"Jim, you are old and it's time to retire!"
And that was just for openers in the email from "Our Dog Boomer." It was signed "Mark," which I'm assuming was Boomer's owner, not the dog itself, and came my way in response to a request for reader reaction to the new law granting armed U.S. police the same rights as RCMP officers when they crossed the border in hot pursuit of U.S. lawbreakers. Alleged lawbreakers, that is.
It was one of four emails expressing support for American-style policing when criminals head north. One of the four was from the public-relations arm of the author of the new law, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. It was published on the sa国际传媒's letters to the editor page and claimed the new "Shiprider" operation was a key initiative and "common sense and cost-effective" in the effort "to make Canadian streets safer, stronger and more secure."
He made no reference to the challenge to national sovereignty when foreign armed forces are allowed to cross our borders with power to arrest alleged criminals.
But back to the message from "Boomer the dog" berating me for being old and recommending I head for quieter pastures. I shall undoubtedly do that one day. But not voluntarily, and not just yet. Old I certainly am, but lacking any desire "to go gentle into that good night" that hovers at all our roads' ends.
Wrote Mark for Boomer: "U.S. police coming into sa国际传媒 in fresh pursuit of criminals? Yes, welcome, bring what you need to do your job, get these people and take them back to the USA.
"You must be aware much of police training in sa国际传媒 comes from U.S. police agencies. You must be aware of the state of our RCMP and of our court systems ... and clearly you understand the difference in sentencing when criminals end up in court here compared to the United States.
"That bill [the new law] is great, it protects us in the long run and shouldn't be an issue, unless of course old fuddy duddy's [sic] like you convince a bunch of readers that there is something evil and undermining going on?
"Surely you are aware of how difficult it is to get someone OUT of the country once they are here.- Just talk to the police agencies who've been trying to deport known criminals for years - the process [is] flawed, sa国际传媒 border guards will surely back this one up.
"Welcome to sa国际传媒, U.S. police officers, take your criminals and feel free to come back and get more. [Signed} Mark."
Leaves me wondering what kind of dog Boomer is. Pit bull?
Mike Wilkins wrote to say he disagreed with my views on American cops being given the same rights as the RCMP when they crossed our border.
"You seem to have missed what I consider the paramount issue, i.e. that the control and capture of the 'bad guys' is the most critical and important objective. - Given the recent conduct of some of our own police, including of course the RCMP, a helping hand from the guys down south would be welcome. Do I sleep safer knowing that both countries are working together? The answer is 'yes.' "
The fourth support for U.S. night riders came from "Buck," who wondered "why honest people would be upset on [being offered] extra help for protection."
As "Buck" often fires tongue-in-cheek comments my way, I may be doing him an injustice by lumping him with new-law supporters.
He did ask in the same email if 78.77 per cent of 5,673 CBC listeners, who had responded "no" when asked if they approved the new law, "should [now] be observed as future bad guys!"
A fair question, in light of past comments by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on what makes good and bad Canadians.
Did I get any support for my contention that the new border patrols, with U.S. police operating in sa国际传媒 armed and with all the rights of Canadian police, infringes on Canadian sovereignty? Glad you asked. At last count there were 25, many with one-line concerns over the joint-force border patrols; one raging condemnation of police forces everywhere, politicians, public servants, financiers and probably journalists, although I confess to not reading the diatribe to the end. Not close to CBC's cross-country 5,673, but endorsing the voting pattern.
Two thoughtful letters came from former U.S. citizens, now Canadians, wondering if what they thought they had left behind was now creeping across the border. I don't have time enough to reply to all - pro or con - who wrote, but I thank you all for the challenges and the support. My view on the new law is unchanged.
It was Virgil who said he feared the Greeks, even when they came bearing gifts. I remain with those who feel the same when the U.S. offers us its interpretation of law enforcement.
