Farmer not a vigilante

[oneoff]

I'd say all the imaginable punishments short of using deadly force have been proven to not to be effective in stopping stealing susceptible property and terrorising people who do not deserve such stress and worry.

Of course it is a very serious matter to discharge any weapon. But don't lose sight of what caused the "wreckless behavior" in the first place.

Apparently there are a whole lot of people who know details of criminal activity and are literally too cowardly to help bring culprits to justice. And if the punishments under the law are not enough to provide deterrence; then society can expect other remedies to continue to be used.

And there always will be some instances where some persons will take the law into their own hands.
I would be the last to suggest that deadly forceresort; but the first to want to know all the circumstances that drove someone to that horrible point in their lives.
And any thief or poacher who used a weapon in the commission of their crime should have next to no compassion shown by the justice system.

Anyone remember the Robert Latimer story. That had all the same overtones of this "debate". No real workable solutions; but lots of hard line rhetoric from people who don't necessarily have the first clues about real life.

[riders2010]

It's like this if there is a disrespectful sob that continually steals vandelizes etc. and he gets caught in the sights, well?

But if it's a couple of kids horsing around and not justifying it but maybe get a bit goofy one time and take a bike for a joyride maybe that's quite a bit different, but how would you know which one was in your sights?

[farmaholic]

"I'd say all the imaginable punishments short of using deadly force have been proven to not to be effective in stopping stealing susceptible property and terrorising people who do not deserve such stress and worry."

Brian Knight initially sentenced to 90 days in jail to be spent on week ends then finally reduced to 3 months probation and 50 hours community service. And I think prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years.

The three thieves all pleaded guilty to theft under $5000.00 and got: Groening-30 days in jail, Rosenthal- 15 days in jail, Dewald- fined $400.00. How much time was actually spent behind bars?

Initially, who would you say got the harsher punishment and suffered more stress and worry.

The justice system is F'ed. The victim intially got the harsher punishment.

Even children learn they can get away with more and more when they are continually bombarded with empty threats. Kinda like the justice system, no consequences for your actions.

I still don't agree with Knight's approach to the matter but why is he treated like more of a criminal than the people who were responsible for starting the whole thing? Oh yea, examples need to set to prevent the return of the wild west rule of law.

[dogdung]

if the courts would punish thieves there may not
be a need for this action i applaud the action of
the farmer

[Burbert]

As much force as is necessary, is all that
can be applied. Shooting culprits fer
stealing in Comedia, is way over the line
according to Comedian Courts. Whinning
and sniveling to authorities is the way ta
go, ifn someone steals yer fun machine....

[ado089]

What are you suppose to do? The cops
don't care, they say oh it's just
property theft/damage, that's why you
have insurance. The courts don't care,
they say it's because of fetal alcohol
or residential school, or not enough
hugs as child.

It starts with sleds and quads, next
thing it's trucks and farm machinery and
now you're talking about my livelihood.

How many good kids would horse around
stealing shit if the knew they could be
on the loud end of a twelve gauge?

I hate property crimes because more
often then not you don't have the
opportunity to defend yourself.

[TOM4CWB]

ado,

Property can be replaced... lives can't.

If society thinks the 'fear of God' is only for 'old' foggies like me... then it will all go sideways in any event.

Life is too short to shoot at people... if they aren't shooting/aming directly at us! Self defence is the only exception... to save family/friends/neighbours.

[oneoff]

Its a very old fact that what you show you will tolerate is exactly what you will be subjected to.

[ado089]

I know that it's a slippery slope but to
play devils advocate many of these lives
would be best not replaced. These are
the same lives that are selling drugs to
your children, turning your daughters
into prostitutes and turning your sons
into their workhorses, these are the
thugs running around your streets
spraying people with bear spray, beating
the shit out them and mugging them over
pocket change and an iPod. Many of them
making more money than you could hope to
while still collecting a monthly cheque
from the tax payer they are stealing
from. We are not talking about mischievous adolescents out for shits
and giggles, we a talking about pros who
know they won't get shot at and know
that the cops would rather hand out
traffic tickets and catch drunk drivers
than catch real criminals. Mind you
even some of them if you get enough beer
in them will say, we know who they are
and we won't go looking if they go
missing. Something is wrong here and it
doesn't start with the person defending
himself or property. We really need to
revisit the meaning of criminal and
victim and get that straight again.

[ASRG]

Maybe these thieves took their lessons from the Alberta government?
Steal from the farmers whenever you feel like it?
A good stout rope and a big poplar tree would put an end to all these thieves....both government and other assorted low lifes!