Bridge over troubled water!

Far too often, politicians respond to public outcry when an unpopular incidence occurs. In fact, governments do kowtow to vocal group of people, whose voice can possibly tarnish their image and even lead to an election downfall.

The state government has decided, or rather brought forward spending money, on erecting barriers over the West Gate Bridge so that in future people will not jump over the bridge or throw their children over the same. I am not being cynical, but this move is nothing more than just to pacify the public and does not really make sense at all. If these crazy people can’t do it on the West Gate Bridge, they can use any other bridge, including pedestrian bridge, or bridge above the freeway. In addition, there are so many buildings with balconies, open roof tops and multi-storey public car parks with no enclosed walls on the sides overlooking the streets. There are also other means besides throwing a body from great height.

It is understandable that losing a life is more than just statistics. The fault does not lie on the design of the bridge, but on the people who are mentally unstable. The society cannot keep taking the blame, and feel sorry for injury inflicted or death sought by those who have the intention to do so at all cost. Spending precious taxpayers’ money without good justification is no less lunatic than those misusing the West Gate Bridge!

Students Living in Poverty

University or higher education is a privilege and not a right. Anyone who can make it should have planned carefully before enrolling and taking on the challenge. We cannot choose whatever societal system just to please our needs. We cannot expect everyone in the society to pick up the bills to educate us, or to clothe, feed or shelter us. Neither should we expect the society to raise our children! If this is what we expect or demand from the society, then we must go for a socialistic or communistic society, not a democratic and capitalistic one. Far too often, when graduates start to earn money, some may earn lots and lots of it, they will change their mind about supporting students living below the poverty line.

There is no rule to say at what age a student shall be attending university. The student should take responsibility of his/her destiny If one cannot make it by 19 years old then join the education train later, but works towards it with his/her strength and might. He/she may have to work 2 jobs or 3, 60 hours or 90, to save the necessary monies for university fees and expenses.

I had been a university student many times, but never expected handout. I worked hard for it!