Posted on 09/15/2005 8:24:11 PM PDT by proud_yank
By ALEXANDER PANETTA
Thursday, September 15, 2005 Updated at 6:35 PM EDT
Globe and Mail Update
Canadians shouldn't blame their southern neighbour for the spike in gun-related violence in Toronto, says the U.S. ambassador in Ottawa.
Any urge to point the finger at the U.S. for weapons smuggled across the border is simply misguided, the diplomat said Thursday.
“I don't think it's fair,” he said.
Canadians seeking a scapegoat should look in the mirror, he suggested.
“The majority of guns coming from the United States are purchased by Canadian citizens,” mR. Wilkins said.
“(This is) in violation of our state laws — and (they're) smuggled back across the border in violation of your laws.”
Canada's largest city has seen a startling jump in gun-related deaths — 37 so far this year, 10 more than for all of 2004.
The killings prompted a series of raids that resulted in 40 arrests Thursday and more than 1,000 gun and drug charges in Toronto.
The raids were aimed at bringing down a street gang known as the Ardwick Blood Crew and covered a range of alleged crimes, including attempted murder and firearms trafficking.
Ontario politicians, fearing a public backlash over the increased gunplay on Toronto's streets, have attempted to shift the blame south of the border.
Premier Dalton McGuinty repeatedly decries “American guns on Canadian streets” and Toronto police chief Bill Blair says half the weapons used by criminals are smuggled from the U.S.
It's an understandable reaction, says Mr. Wilkins.
“I've been in politics a long time,” said the former speaker of the South Carolina state senate. “I understand it's easier to point the finger at somebody else when times are tough.”
He said law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border are working together to crack down on gun violence.
U.S. agents are helping with Canadian investigations, are using their technology to trace guns and track bullets, and have offered high-tech tools to the RCMP.
The U.S. is also opening a small office of its Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency in Toronto.
“We are working hard with Canadian officials,” Wilkins said.
“And the Canadian officials I talk to — the law-enforcement folks — tell me, ‘We appreciate your help,' ” he said.
In a lengthy interview, Mr. Wilkins repeatedly stressed what he called a solid friendship between the two countries and said he was deeply moved by Canadians' prompt response to the hurricane Katrina disaster.
Sorry 'bout that. I'll give it a better check next time. Sometimes my computer hates me. Its Bush's fault.
Wow! Something that's NOT Bush's fault. Whew, what a relief! /sarcasm off
their police force is not able to control the crime but you know what? It is Bush's fault ;-)
The raids were aimed at bringing down a street gang known as the Ardwick Blood Crew and covered a range of alleged crimes, including attempted murder and firearms trafficking.
There ya go! The ones doing the killing are CRIMINALS. They will kill if they have to use a knife or a baseball bat. It has NOTHING to do with guns. That's just the method they are using to kill at this time, but we KNOW they will use whatever they need to kill someone. Now that they've arrested these criminals and confiscated their guns, they will see a dramatic drop in gun deaths.
On the other hand, Wilkins is our new ambassador to Canuckistan. So I wonder what kind of reaction it will bring here. I sent it to one of my officemates here, so I guess I'll find out.
*** 'They will kill if they have to use a knife or a baseball bat. It has NOTHING to do with guns.' ***
EXACTLY!! I live in Edmonton for school, and that is all that happens. There are so many stabbings here, including ~23 fatalities to date.
When they whine about it, oddly enough it isn't the State's or Bush's fault-at least not yet. I ask them if they feel a federal knife registry and background check is in order?
The response: Thats rediculous.
Hmm....
it is a doomed nation!
When they whine about it, oddly enough it isn't the State's or Bush's fault-at least not yet. I ask them if they feel a federal knife registry and background check is in order?
The response: Thats rediculous.
That's a lot of deaths attributed to stabbings. I'm amazed they don't ban some knives. I'm sure one of their brilliant politicians will think about it one day and introduce legislation to ban them. Knives seem to be the weapon of choice for illegal Mexicans too. Maybe it's because they're cheaper or they don't have to be licensed to have one.
Toronto sounds like great hunting grounds for thieves, burglars, gangs, muggers, and rapists since the simpletons who live there vote for a government that doesn't allow them the means to protect and defend themselves. Canada...LMAO!
When they finally took action they seemed to know exactly where to go to catch the perps. They must have known all along but didn't take any action until the evil guns got involved.
I think that is thanks to FR and Bill O'Reilly.
The anti- American socialists in Canada can run, but they cannot hide.
Canadian Conservatives can now safely ignore this paper and get the news elsewhere and with the CBC "locked out", things are getting better. :0)
I can't remember the exact statistic, but it is somewhere in that neighborhood, and that would include firearms deaths (you hear about those in the media). There have been many stabbings, not all of course are fatalities. My point being of course, its not only guns that kill people, so why are only guns targeted to be outlawed?
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