violence and recrimination

I have just finished reading, by Jodi Picoult. It is a powerful story about violence and despair, as a mother seeks retribution for her pain. Perfect Match is the title.

Tim's Law, an idea promoted by the mother of the decapitated Tim McLean, wants execution or life for such murderers. Highly critical of the police in their immediate response, her response is a cry for blood. The author of this article, and I would agree, is concern for vengance, responsibility of the press to maintain editorial standards when describing death, or interviewing family members. Insanity? Criminal responsibility? These are complicated subjects. Retribution, revenge, or protecting society?

Our Bracebridge community is in shock with the Natalia Novak murder. We have seen that the balance between violence against women far exceeds our population statistics. Men are hunting women and the police have difficulty protecting us from partners, boyfriends and dysfunctional relationships.
As a mother of 3, I know that even if only one of our sons or daughters benefit from the lessons we learn, we mothers know that people like Brian Vallée, Tim Mulcahy, and Billie Mintz, are fine examples to us all. We need to take these violent acts and turn them into lessons to prevent such grief from tearing apart other families.

Matt Driscoll writes, "Family ‘outraged’ by verdict" and quotes the family members.

"Natalie was only one of many women and children killed at the hands of a violent male," the family said in its statement, noting that Ontario reported 121 women and 20 children murdered by male partners between 2002 and 2006.
"Poisoned dogs generate more press and sympathy than women and children murdered by violent men," they said.

Yet, anger and recriminations and law suits seem to be the norm, and capture the most media attention.
Tim Mulcahy started a petition on his son's memorial website to change the young drivers laws around speeding and alcohol when he learned his son was driving the car that killed him and his two friends. Billie Mintz is working at preventing such tragedies.
Another website counts the horrors of our time, but The Drunk Driving [M]asses also writes about driver fatigue, reports on drunk drivers, and provides an Education for the Driving Masses information site, where you can find tips, statistics, facts and data.


Tim #2 - Petition from The Message In The Bottle on Vimeo.