The Editor:

In the annals of far-out excuses dredged up to explain criminal behaviour 2005 will prove a banner year for the Twinkie Defense. Mindelle Jacobs recalls Chief David Ahenakew, who blamed his new medication for his anti-Jewish rants ["Give back the medal," The Edmonton Sun, 09Jul05]. The case of Shoshana Szlachter is another.

Szlachter, western regional director of the Jewish organization, B'Nai Brith Canada, stole thousands from the Alberta charity that employed her, then sourced her thievery to the fact her parents were Holocaust survivors ["Excuses don't cut it," Tony Blais, The Edmonton Sun, 25Feb05]. It's a small world.

Sincerely yours,

Orest Slepokura
Strathmore AB

c. Mindelle Jacobs