February 2002 Volume 83 Number 2
"serving the protectors"
| February 2002 Volume 83 Number 2 "serving the protectors" |
|
ChaplaincyThe bill comes in |
|
| By David Marr |
The days of summer sweetness ended at Christmas. Those who chose the solitude and beauty of the Blue Mountains now grieve over the loss of homes, personal possessions and the environment.
The very reasons they chose their loved locality no longer exits. The extent of loss and devastation is unbelievably sad. While walking among burnt homes and traumatized people, angry heads of government and community leaders have issued threats against arsonists in an attempt to bring appeasement and a sense of justice.
It is easy to over-react in the midst of crisis. The pressures of battle sometimes produce strange or even unjustifiable decisions. People are now asking questions more inclusive than arson of buildings, property or forests.
Talkback radio rides high on injustice, inequity and brutality of all kinds. While not given to following endless hours of radio discussion on vicious dogs, or youths causing concern in Adelaide or rural cities, the discussions do raise questions about where we are heading as a people and nation in this age of enlightenment.
What about behaviour in public places, and on the roads? What of respect for people and property? What about costly, wanton, recurring vandalism? What about respect for authority, and law and order?
Some behaviourists believe people have become focused on asserting their own rights and individuality to the detriment of others’ rights and general community wellbeing. In The Australian recently, a columnist inquired as to the whereabouts of “personal responsibility”. In his/her mind, this quality has been quietly and inexorably in a state of retreat over several decades now, and is in need of rediscovery.
It is not appropriate to lay the total blame for the demise of personal responsibility upon civil libertarians and our judiciary, but many believe they often fail to promulgate the best interests of the whole community. They are at times seen to proffer the interests of their clientele. Our Judiciary, too, has been accused of being out of touch with reality and the requirements of the community.
Of course, the whole problem is multi-faceted. Experts point to parenting issues (including child abuse), unemployment, boredom, lack of education, poor opportunities, and so on. Others point out that the focus of governments and the business world has changed dramatically, and introduced an increased gulf between the “haves” and “have-nots”.
Jesus of Nazareth always treated people respectfully, and in a manner that gave encouragement, motivation and personal esteem. He promoted responsibility for one’s actions and behaviours – at all ages. Unlike many of his detractors – who have never stood among the coals – but like a lot of coppers, he was actually involved with people on the streets of life. He had been there, and seen and done that.
SA Police Chaplains
Welfare Section 58 David Marr 8364 3567 Senior Police Chaplain. Academy 8 Brenton Daulby 8272 8324 Adelaide: 158 Vacant Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517 Ceduna 214 Sybil Peacock 8625 3505 Christies Beach 20 Peter Coote 8381 3039 0412 818 995 Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 8842 3681 Communications 172 David Hand 8376 5612 Elizabeth 52 Lindsay Mayes 8281 8088 Far North 210 John Folkman 8672 5011 Firearms/Records Dianna Bartlett 8337 8552 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 8522 2288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Tim Kowald 8449 6868 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 Mark Thomas 8642 2487 0401 671 850 Port Lincoln 214 Peter King 8682 3725 Riverland 212 Robin Zadow 8588 1540 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Ian Dempsey 8296 7292 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Vacant Transit Division Rob Packer 8332 9155 Whyalla 218 Tony Redden 8649 3593
|
||||||||||
|
The Police Journal Online is an
official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is
published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001 The Police Association of South Australia sustance |