SATURDAY’S editorial in the National Post Suggests newly appointed RCMP Commissioner Giuliano “Zack” Zaccardelli’s comments at a press conference last week were alarmist. To a point they are cor- rect. But, when Zack told the country that our sovereignty is under threat from elements of organized ciime trying to corrupt our political system, he was right on the money. The fact that he could not or would not provide the assem- bled media hordes with specifics to back his claim is incidental to his position and should not be construed by the National Post or anyone else as anything other that what was intended. This information should not come as a shock to regu- Jar readers of this humble space. Last week I discussed the Sidewinder debacle and interference from the prime Minister’s office into the investigation conducted into “+ just that specific problem. - For those of you who missed it, Zack said last week ata press conference, “For the first time in this country, we are seeing signs of crimi- nal organizations that are so ' sophisticated that they are focusing on destabilizing cer- tain aspects of our society,” he told the assembled media. “There are criminal orga- nizations that target the destabilization of our parlia- mentary system,” Zaccardelli said to the astonished press corps. When he was pressed for details, Zack was caught in a difficult position. “Ir is not fear-raongering in the least. I can't give you, obviously, . Specific details, but we clearly have information that indi- _ Cates that criminal organiza- “tions, sophisticated criminal organizations, as part of their. “strategy is not only to maxi- mize their profits through Hegal activities, bur it is also,’ joing that, in maximizing heir profits, where they can” attempt to try and corrupt and try to destabilize situa- tions,” he explained. | ‘ ‘Zaccardelli’s comments, in my view, are not alarmist, is the National Post claimed. — Rather, they are significant in that they are factual and the last thing the Liberal govern-* Ment wants to hear said pub- icly, And this is what is truly interesting. a »:For.the past 10 years, ‘sifice the days of former Commissioner, Norman ngster, the office of the Commissioner of the RCMP has been politicized like never before in the storied history of the force. . Courtesy of Brian Mulroney, ‘who made the position into a ‘deputy minister rank, the ‘politicians have compromised the independence of the . Mounties. a © And this is why things like. the Sidewinder situation ‘ occur. When the head of the : federal police force must answer to a Minister of the “Crown, an elected politician, “then the very real probability of interference to suit politi- eal purposes is the natural “and J] would argue, inevitable result. . Zack, in saying what he did, has served notice that he will be independent and will iP commissi _ Leo Knight crime and punishment not bend to political pressure from the prime minister's office. At least, tk. what the first actions he has taken are indicating. Time will cell if he can maintain the same position when budget time comes around, 2233 I read with amusement the story out of Washington sppen hice 3 Newspaper Dear Editor: Subject: Boarder/Border Caption Writer/Proof Reader. I was in the North Shore News today asking if there were any caption-writing jobs, DC, indicating American lawyers are getting upset with their collective reputa- tion and are urging law schools to put more emphasis oa their ethics classes. Now [wouldn't presume to be adversarial towards lawyers, but realistically, they belong to a profession it is dr rigeur to poke fun at. Theirs is the only profession to have its own category of jokes. Let me share a little story with vou proving truth ts often stranger than fiction. Recently in Alberta, an Edmonton lawyer tried to get reinstated by the provin- cial bar. He got a collective raspberry for his efforts. Thhggeggegh! And well deserved I might add. and the receptionist. politely told me it was proof reading work that [ was seeking. Come on guys, is there a con- test going on in all the news- papers to see who can make Community thanked Dear Editor: The Drove family would like to thank everyone who has come to our assistance after the devastating fire chat destroyed our home. It is at a time like this that one really appreciates the warm and caring community that makes up the North Shore. Our heartfelt thanks to all. John, Debbie, Samantha, Jonathan and Dorothy Drove North Vancouver Jdrove@ckb.com A®WEAR on-Line: www.awear.com * Wednesday, September 13, 2000 - North Shore News - 7 oner ne po You see, four years ago, he was approached by a I4- vear-old hooker who wanted him to represent her, on legal aid, on a morality charge. In the initial meeting, he propositioned the young, girl who, for money on the street, would provide sexual favours to anyone. But, she drew the line at boinking her lawyer. Even a 14-year-old street “ho has more moral fibre than thar. He insisted and the young, dare I say, lady, went straight to the vice cops who arrested her and blew the whistle instead of the lawyer. The vice guys, barely con- taining their glee, wired up their witness and sent her off to meet with her amorous the most mistakes? Today's (Sept. 6) North Shore News has (snow) “Boarder” instead of (U.S./Canada) “Border.” The Globe and Mail had the Pacific Ocean being visible from the western edge of UBC, if 29. trees are cut down, and forget about the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island being in benveen. The Vancouver Sun ran two titles (one with larger print and bolder) for one article, with “resurrect” being spelled as “reserect” incorrectly, yet corrected, later. “Book feeds Olson’s need for notoriety, officer says.” “Book on Olson will AeWEAR on-tHeEMm: his shirt $89, his pant $105, her pant $95 AeWEAR in-store: vancouver sinclair centre 685-9327 victoria 1205 government street (250)382-9327 west vancouver park royal shopping centre (north) 921-4188 attorney. Monitoring the conversa- tion from outside the horel room the generous lothario had sprung for, the detectives waited for the right moment in time to announce their presence. While not exacily catching the salacious solici- tor in flagrante delicte, when the door came in, the obvi- ously excited barrister was standing, or hopping might be more accurate, on one leg attempting to shed his box- crs. The ever efficient vice cops, camera in hand, man- aged to capture the Kodak moment perfectly. The would-be lover looked some- what startled as he gaped direetly into the law's lens. cp mecteee tid en AAA AR Orn AT Yi rennet Ne cet RT LAR be Ry NO Nene rar intr rman te atti MOOR RAENNETTEN, mistakes prompt job search reserect old wounds, officer says.” And still within The Vancouver Sun, same day, edi- torial page though, author unknown, “deceive” was spelt “decieve”. (“i? before “e” except after “e”). I thrive on thinking up the idea! subject heading for the letters that I send off to the various newspaper editors. You must have an opening for my talent, between letters to editors being published and not published. Dave Gosse North Vancouver dagwood@infoserve.net tical patsy The ‘ead detective called the senior partner in the man’s firm and suggested he might wish to be aware of the quandary. “Too bad. So sad. In jail. Send bail,” or words to that effect. After gasping when he learned of his protége’s predicament, he advised the giggling detective to tell his prisoner to seek legal advice from other places. Evidently loyalty was not a strong suit. The lawyer was ultimately defrocked by the Alberta Bar hence his recent appeal and application for re-instate- ment. A police officer’s lot is not always a happy one, but some days make it ali worth while. — lknight@dirvect.ca COMPUTER Why drive all over town looking for the bes? deal? Over 20 dealers in one location to. save you time and money. SATURDAY SEPT 16TH 10:00-3:00 i St. Martin’s Angtican |g a | Church Hall, 195 East Windsor Rd ADMISSION $2. fea] Children under 12, free eo A WHISTLER’S MOUNTAINSIDE (> LODGE -&) Fall Special From $69 Double or $99 Quad per Night Fall colours. hiking, golf, village location. Units have kitchens, f/p. whirl tub, outdoor pool & jacuzzi, Kids 12 & Under Free. 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