Passing laws but not enforcing them, as the CRD plans to do regarding smokers, is a strange phenomenon.
It breeds contempt for the law, facilitating bad behaviour by teaching that it carries no consequences. Many people consciously flout the law, a fact ignored by Nancy Falconer (Smoking ban lacks teeth, but that’s not the point, News, Sept. 27), who ignores drunken behaviour in parks and streets.
Enforcement of laws prohibiting secondary suites is complaint-based. But complainers are often motivated by discrimination against the race or beliefs of the neighbour. Similarly, officials and police may use laws to harass certain individuals.
A key reason Canadian society works is because laws are evenly enforced. In contrast, in many countries people are at the mercy of despots and thugs, because even when laws are enforced the action is selective.
I challenge politicians like Barbara Desjardins to justify their approach to law.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich