There will be reporting of crimes, deaths, horrors of one kind or another that send shivers up one’s spine.

Some people will say that’s normal for the 21^st Century. Others will more likely say so what? There’s nothing I can do about it.

We have lots of laws that have been put into place for the protection of all kinds of people. Gun laws seem able to be got around. 

Domestic violence occurs under our very noses and more often than not without detection or punishment.

Radicalism is no longer something that happens in war-torn countries, but right here among us in Australia, often remaining undiscovered until it is too late to heal.

Addiction to alcohol and to drugs that destroy the lives and lifestyles and brain power of so many people is running riot, and often underpinning the tragedies that happen in road accidents and other horrifying experiences.

In a truth-based item I read the other day, I read that there are 15,000 people living in slavery here in Australia.

This document states that the worst areas for this breach of human decency lie within the hospitality, construction, agriculture and sex industries.

These statistics are certainly alarming, and in breach of the law, but that does not seem to be a hindrance.

We have laws governing many aspects both of public and private life. There is action around wanting more legal action to provide better protection for vulnerable people.

I would dare to suggest it is not more laws we need, but a greater understanding and respect for our fellow human beings and our livestock and the environment.

If we took the time and the courage to review some of our mindsets, then we wouldn’t need more laws, just more awareness beyond our self-centred outlook.

So-called white-collar crime would not happen if money, social status and prestige had not taken over from care, respect and recognition of the dignity of all people.

Thankfully, there are still many good and real people around who do care for their fellow human beings and the world we live in.

The emergency services – police and ambulance – St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army, and the hundreds of volunteers and various clubs and committees whose quiet and unobtrusive contributions help keep the world going round.

Crime is often committed for power over someone or something. In a recent article, Pope Francis says ”real power is love; love that empowers others, love that sparks initiatives, love that no chain can hold”. 

Further on he says “love has no need of youthful beauty, recognition or approval, money or prestige. It simply flows forth and is unstoppable”.

So a good injection of love, an openness to possible change in our hearts and mind sets, and an effort to be less judgmental could change the world we live in. 

It could also change the news headlines, and even change our tears into laughter.

I recall someone saying after the end of World War II … ‘Whatever will they use for the news in the papers and the radio? The war is over. I wish it were’