What is wrong with people? It is the question I'm asking myself most during what has become arguably Australia's greatest ever disaster.

I'll leave out the natural part, because it is now apparent most of the fires that have ravaged towns and taken almost 200 lives were started by arsonists.

Arsonists probably haven't gotten their rightful whack over the years but they will this time. As it has been shown, they can do more damage than a Bali bomber or a serial killer.

Think of the anger that will spill over when they are caught.

They need to suffer the same fate as those suspected witches back in the dark ages - strung up and burnt themselves. See how they like it.



The mind boggles how someone can be so callous.

Even now after seeing everything the victims have been through reports are still coming in that arsonists were at work overnight - wanting more destruction, more deaths.

Absolutely amazing.

I haven't been directly affected by the tragedy, though being right on my door step (not literally thankfully) in Melbourne you can't help be moved by what has happened.

I've been in a news room all week and seen the images stream in from professional photographers and residents alike and they simply chill you to the bone. Especially the ones that don't get published.


You feel so helpless. You want to just up and leave the office, drive out there and do something to help. Anything. More than just donate a few dollars. Give me a hose and some overalls.

I used to work around the area of Marysville and Healesville (which is now under threat), and it was a beautiful place with so many down-to-earth people.

I knew the firefighters would be in trouble last Saturday when those winds picked up. 120km/h winds. Just incredible.

It was like wind and fire turning evil and conspiring together to create absolute devastation.
But, of course, there were the arsonists ... but enough about them.



Out of the ashes, the human spirit rises up. I just wish more people had it. Like CFA volunteer David Tree.

Like most, his encounter with Sam the koala has left an indelible mark on me. Particularly being an animal lover who grew up in the 'bush'.

I know how important both are to the Aussie fabric. A fabric that has been ripped apart.

Anyway, I just needed to get that out before I continued on with my meaningless dribble about movies.