Dear Editor:

Our Conservative MP is misguided in using his former position as an RCMP officer to justify his support of Bill C-51.Changes to laws affecting our constitutional rights are not the same as enforcing the law.

I would defend our country and our way of life against any aggressor on our soils, but not at the expense of any of the freedoms we hold so dear. It makes no sense at all to make such fundamental changes affecting our civil liberties to protect ourselves from terrorism.

Canada is an aggressor on foreign soil against a terrorist organization, a religion and a way of life. It makes far more sense to remove ourselves from this situation in order to prevent terrorism inside our borders than it does to change the laws affecting our freedom.

Our laws will not prevent terrorism in our country, but they may potentially terrorize our own citizens at the hands of an unfettered government and police force. A Canadian version of Guantanamo is not the solution.

I’m done with a government that attempts to copy American solutions for a country like Canada that is far better in every respect than the United States, particularly in how we care for each other, and in our freedoms and our safety.

Canada is balanced in respect of civil liberty and protection of our citizens. Changing our fundamental approach to public safety actually plays into the hands of the terrorists and their goals. They have already won the first battle if this becomes so.

Richard Unger

Invermere