Doors of family pub stay shut in memory of slain publican

Doors of family pub stay shut in memory of slain publican - National - www.smh.com.au: "'Since Shane's death I have become aware of how much more violent some people are.'"

Spoken by Shane's sister, Erin Peterson. The sad thing about Australia is that it has become more violent and it is subscribing a trend which is world wide. It is something we have accepted and felt powerless to deal with but Shane's sister has crystallised it for us. We now are aware it is too much. He lived for two days after he was injured but his injuries came from being there doing his job and a fight breaking out. Woolloomooloo is one of those old Australian towns whose name visitors and newcomers can't believe. It really does exist. Like Kanmantu and Dimboola. It's the boundaries stuff again. Other people are choosing to express themselves violently. Shootings have become common as have stabbings. We are actually doing the opposite of what is taught. We are taught not to yell, not to raise our voices, not to be physical, not to be abusive. The upshot is now brawls, shootings,road rage, phone rage, mobile rage, rage rage, ram raids, aggression and our fear of all those things has escalated. A back to front effect. Maybe it's the I may as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb mentality. Or maybe, holding onto our anger means it will explode irrationally and with dire consequences . We haven't got the balance right because increased violence is a sign of malaise and frustration , and yet, we would say we are happy.