Dear Editor:
Like many people in my community, I'm saddened by the shadow of injustice I see in the case of Rahim Jaffer. What a coincidence that an ex-MP from the Conservative Party of Canada is charged with drunken driving and possession of cocaine and gets off with a conviction of dangerous driving.
The Ontario Provincial Police maintain the charges were valid. The judge in the case pointed toward Jaffer getting "a break" yet the former MP walks away with a conviction only on the relatively minor charge of dangerous driving. Even though Crown lawyers for the case protest that they could not make the other charges stick, they did not even try. They announce that they pursued the charge that they had a reasonable chance of proving. That argument stinks of political influence you nor I could (or should) ever expect from our courts.
This is the truth behind the Conservative's "tough on crime" policy. If you have influence and/or money in this country, you have power. If you are just one of the masses, prepare to be treated harshly.
The police claim they caught Jaffer driving drunk. He blew over .08 per cent blood-alcohol. They claim he was in possession of the dangerous drug cocaine. Yet he walks away with a conviction on dangerous driving.
All I can do is shake my head.
Will Munsey,
Green Party of Canada
Transport Critic/Candidate
Vegreville-Wainwright