Thread: not again

Originally Posted by Andygr

I think that you are correct in holding some angst around the thinking that it was justified. However I feel that it was inevitable, sooner or later, given the growing number of miscreants and the corresponding feeling of helplessness in the population who are being victimised. I hope that the law makers and enforcers see the difference between those who seek to terrorise and the actions of one individual pushed, possibly over a number of years, beyond his level of tolerance.

Personally I haven't seen much thought that they had it coming, so to speak. What I have seen, not just on here, but on most platforms and not relegated to hunting groups either, Is a recognition that its horrible what's happened whilst maintaining sympathy and a high level of support for the farmer.

When you say it was inevitable, I kind of think- well, Its doesn't take a crystal ball to see this was a potential outcome, and with that, it was preventable. Society is not great. Probably exceedingly hopeless, in recognising when the man alone, needs help. In this case it seems locals were helping him with community, companionship and food etc. And it seems he's held in general high regard. But the authorities should have made it clear that targeting him and his lifestyle was a no no! Police presence at odd times. checking firearms licences and a few tough words and cautions. Maybe arrests if appropriate. Might well have gone along way too making Him feel listened too, more comfortable, and less likely to acting out himself.

Underlined to recognise this part is presumption, and My opinion on this might change if more info comes to light.

Why do I say this? Well in short my father was once a senior police officer. He became a farmer when, Ironically, His advocacy for effective rural support initiatives made his position untenable with the govt of the day.

But when we first moved too the country from Wellington, and into a community with relatively high but normal crime for the time, he showed us that by getting out and showing interest in and preventing the small things, you prevented the big issues from occurring.
Simply just not turning a blind eye to the car stopped down the road, but driving down and asking what was up? Can we help you? Jumping in the car at 2 am when the dogs started barking and going for a drive with the spotlight. Showing up too support neighbours when they were uncomfortable in addressing someone found on their place etc. Not leaving them alone with their fears.
Within 2 years we and our neighbours stopped having problems. But when we decided to leave, putting ourselves in uncomfortable positions became not worth the effort. it became noticeable the effect within our last weeks when we realised that suddenly the local school grounds were being used for dealing drugs on weekends. That wouldn't have happened if we still cared.