Of course, most Canadian kids aren t bullies, just like most of their adult role models aren t criminals. And if the situation here is slightly less dire here than there, it is only because some among us have fought uphill battles for legislation that draws a line between responsible freedom and excess, and punishes those who cross the line. But such laws do not infringe on anyone s freedom. Such laws protect children s freedom to grow up. Absolute freedom is a myth.
True freedom is a balance between liberty and limits.
Lack of willingness to curb the excesses of some is as frightening a threat to freedom as too great a willingness to curb the liberties of all. Canadian society is out of balance. Canadian children are paying the price. Those who call this an exaggeration are those who would send a child down a mine shaft to look for the canary that didn t return. Those who say it is simply a matter of holding individual children to account for their actions are sidestepping the matter of who should be held to account for our society s inaction in protecting our youngest citizens.