Re: “No easy solution to crime,” Oct. 31.
Perhaps it is time to consider the difficult solutions to crime. Obviously, there are solutions, but until we initiate discussions about them, we will be doomed to continue to flounder in our despair and frustration.
I worked and travelled in and out of 80 countries when I was much younger and observed many practices worthy of merit.
One need only look to countries that have far less crime than Canada to realize we all must give up a little of our freedom to do as we please.
One could look to the Czech Republic or Switzerland, where after high school, every able-bodied male must serve one year in the military or national guard, in one’s lifetime. For ladies, the service is voluntary.
There are deferments, of course, such as one attending a trade school, college or university. Basically, one is in the military or national guard, performing useful services for society in exchange for housing, clothing and food until one finds outside gainful employment.
When one gets fired or quits employment, one is back in the military or national guard. Those individuals with social problems may be treated by professionals rather than having them live in tents, steal and vandalize. It is all just a matter of how much we care, are prepared to contribute, and our political leaders.
Terry D. Welty, Red Deer