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!
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!