Our two countries are not so different

As we watch over here in New Zealand about the violence in schools—even Amish schools—going on in the States, it’s all the “water cooler” talk in my office. Terrible. Tragic. Our nightly news shows American reports on the situation and details the grizzly horror of these violent school killings.

While we kiwis watch from afar in amazement, there seems to be a growing problem ignored in our own country. And I have to say, it’s not due to the lack of awareness on MY part, people.

Yesterday’s Nelson Mail featured a national news story headlined “Violence Fuels Crime Increase.” Here’s an excerpt:

Two Christchurch men are recovering from vicious, unprovoked assaults as police figures show violence in New Zealand is increasing at an alarming rate.
A 10 per cent increase in the amount of violent crime helped drive up the overall crime rate almost 7 per cent last year.
Police are downplaying the significance of the increase, saying it reflects increased public confidence in reporting crime and changes to the way data is collected.
However, they acknowledge violence is a growing problem in New Zealand and say alcohol and drugs are fuelling the jump.
BREAK
The amount of reported violent in crime in Canterbury [Christchurch area] increased almost 10 per cent last year, although overall the district's crime rate fell 3.4 per cent. Violent and sex crimes in Canterbury increased 9.3 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively, and murders up 33 per cent.
Police Minister Annette King said increasing violence was an international problem. "There is an increase of violence in the community, not just in New Zealand but internationally," she said. "But our streets are relatively safe compared to other places in the world."
King said excessive drinking and drug-taking were linked to most violent attacks.
This was an issue that needed to be addressed not only by police, but by community agencies and the public.
A 17 per cent increase in reports of domestic violence had contributed in part to the overall rise in violence.

So what happened to one of the Christchurch men in the story’s lead?

One of the men was hit over the back of the head with a weightlifting bar by a group of youths outside his Linwood home. He suffered a suspected fractured skull, requiring 15 stitches, in the attack, during which he approached the youths, who were smashing bottles outside his house about 1am on Sunday.

YOUTHS!! BE BANISHED, YE AND YOUR DAMN GLASS.

Don and I were aware before we came, and we are more aware now, that we didn’t move to a paradise. It’s not perfect here, this society definitely has it’s issues. My opinion to date: this is the most important one.

BTW, Livvy says to tell Porter, “Hey, go shove off, loser.” That’s a quote. But tell Porter mom and dad miss him heaps.