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Issue Number 17
When we are young we believe that law and justice are the same. As we grow older, we understand that they are not the same or even equals. When we despair of the future we begin to believe that although we may achieve a rule of law, we will never achieve justice. There will ever be evil around us, but we must not despair. Our search for justice began with the law, but it will not end there.
If we hope to build a place where we can thrive and our children can grow; we must never give up on justice. We must create the chances of honest advances. The crusade against corruption on Regina was not about people who were struggling to feed their families; it was about justice for all. Justice for people who deserve to be paid fair wages for the work they did; that was why I strove to get a minimum wage law passed. That was why I had police salaries doubled. The citizens deserve to get the services they pay taxes to provide for, without having to pay again "on the cuff".
We must each continue to build a place where we get what we deserve, what we each earn. And we must give each other the opportunities to grow, into better workers, better citizens, better neighbors, better friends, better parents. Regina stands in the crossroads of trade, growth and change. The sacrifices that we all make during this time will do much to make opportunities for our children. We must move forward with determination and hope.
It would be the easiest thing possible to drift into cynicism, blame and even hate when our path becomes difficult. But we must have the courage to tell rabble-rousers: "Whip up your hate in some tottering state, but not here dear. Is that clear, dear?"
I am taking leave of this planet for a time, to seek justice for my family – under the law. When I return, I will be with you always,