DON'T LET A FEW BAD APPLES FEED THE ROT IN OUR SOCIAL ORDER

In the dying days of December, as gunshots rang out in suburban
streets and petty criminals found even an empty fire hall a tempting
target for their thievery, it wasn't hard to conclude that our
once-civilized society was under threat. It began to seem as if you
could not be sure of feeling safe even within the confines of your
own home -- witness the Port Moody woman shot and severely wounded as
she watched TV in her living room.

Traditional ideals of chivalry -- of standing up to the bullies and
bad guys -- were challenged when the would-be heroes themselves were
treated with deadly contempt.

The dreadful scourge of illegal drugs and their devastating impact on
young people seemed to threaten the corruption of a generation.

No doubt for the pimps and pushers, the gun-wielding gangsters and
the cracked-up car thieves, the idea that living free in one of the
greatest cities in the world also carries responsibility is a
laughable proposition.

But without a common code of courtesy and civility, no society can prosper.

The vast majority of British Columbians willingly and generously
contribute to the strength and well-being of their community. They
share a vision of Canadian society that is fair, tolerant,
law-abiding and peaceful. It is their hopes and dreams that must be
defended against rogue elements that threaten to poison the roots of
our social order.