Editor:
Re: “Abolish the RCMP” by George and Terry Goulet, Letters, July 3.
Abolish the RCMP? While we are at it why not do away with democracy and establish a dictatorship (preferably a benevolent one)? Politicians promise the world and deliver what’s in their best interest. Bureaucrats rule rather than serve. Religious leaders do not always practise what they preach. Warring tribes have become a “nation” (now there is an anachronism for you). Or let’s just stay with our imperfect system of democracy and change our history – but only the parts we don’t like. (This worked so well for Mao and Stalin.)
Canada has lots of warts and our democracy is imperfect but all told we have a proud history based on the rule of law. The inception of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) – renamed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – provided the tradition of law and order preceding the guns of the Wild West (as in the U.S.A.). Respect and responsibility for actions is what’s required today and that begins with the family and dedicated parenting, regardless of race, colour, creed or gender.
Embracing “systemic wokeness” is typical of naive dolts who have no concept of tradition and its strength of purpose. The RCMP is regarded worldwide as an exemplary, unifying and diverse police force. Its members embrace a proud history, with few exceptions. The RCMP is who is called upon when the need for personal and community safety arises. If you act within the law and the norms of our societal expectations one would have no need to have been negatively impacted by its application.
Today’s world of alcoholism, permissive use of drugs and acknowledgement of mental illness have significantly altered the role of policing for the protection of self and community. This is a work in progress for our society. It does not mean “abolishing” the RCMP.
Bud Hoffman, Sechelt
