You see - in Hamilton Ontario a police officer who was riding his MOTORCYCLE after work was charged with impaired driving and put on desk duty. You read right - he was riding his MOTORCYCLE after work and was charged with being over .08 - a police officer....Another police officer drunk and driving....do these people not see enough carnage? Have the police not gotten the message that drinking and driving/riding is against the law?
Now don't get me wrong - I think being a cop has to be one of the hardest jobs out there and we do need them but folks we also need checks and balances and that is where I have issues with our justice system.
After the sentence the judge in Calgary meted out and then his off the wall comments regarding the death of motorcyclist and small business owner Terry Kunto, well I am loosing heart and faith rapidly. And I feel it is time we get off our duffers as taxpayers and riders and do something - I have started a letter writing campaign to the Solicitor General and Justice Minister here in Alberta over this judge...please take a moment to copy the letter and either mail or email it to them....
To the Honourable Alison Redford, and the Honourable Frank Oberle,
I am a motorcycle enthusiast, an automobile driver, and a tax payer.
Today in the news I read with great dismay the comments of Judge Peter Barley who is quoted as saying: "There is no doubt the accused is extremely remorseful for what happened, and what she did was what happens on many occasions without any lasting result," provincial court Judge Peter Barley said before imposing the $1,000 fine on Rhea Martin, 34, plus a victim surcharge. "It's an indication why everybody should be careful at all times. This case, it wasn't even reckless or careless, just a driving mistake with tragic consequences." Calgary Herald
This woman killed a man on a motorcycle due to her inattention – which according to the law is negligence. For this judge to minimize the actions of this woman demeans the life of a man who has a family and people who love and miss him.
There but for the grace of God go I and I pray I never have a lapse that puts me in her position but is the loss of a life really worth so little that just because someone is sorry they only get a $1000 fine and a 60 day driving suspension when speeding cost a pair of riders in Quebec $1,850 each?
I am sorry, but I think this judge’s comments completely demean Terry Kunto’s life and the grief his family must feel at his loss. And to all Calgarian’s his message seems to be that making an illegal left hand turn is OK because it seldom results in tragedy.
That it is OK to say you didn’t see the motorcycle.
That is a really poor message to be sending. That is my humble opinion.
How to Contact Frank Oberle:
Legislature Office
#513 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-1843 Fax: (780) 427-1835
www.frankoberle.ca
Constituency Office
Box 6299, 9907 - 101 Ave. Peace River, AB T8S 1S2
Phone: (780) 624-5400 Fax: (403) 624-5464
peace.river@assembly.ab.ca
How to Contact Alison Redford:
Legislature Office
403 Legislature Building 120800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6
Phone 780.427.2339 Fax 780.422.6621
Department of Justice
Alberta Justice, 3rd Floor, Bowker Building 9833 - 109 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2E8
Information Line 780.427.2745 Email ministryofjustice@gov.ab.ca
Constituency Office
6, 22 Richard Way SW Calgary Alberta T3E 7M9
Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone 403.252.0346 Fax 403.252.0520 Email calgary.elbow@assembly.ab.ca
Now -Back to today's topic....
Remember Cpl. Monty Robinson - in my humble opinion I feel this particular officer ranks up there as one of the most dishonest and dishonourable people walking - not only was he involved in the tasering incident at Vancouver's airport that cost a man his life - this man used his knowledge of the justice system to avoid going to jail for - again - in my humble opinion - killing a man - motorcycle rider Orion Hutchison.
Why are people like this man treated differently than you or I - why is he not held to the same standard as the rest of us? Perhaps it is time for us to consider a zero tolerance position on alcohol and drug offences when driving. PERHAPS - BUT ONLY if it applies to politicians, police officers and judges too. But again the stance of zero tolerance would not have worked against a man like Cpl Robinson who - IN MY HUMBLE OPINION have lied about WHEN they drank...
I honestly do not know what the answers are folks but I am feeling so frustrated and disillusioned with our justice system that I feel we need to do something. But what - that is the question - what do we do???
As always - your ideas, thoughts and opinions are valued and appreciated - I can't provide a balanced view on anything without your help....
In the news today:
In Caledon ON the Motorcycle Noise Bylaw has been put over to the evening of October 5th.
In Regina SK a Cystic Fibrosis Fund raiser is being held.
In Yorkton SK their Toy Run goes this Sunday...
In Ontario - The Bad Zwischenahn Motorcycle Unit - Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit is hosting the 'Nathan Ride For Hope' this Saturday (September 25th)
For all of your news updates across Canada - visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where we work hard to connect riders from coast to coast to coast.
I hope and pray that if you are riding today you will Ride defensively, ride your own ride - do NOT let peer pressure get the best of you...Ride like everyone around you is BLIND, has an UNSAFE load and IS out to get you and please - ride Proud not Loud - invest in a 140 DB Air horn instead! AND CHECK YOUR TIRES AGE - AND YOUR TIRE PRESSURES DAILY!!!!
Belt Drive Betty
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