What happened in Wangaratta this week has horrified Australia. But around the world, politicians – and women in particular – face raised safety threats Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast “Thoughts and prayers.” After each soul-destroying mass shooting in the United States, this is the platitude invariably trotted out by every impotent politician unable to confront the stranglehold reality of the country’s gun lobby. “Turn the temperature down,” risks becoming Australia’s equivalent. The plaintive cry to hold back a rising tide of hatred and anger, incubated, amplified and legitimised online, now spilling into grotesque real-world violence. Continue reading...