COURTS NEED TO KEEP GANGSTERS OFF STREETS

Like many of you, we were appalled by the resurgence of brazen gunplay
in Vancouver over the weekend. Vancouver, especially the west side of
Vancouver, used to be known as a shining beacon for tranquillity and
tolerance.

But many locals feel that, with all the vandalism and violence these
days, it's going to the dogs . . . rabid young dogs who wallow in the
supposed glamour of being macho gangbangers and scorn the civilized
norms of society.

The fact that so many people had to be taken to hospital with gunshot
wounds following the gangland-style shooting on Oak Street is a
disgrace, not to mention a drain on taxpayers.

Vancouver has already been dubbed Vansterdam because of the city's
virulent drug culture. Now it seems to be doing its best to imitate,
well, Detroit . . . or Beirut.

Police noted the 10 people who were shot were attending an
invitation-only birthday bash for gang members. But innocent people
could well have been caught in the crossfire. And we appeal to all
decent, law-abiding folks to do everything they can to bring the
perpetrators to justice, wherever they're from.

There is some good news. Local residents were quick to respond =C2-- and

phone police immediately when they heard the gunshots and the screams.

Also, the shootings occurred just hours after Solicitor-General Rich
Coleman announced that, under a new law that comes into effect Feb. 1,
health-care facilities must report gunshot and stab wounds.

It's a new weapon for police to use in their efforts to solve crimes
such as the Oak Street shootout.

Above all, the courts must do their part in keeping armed gangsters
off the streets. The sentences they hand out must start to reflect the
revulsion society feels toward this kind of thuggery.

House arrest just doesn't cut it any more.