Lessons to learn from Heroism?

[mikesilvia]

Being in Australia for the first time, I have noticed many differences besides the obvious English accent differences. One major difference is how the government reacts compassionately to individual tragedy.

A few days ago, three people were shot in Melbourne, Australia. A man was dragging a women out of a vehicle and two men intervened on her behalf. The women and two men were shot as the attacker fled the scene. The results were the women and a Dutch, male tourist were critically wounded but will likely survive, and a local 43-year old Melbourne man was shot dead. The shooter later turned himself in and is now facing murder and attempted murder charges.

The heroics of the Dutch tourist and the Melbourne man were selfless to say the least and these men deserve our admiration. What was surprising to me was how the Australian government reacted. The 43-year old Australian man left is survived by his wife and three children. Within 24 hours the Australian government set up a $250,000 fund for the family. I was pleasantly surprised by this; no red tape and no bureaucracy. I couldn't help feel that this would not happen in America. While the American government annually provide billions for social services, the government is usually slow to react to individual deaths and tragedies, if they react at all. When there is out-cry in the media like after Katrina, the government usually reacts due to public and political pressure. This week I couldn't help but feel that supporting this 43-year old hero's family was just the natural thing to do in Australia.

I think all governments around the world, especially the American government, should take notice of this act of compassion from the Australian government. If you are interested in this story you can read about it here.

[chljoe]

Did the gov't react due to media exposure from this event? If so, it is the same scenario that you mention. If the American gov't were to address each individual loss of life in this country, there would be ten hour news conferences daily. It just is not feasible. Mentioning Katrina really makes no sense because that was a huge natural disaster resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement of thousands more.

[Chris]

if we give 250 grand to everyone that dies, we would be in some serious debt

[mikesilvia]

I didn't say everyone that dies in America gets money, I am talking about acts of heroism and bravery. There was not enough time for media attention as it happened within 24 hours.