Stunning Conclusion

jallemang@globeandmail.com

The Braidwood report into the taser death

of Robert Dziekanski has concluded that

police need the weapons. - News report

We'll keep the taser as a threat,

And make you crazies place a bet

That when you choose to disobey,

We still might take your life away.

So Justice Braidwood scattered blame?

As judgments go, it's pretty tame,

Your classic solemn reprimand

That leaves a killer gun unbanned,

And tells us we should use more charm

Before we choose to do you harm.

A bolder man would draw the line,

And call Dziekanski's death a sign

That tasers made us lose control

Before we killed the anxious Pole.

But since we get to keep our gun,

We'll now agree what's done is done,

Adjust our training, make amends,

And talk of gentler means and ends

That make the judge's words seem wise,

At least until the next one dies.