Reviews from

The nation was changed

Because of this

26 total reviews 
Comment from lancellot
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm happy something positive came from such a terrible incident for the, unique nation of Australia. Not all countries are made like the lone island/continent nation without any shared borders, vast land, with few population centers, a mostly centralized government, and a total population of less than 26 million (ten million less than the state of California).

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Yes, I am aware of all those differences, and doubtless many more. . We are very fortunate to have been able to react and act when we did, before the opportunity was lost.
    Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a horrifying story of the cruelty of one man. It also is a wonderful story of a man, who, in spite of his grave, went on to make good decisions and helps others. I enjoyed the story very much. Patricia.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you very much Patricia for your thoughtful review. Yes, from evil did come some good.
    Wendy
    Wendy
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Due to that horrid act that was committed in Port Arthur, I was deeply by those two little girls and their mum being shot at point blank range, despite pleas from their mum to spare their lives, i have two daughters similar to those little girls, so it distressed me deeply, I'm a regular monthly contributor to the Alannah and Madeleine fund, a worthwhile cause. Beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you Roy. I appreciate your review. Yes, supporting that foundation will be a blessing to other children who have suffered likewise from violence and abuse.
    Wendy
reply by royowen on 20-Jun-2023
    Absolutely
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You close by saying, "Most of us have never seen a gun let alone held one. And that's the way we like it."

I have held a gun in both hands for the purpose of target practice. I was 21 years old, and my boyfriend at the time took me to the range to teach me how to handle and shoot a gun. I haven't held one since that day. I refused to ever touch one again. I recognized that day the kind of horrible power it has.

I remember this story, yet it was chilling to read about again. You did a excellent job of telling the good and bad of this story.

In the U.S., our answer to too many guns is to add more.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you very much, Pam, for your thoughtful review and also for the honour of six stars, which are greatly appreciated and valued. Yes, I would be like you. I could never touch a gun. Their purpose is to take life, either human or animal. Having a gun is not a sign of one?s freedom; not needing to have a gun is freedom. Thanks again.
    Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I have a confession. I had to read this in two parts. I started reading, got to the act of terrorism, stopped and prayed. Then I resumed reading. This was not easy. Unfortunately, this is more commonplace than ever. I like that Walter chose to stand and fight for others. Gretchen

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    It was very hard to write too, as I relived the horror and distress we all felt, nationwide, even though I live in a different state. Thank you so much for your compassionate review and thoughts.
    Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Another great story, Wendy. You have a great talent for these things. You have probably read of the mass shootings that we have in the US. There is a large outcry for gun control here, but it will not happen soon. The number of gun owners - myself included - far outnumber the people who want strict gun control measures. Obviously, something must be done, but the solution is unclear.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you for thoughtfully reviewing, Paul. Personally I think it is now too late for the US to reverse the situation, sadly. There is a different cultural mindset about guns and gun ownership.
    Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this remarkable man with us. He made good come from adversity. I know the US, as does the world know, we have issues with shooting happening here. I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with the guns. Example Switzerland.
Switzerland has the second largest armed force per capita after Israel, and a long tradition of neutrality in wars.
Gun ownership is high in Switzerland, at about 0.5 guns per person, but most of them are hunting rifles and semiautomatic longarms.
For other firearms and ammunition, a permit is required, and it is not granted to people with a criminal record, a history of violence, or mental health or addiction issues.

I believe the area we have the problem with who gets the guns. The last three sentences explain our problem.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you for your thoughtful review. Much appreciated.
    Wendy
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, let me get this right. There was a tragic shooting by a madman who left many dead. The leaders of the federal government decided they never wanted to see this type of event again.

So the people of the country and the leaders of the government changed the gun laws of the country in order to prevent these kinds of events and protect the citizens.

In the USA, we prefer our leaders to make sure everyone has access to guns which makes it easier for any individual to go on a rampage to kill in shopping centers, schools, churches, concerts, supermarkets, and anywhere people may congregate.

Wendy, your very well-written story provides a strong message and roadmap for what government and the people can do.

Sadly in my country, that will never happen. My only suggestion is that you consider using a larger size font for us old eyes folks. Exceptional, Terry.


 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you Terry for a wonderful review and for the six stars. Greatly valued and appreciated. I heard the other day that even many churches over there have an armed guard. To us this is unbelievable. Freedom is not in having a gun, but in not needing to have a gun. Unfortunately and very sadly I think it is too late for your country to turn the tide now. Thanks for your suggestion. I?ll make the font larger.
    Wendy
Comment from strandregs
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Good story telling
Good detailing.
Enjoyable reading
Attention fixing
Forward pulling
Nail biting
It's great Australia has achieved gun laws.
Sanity is really at short supply. :--))Z.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you so very much for your compassionate and encouraging words - and for the beautiful gift of six stars. Appreciated and valued, and they mean a lot to me. To us, freedom is not needing a gun in order to feel safe. Thanks again.
    Wendy
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Perhaps the USA should take note of this true tale of horror. They continue to suffer mass killings by deranged perpetrators who take advantage of lax gun laws and as you say Australia's gun laws have been tightened. These laws are against the guns but against the evildoers that use them indiscriminately.

This is a shocking story well recounted.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you, yes to all your thoughts. They have a different mindset about gun ownership and what constitutes freedom. Evildoers will win because they will always upgrade to bigger and more destructive. Thanks so much for your thoughtful review.
    Wendy