Chris Clegg
On page 1 of this week’s paper, you will read the opening of the Smoky River Ski Area this skiing season was delayed due to theft at the facility last year.
“We lost a month because thieves did nearly $100,000 worth of damage on our snowmaking equipment,” says manager Clem Bourgeois.
The scumbag(s) who committed this crime are truly the pond scum of the world but they will continue with their dastardly deeds as long as judges pat them on the back, wish them good luck and kiss them on the ass as they leave the courtroom. So, I exaggerate a bit! But not much!
The penalties for theft surely do not fit the crime in this country, much to the chagrin of most of its disgruntled citizens. But light sentences and putting thieves back on the streets keeps lawyers and judges employed! Talk about the ultimate job security program!
What is confusing is many, if not most, politicians are lawyers by trade. You would think they would have an answer how to effectively deal with thieves. Not so! Seems they are more interested in letting them free so they can commit more crimes and keep their buddies in the legal system working.
Despite the disgrace that the justice system provides Canadian citizens, we still persevere. People who operate the ski hill will persevere. There will be a skiing season.
The ski hill is not immune to theft. At Triangle, the Pioneer Threshermens Association has experienced theft and vandalism at its grounds west of High Prairie. Years ago, smashing Christmas lights was a favourite pleasure of a few of High Prairie’s little hoodlums.
Yet, each time, the organizations and governments who provide the service bite the bullet, regroup and provide the necessary funds to provide the service. We are lucky so many people step forward to provide the service.
Over the last 20 years, the High Prairie Community Beautification Association and Town of High Prairie have debated whether or not to plant flowers around town. I have long held the position you can’t let potential crime (pulling flowers and destroying flower baskets) ruin the pleasure it gives others. Thankfully, most agree and move forward.
If we let the thieves and hoodlums take over and do nothing, think what a lousy world we would live it. Far less enjoyment for the recreational services, beautification projects and events we enjoy. Many volunteers step forward to better our communities and the potential hazards be damned.
And when crime does happen, the court system and all its flaws assumes control.
For once, it would be nice to hear a judge or lawyer express some sincere remorse toward the victim. Not the usual canned speech about how much they care. If the thieves who destroyed equipment at the Little Smoky Ski are area caught, some real justice served would be so nice. Not a pat on the back for an early guilty plea, but a real admonishment for the crimes they committed. Lawyers know an early guilty plea will lessen a sentence because it supposedly shows remorse. Judges fall for it like a politician to a pension. It is a pathetic game and the entire justice system falls for it. How many of these thieves are repeat offenders?
Crime is rampant all over Canada. Nothing is being done because too many people are making too much money as long as crime flourishes. It is the dirty little secret the legal system does not want you, the taxpayer, to know.
It is time to initiate some real justice in this country and not give token lip service to the victims of these crimes. But as long as lawyers are making the rules – well – good luck with that!