acquired semi-automatic rifle, Jack Layton founded the White Ribbon Campaign aimed at mobilizing men to end violence against women. He has often spoken with pride about his commitment and his legacy (Layton’s Potential Legacy: Killing The Long-Gun Registry He Supports – front page, Aug. 31). How terrible and ironic it is that it now appears that Mr. Layton’s legacy will be dismantling the firearms registry.
Police, women’s groups, public health and suicide professionals are united in arguing that the registry has saved lives and that it is an important tool to promote safety. In spite of his efforts to bob and weave and shrug it off, responsibility for dismantling the registry will rest squarely on Mr. Layton’s shoulders. If he does not show leadership and ensure that his caucus votes against Bill C-391, powerful semi-automatic rifles, including the Ruger 14 used in the Montreal Massacre will no longer be registered, making it easier for dangerous people to get guns.
Suzanne L. Edward, Pierrefonds, Que.
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It is particularly ironic that Tommy Douglas, founder of the NDP, was an advocate for the registration of firearms. Disappointed with the compromise legislation in 1977, he observed that “Half a loaf is better than none” and predicted that “some day, we will have the techniques to register all firearms.” Yes, the NDP has rural roots. It was also a party founded on principle. What would Tommy Douglas think of his party and its leader today?
Ward M. Eagen, Toronto
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NDP Leader Jack Layton seems prepared to let the registry die. While this seems to be all about votes in rural communities, ironically, these are the areas with the highest rates of gun deaths by suicide and domestic violence. As a rural psychiatrist I can tell you, without question, that in rural Canada, the registry saves lives. While vocal opponents may dominate the discussion, there are plenty of us in rural Canada who believe in the critical importance of this tool to prevent suicide and domestic violence.
Barbara J. Kane, clinical psychiatrist, Prince George, B.C.
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Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff displays truly stunning hypocrisy telling Jack Layton that the NDP will stand for “no darn principles” if Mr. Layton and the New Democrats don’t vote against scrapping the long-gun registry. It appears Mr. Layton’s sin is that he will allow his members to represent their constituents, not the party – how undemocratic, according to Mr. Ignatieff. I think that “hypocrisy” is a seven-letter word beginning and ending with an “L.”
Brian Stewart, Orleans, Ont.
The price of (non) admission
That roar? It’s the sound of the world laughing at us (Tamil ‘Tourists’ Await Next Boat – And It’s Not For Sightseeing – Aug. 31).
Jayne Moshenko, Fredericton
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If Tamil refugee-status seekers are willing and able to pay $50,000, why don’t we set up an office in Bangkok and cut out the middlemen? This would save on processing expenses, political drama and national angst around the whole thing.
Nick Bryant, North Vancouver
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True peace did not return to Sri Lanka with war’s end (Havens Closer To Home – editorial, Aug. 31). If it had, minorities would not still be leaving its shores in droves. The number of Tamils choosing to risk a return to Sri Lanka, over a continued stay in the subhuman conditions of India’s refugee camps, is negligible compared to the thousands who still choose to stay in those camps.
Forcing India, Thailand or any such country to accept more refugees is neither a viable nor a humane option. The best and the only option is to make Sri Lanka stop producing refugees. If Sri Lanka granted fundamental freedoms and human rights to all its citizens, they would not feel forced to leave for Thailand or Canada.
