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6 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, March 22, 2012 OPINION Criminal ruling Tuesday's sentencing of convicted pedophile and one-time hockey coach Graham James to two years in prison for hundreds of sexual assaults on two teenage players in the late 1980s and early '90s was an affront to every Canadian. Judge Catherine Carlson took nearly 1 1/2 hours to outline her reasons for the sentence (the Crown sought six years; James' lawyer wanted a conditional sentence of up to 18 months with no jail time). She cited what happened to players Theo Fleury and Todd Holt as a `nightmare' and that James had `total control' over the boys. She also said the pair's age (both were under 18) at the time of the abuse was an aggravating factor in her decision. She said she was aware of the `public outrage' over James' crimes and `devastating' results for the victims. Then she gave him a slap on the wrist because James showed remorse, apologized and experienced `an extreme degree of humiliation." Unbelieveable. Another case of the courts favouring the criminal over the victim(s). Another crime that will go without the proper punishment meted out. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Looks can deceive Famous photographer Ansel Adams once said, "A photograph is usually looked at-- seldom looked into." On the front page of Tuesday's edition (March 20) a photo accompanying a story on the need for donations to the Georgetown Bread Basket food bank showed Bread Basket chair Terri Mosher standing in front of some partially bare shelves. Visible in the picture were beer cases-- cases filled with foodstuffs...not beer. The beer boxes are generously donated for the annual Scout Food Drive by The Beer Store as they are perfect for storing food, according to a food bank volunteer. Anyone interested in making a donation to the Georgetown Bread Basket can drop off food in any of the food bank boxes in area grocery stores. To make a monetary donation send a cheque to Georgetown Bread Basket at 55 Sinclair Ave., Unit 12, Georgetown, ON, L7G 4X4 or go online to www. georgetownbreadbasket.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Resident should adapt to growth Dear editor, Re: Town to hire consultant to study Danby bridge issue (March 1). Welcome to what the rest of us in Georgetown have had to learn to adapt to. Guess what was there before your subdivision was built and what will probably be built across 10 Sideroad some day where there is farmland? You don't want a road or bridge because it will affect wildlife and agriculture and traffic in your area? I am sure the people on Mountainview Road do not like the increase of traffic since the new homes were built in Georgetown south. When I moved to Georgetown my husband and I used to hike just down the road off Hall Rd. Now it is a subdivision. We weren't greatly pleased as it also affected nature. And yes, it also increased traffic in our area. Regarding Ms. Hollett's comment that she had not expected the bridge to be built so soon, director of planning John Linhardt said the bridge was part of Town plans since 2000. I wouldn't call that "so soon". If the fire department needs better access to your homes I would think people would be pleased with that. Now the citizens of Georgetown must spend more taxpayer money, ($17,000) to study this. I am sure Town planners had already studied the impact of building this new access in regards to the safety of its citizens and the impact on the environment. Georgetown is growing no matter what we wish, and we unfortunately will have to adapt as best we can. Debra Hayes, Georgetown we needed. Their staff was excellent. The proceeds will go back to the community. Watch for more events coming your way. For now the Georgetown District High School 125th reunion is scheduled for May 25-26. For more information check at www. georgetowndistricthighschool.com. Don Fendley and the KICK OFF committee Participants thanked Dear editor, The Christian education committee of Knox Church would like to thank all the participants in the recent local artists benefit concert, with special thanks to our headliner, Darrelle London. We appreciate all the families and friends coming out to support our local talent. Thanks also to our emcee, Bruce Graham, everyone who made a donation, those who lent us their artwork for display, and to The Independent & Acton Free Press and New Acton Tanner for the great publicity. We would also like to thank Giant Tiger and Sobeys for their contributions. The winners of the youth art contest are: Eden Christie, Veronica Hopkins, Sydney Furzer and Cora Bailey. Marjorie Britton, Chair, Christian Education Committee Knox Presbyterian Church, Acton Kick Off says thanks Dear editor, The Kick Off committee (Homecoming) wishes to thank those who sponsored the event and made donations to our auctions. We would also like to thank Amy Sykes of The Independent & Free Press who assisted us with an advertising plan and did such a professional job of it. Although not as big a turnout as we hoped, those who did come were presented with some excellent entertainment, organized by Larry Melton. We wish to thank the bands that donated their time. To Nashville North, which not only provided the location at no charge, donated prizes and assisted in whatever WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) A Mississauga man was sentenced to seven years in jail for a crash in 2010 in Acton that killed one person and injured four others. Was this a fair sentence? · Yes (56%) · No (44%) The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.