Dear Editor,
I would like to thank our representative to Provincial Parliament, John Yakabuski, for taking action in response to the local cry for helpful change in the provincial probation process in the wake of the local murders of three women.
If the changes to the law/process that Mr. Yakabuski has put forth in his Private Members Bill (PMB) were in place two months ago, there is a very good likelihood that all three women would still be alive.
I do understand that a PMB put forth by a rural MPP from the loyal opposition party has a small chance of becoming law. Yet it can serve to inform the Provincial government that there are people in Ontario who are demanding change and thereby can help stimulate the government to put forth its own changes in the positive direction of making our justice system safer and protecting victims of violent crimes. May it be so.
As I said in my letter of a month ago, the Attorney General of Ontario, the Hon. Madeleine Meilleur, needs to be contacted to inform her that she and her parole policies pre-September 22 are greatly responsible towards the murders of three local women (who were daughters, sisters, mother, and friends to many) on that day. And that her ministry’s policy of cutting funding and programming to the local effective programs of Eganville’s Living Without Violence are not steps in the direction of reducing domestic violence in Renfrew County. With adequate funding, this program could be a worthy example that other regions could emulate.
The science of noetics (study of the mind) has scientifically proven that violence is not hard wired in the human brain. It must be taught. The archaeological work of Maria Gimbutas (professor at UCLA) showed that settlements in Paleolithic and Neolithic Old Europe (6500 – 3500 B.C. and up until 1450 BC in Crete) had all the features of civilization (weaving, agriculture, pottery, trade, fishing, hunting, sailing, metallurgy, tools, towns of up to 10,000 inhabitants, religion, sculpture and extensive wall paintings) yet had no fortifications, weaponry, paintings nor burials of warrior chieftains. Rather all signs show a balanced respect between the sexes, with peace prevailing.
“Divide and Conquer” is a “popular” program. “Fear” is commonly promoted. Another future is possible. It will not be an easy quick path, yet it is one that we must take the first steps towards if we wish to actually live in peace. Many of the steps taken by our new Prime Minister have given most Canadians a glimmer of hope. As our experience with U.S. President Barack Obama reminds us, inspiring words are cheap and win elections, actions are what make a positive difference. Politicians need constant reminders that our great-grandparents fought in a war to end all wars.
This could easily become “yesterday’s news”. We all need to continue to write and call the Hon. Meilleur (237 Montreal Rd, Vanier, ON K1L 6C7; (613) 744-4484; [email protected]). Her website says “We can all help stop sexual violence. Join the conversation and tell us #WhoWillYouHelp “ and at: Ontario.ca/WhoWillYouHelp It looks like she wants to make positive changes, let’s all encourage her to do so. And thank MPP Yakabuski for speaking out for us and taking action.
We need to remind all who control the “public purse” that anger and crime arise in individuals when meaningful work with living wages is scarce. This is the situation in Renfrew County. As the great Chief of the Lakota (Sioux), Sitting Bull, once said: “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”
Robbie Anderman
Killaloe ON
