Stop the guns coming in barrels
published: Wednesday | August 20, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

WHILE THE root causes of crime must be addressed to truly fix the problem that we are having, there are still some basic things that we can address, such as stemming the flow of guns into the country.

True, we have miles of open coastline. True, guns come in by boat and also by plane, probably as companions of cocaine en route to their final destination. But ask just about anyone in the inner city and you will hear that a significant number of the guns in circulation entered the country in a barrel!

It was therefore with dismay that I read the recent news that x-ray equipment was being donated to check for outgoing shipments for ganja and cocaine, knowing that little is in place for scanning shipments coming in. Are we serious about getting the guns off the streets or are we more concerned with doing the bidding of our American masters? They manufacture most of the weapons coming here anyway. Or is it that they really have no interest in "our" problems?

Why don't we X-ray barrels, mark those containing guns, arrest those picking them up and trace them back to the source abroad? Why doesn't America partner up with us in prosecuting the senders? Will there be some additional delay or discomfort for those receiving barrels? Maybe, but is it worth it?

I am, etc.,

ROBIN ANDREWS

robandlev@hotmail.com

More Letters