” g ~ Friday, March 6, 1992 — North Shore News System views the criminal as victim Dear Editor: I whole-heartedly support Doug Collins’ editorial on the juvenile “injustice’’ system. The Youth Offenders Act (sic) is nothing more than a licence to murder, rob, rape and _ pillage. What other result should we ex- pect when a system views the criminal as the victim? Should we be surprised when an offender repeatedly commits crimes, know- ing full well there are no conse- quences? It can be said that many “young offenders’? come from broken families and are a conse- quence of neglect and abuse. However, that is no excuse for wilful acts of violence and harm to others. If it is, then most of us missed a golden opportunity for a career in crime because there are few among us who were raised by Ozzie and Harriet. There are 10 simple cure-alls for the growing problem of juve- nile crime. But there are ‘get tough’’ programs that have proven to be quite effective. First time offenders — with the exception of those guilty of vio- lent crimes — should be subjected to the ‘Scared Straight’’ program, in which offenders are sent to a maximum security prison for a “pep talk” with criminals who, like them, started their illustrious careers of crime as teenage petty Keep up he Dear Editor: I would like to thank Dorothy Foster and the News for that delightful sketch and North Shore heritage article on St. Francis-in- the-Wood, an architectural jewel in the heart of Caulfeild For me it was indeed a timely valentine, inasmuch as I was mar- tied in St. Francis-in-the-Wood in September 1936. That delightful little church in its forested setting so near the sea always inspired my interest and admiration. thieves and hoodlums. After a five-year study ‘‘Scared Straight’ has proven to have a 90% success rate. It is amazing how quickly one changes when shown the long-term consequences of one’s actions. For older, repeat offenders, I advocate the establishment of training camps that are run in boot-camp fashion and ad- ministered by retired military per- sonnel who can awaken these misguided youths back to reality by providing a strong hand of discipline — not punishment, but discipline — as well as building their self esteem by facing the challenges of rigorous physical training. I fear the weak and feeble- minded handholders here will shiver with horror and revulsion at these ideas and will cont support a system that criminals and ensures injustice. A personal rote — my 17- year-old cousin, a good kid with a bright future, was shot in the back and killed by a teenage punk who had a history of violent assaults on others, including his own mother. As punishment, this poor misunderstood punk received a total of 50 hours’ community ser- vices. My cousin received a good view at the family cemetery. Vince Waring Vancouver iItage series Naturally that interest has never abated and was stimulated once more by Dorothy Foster's art and historical summary of what is un- doubtedly one of our true histori- cal landmarks. Keep up the North Shore heritage series. It is of continuing interest to those of us who have lived long in this most-favored part of the world. Alice H. Jessup ‘West Vancouver THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER FLUSHING OF WATER MAINS NOTICE The Municipal Water Department will commence its annual program of flushing of water mains on March 13, 1992 through to May 31, 1992 inclusive. This may result in the water supply showing sedimeni. The sediment is bacterially harmless, but the water will show some discolouration that may affect some ‘commercial undertakings. B. Lambert, P. Eng Director of Operations MAILBOX Young offenders column ‘right on’ Dear Editor: Regarding Wednesday, Feb. 19’s article by Doug Collins on young offenders and the judicial system, I say “‘right on, Doug Collins!"’ In fact, I say ‘‘right on’’ Doug Collins, to almost every Ge Bxcept ar! = Conquest Skis Niaeanay The Continental expedition backoacking ce 1008) tvetime Guarantee! :] The Pathfinder’ ips weather § 8 : 4 and only 5% ib 3 3 person dome H Lifetime orantee! article of his I’ve read. I find most people think the same was as Doug Collins, but as soon as they see that truth in black and white in a news- paper article, they get upset. Have these people enough brains to read the real meaning Total Wt. 3 ibs! 7°, super compact, Polarguard. The ‘Monashee sags of Doug Collins’ articles or are they just upset and embarrass- ed and ashamed to admit that maybe he has put down in words what they have been feeling all along? Julie Lam North Vancouver Hi Tec Sierra Lite A lightweight durable classic for trail, street and mountain bike. You'll find one of BCs largest selections of out: door footwear right here _ on the North Shore at Great Outdoors. Lifetime suarantee!