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In case of hockey riots, don't reward bad behaviour

To the Editor, Re: Vancouver hockey riots. This is a comment that I wrote in response to a column written by Michael Den Tandt about the recent Vancouver hockey riots.

To the Editor,

Re: Vancouver hockey riots.

This is a comment that I wrote in response to a column written by Michael Den Tandt about the recent Vancouver hockey riots.

In contrast to Rex Murphy’s column requesting punishment of them culprits, Mr. Den Tandt seemed to be seeking an explanation. So I provided one.

Understanding is not justification. Who cares why persons do things, actions speak louder than words. For years our “gentler, kinder Canadian society” has been playing word games with criminal delinquents, young and old.

As a society we encourage bad behaviour through allowing it to go unpunished. Beginning with childhood through to teenage years and on to adulthood, we seek reasons for bad behaviour so we can “help” the delinquent justify their delinquency.

What a crock!

Watch what happens to the rioters if and when they get caught.

More talk, more “help”, more justifying reasons, all tarred with the brush of sociology and psychology.

Retribution for bad behaviour is not uncivilized, it is the reason why barbarians become civilized.

Hockey is a violent sport. Maybe there’s a connection.

David Stern,

Port Alberni