It's possible to cut a piece of lumber in
two with a hammer. But you'll find
that when you're done, the wood is
very heavily damaged. In other words,
the wrong tool for the wrong job.

This analogy came to mind after viewing
the Vancouver Airport video. I'm sure
that the officers are highly skilled in
many situations, but encounters with
the emotionally distressed is just not
their forte.

Both sides acted inappropriately. Even
Mr. Dziekansky. But of course, he did
not deserve what happened to him. But
it was very curious behaviour. I know
that he did not speak English, he was
exhausted, he could not locate his pa-
rent... but still.

And of course, we've become a 911 cul-
ture. As soon as we become a bit alarmed,
we call the police. If we see a wild ani-
mal in our neighborhood, the law is
brought in. Unless the bear or cougar
has committed a felony, I don't under-
stand why this is. Better to call in animal
experts from the zoo, or perhaps animal
wranglers from the local film industry.

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