September 2000 Volume 81 Number 9 "serving the protectors"
Chaplaincy
By David Marr

Angry People

Almost everyone seems angry these days. It is reflected in the way we speak, how we bustle about and how we carry out even simple tasks. Recently, it has all become apparent. My wife reminds me to have a little patience, instead of pushing her aside in order to get to the cupboard or the phone. I find myself doing things without realizing the effects of my behaviour on others.

I don’t hear people singing these days. Not like they used to. Out in the back yard you could hear blokes whistling happily as they pottered about in the garden, or someone singing as they hung out the washing. It doesn’t seem to happen now. Everything has become a chore. In fact, a couple of neighbours down the street have a law suit going and are always on the lookout for anything that might assist their case.

It’s hard not to be angry when, all about us, people are snapping at our heels. Some emotions are more contagious than measles. Anger appears to be readily caught and an infection rife within our community. It leaves us with a rather nasty legacy, too. I listen to little kids perform if they don’t get what they ask for at the supermarket; older kids, bossy about TV programmes or the type of sneakers or designer clothes they demand their parents buy. This, to say nothing of the increased street violence, domestic and other threatening situations faced by operational police every day.

On some occasions I have listened to radio talk-back sessions while driving. People have called in to express their hurts and annoyance over a multitude of matters. Some announcers seem to display a permanent negativity and resentment with the amazing capacity to reinforce the inherent bitterness and hostility of the caller. Some have made an art form of abuse.

I don’t believe Adelaide drivers are necessarily better or worse than those from other states, but they do seem angrier and more belligerent. We regularly hear of “road rage”; of people shouting at each other; and see others giving the two-finger salute. Drivers of all ages are reluctant to give ground and let another in or give way, or let a pedestrian cross in front of them.

It’s sad to think we have become like this, and also become so litigious. We have a great and colourful heritage, but appear resolute in leaving many of our creative and beneficial people skills behind. Our increased pressures, intolerance, anger and frustrations have amplified our failures, relationship breakdowns and health problems. As individuals, families and as a community we need to ask ourselves in honesty what we really want for ourselves, our partners, our children and others. Amid the pressures we feel and often place upon ourselves, we need to schedule quality time to include some aspect of renewal, time to smell the roses, experience the spiritual within and share some joy.

“Don’t be under any illusion,” said St Paul. “Our harvest in life depends entirely on what we sow. Let us do good to all people as the opportunity offers.” The writer CS Lewis wrote the book Surprised by Joy. I have always thought it a great title for we all deserve a little happiness.

Whistling while you work is sure to upset someone. It might be preferable to sing in the shower.

Welfare Section 58	David Marr Senior Police Chaplain.	8364 3567
Academy 8	Mark Thomas	8296 9616
Adelaide: Angas Street 158	Bruce Grindlay	8295 2220
Adelaide: Hindley Street 62	Bruce Grindlay	8295 2220
Adelaide Hills Division 54	Adrian Stephens	8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517
Ceduna 214	Bob Borgas	8625 3503
Christies Beach 20	Vacant
Clare 202	Michael Dutschke	8842 3681
Communications 172	David Hand	8376 5612
Elizabeth 52	Stephen Brooks	0418 840 739
Far North 210	John Folkman	8672 5011
Firearms/Records	Dianna Bartlett	8337 8552
Focus 21	Richard Lawton	8362 4936
Gawler 52	Brian Tscharke	8522 2288
Glenelg 22	Malcolm Thomas	8377 0772
Henley Beach 18	Brenton Daulby	8443 8286
Holden Hill 44	Rod Dyson	8365 1170
Kadina 71	Vacant
Kingston 208
Mount Gambier 208	Brian Ashworth	(w) 8723 1353 (h) 8725 2537
Murray Bridge 200	Malcolm Bottrill	8532 5536
Naracoorte 208	Bruce Cliff	8737 2457 0417 811 702
Norwood 60	Lynton Wade	8362 2227 0418 831 703
Nuriootpa 204	Andy Kowald	8562 1011
Port Adelaide 6	Jeff Oake	8341 5930
Port Pirie 206	Steve Ardill	8632 3977
Prosecution Services 176	Vacant
Port Augusta PS 210	Vacant
Port Lincoln 214	Vacant
Riverland 212	Robin Zadow	8588 1540
Salisbury 53	Vacant
South East	Terry Natt	8571 1114
Sturt 12	Chris Beal	8278 9578
Tea Tree Gully 48	Bob George	8395 9363
Thebarton Barracks 32	Joe Grealy	8338 3225
Transit Division	Wayne Shepherd	8443 4895
Whyalla 218	Tony Redden	8649 3593

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