Right to Life - Bondi Beach Shooting

The footbridge from which the gunmen primarily conducted their attack (pictured in 2019)
By Philip Mallis from Melbourne - Pedestrian bridge across carpark, Bondi,
CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

As I write this, it is the day after the 2025 Bondi Beach Shooting. Sixteen people were killed, including one of the two gunmen, and 42 others injured. I feel for anyone who had to live through this, and particularly anyone who was injured, or died from a criminal act by cowards.

I'm not going to speculate, or even give air to the gunmen's motives, nor am I going to contextualize their targets. While neither are irrelevant, people will use one or the other to pick a side. Use it to justify their spin on the day's events. Use it to create division.

Whatever you may think about globalization there is one truth that should be global, without question. The human right to life. In my opinion, the moment you are causing people to lose lives with purposeful violence or attack, is the moment your cause was lost. It is not a show of strength. It confirms you are weak, impatient, intolerant, and lack empathy for all.

People worldwide have a right to go about their day without living under the threat of any kind of violence. Especially for things they have no control over.

The Bondi gunmen have probably set back their cause by decades through this action because... people. Even though the gunmen likely represent no one other than themselves and their point of view (which is speculation on my part for sure).

Regardless, it doesn't matter who you are. If you've chosen Australia as your home, and you're living your life here with a live and let live attitude then, again, in my opinion, you meet the requirements to be an Australian. Which is not to say we have to agree on everything, but you at least know violence is not a solution in this country (or any country for that matter).

Violence is never a solution. Not with your neighbours, and not on the world stage. People should have the right to life everywhere. Do better. Be stronger, and have empathy for all.

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