Yes, Alberta has come a long way. But...

Edmonton Journal (6 August 2009) - Lessons learned on Tasers [LINK]

"...the Alberta government deserves respect for its timely action. ..."

Respect isn't quite the right word.

They certainly deserve to be given credit for (eventually) coming around to acknowledging what has been perfectly obvious to many (probably most) Canadians since the tragic deaths of five taser victims in a short three-month period in late-2007.

At the time, my friends and collegues were literally shaking their heads in disbelief at the nightly news. Everyone already knew at that point, as soon as the issue was thrust into the public conciousness, ...everyone already knew that tasers could "cause death." We didn't need an inquiry to tell us what was plainly obvious.

In that sense, for many of us, the various inquiries, hearings and reports were almost formalities.

But absolutely and positively extremely important 'formalities'. And those major efforts by SECU, the RCMP Watchdog, and especially Braidwood et al, are greatly appreciated and THEY certainly deserve our respect.

But governments playing catch-up? Credit - yes. But not any particular or specific 'respect' for ending the abdication of their fundamental responsibilities.