You know, I had typed up a truly nasty response to your despicable comments on Robin Williams. But then decided that you just were not worth the effort!!
My brother-in-law attempted suicide years ago, by dowsing himself in paint thinner and lighting a match. He lost his right leg below the knee, and part of his left foot, but survived, with horrible burns and a years-long “recovery”. He remained more than a bit of a “flake” since, not seeking training, or a job, ever, and being a drunk was his modus. We’ve had police make several “welfare checks” on him over the years when he seemed down, he lives a long way away, and has no phone of his own, and doesn’t return letters or cards, except on an occasional birthday. He STILL feels everyone OWES HIM a free ride, to do whatever he wants, like stay drunk.
This represents long-term mental illness, not just “addiction”, but the sad fact is, until HE desires change, and WORKS for it, family can’t help, and his friends are crazier than him. BTW, his sister died a drug addict, a second sister is an alcoholic (functioning). My wife is the only one in the “normal” category, and their parents would have been described as “good, caring parents”, who never put restraints or real guidance on the younger three kids as they grew up. Sometimes the causes are “strange” and hidden, revolving around their “friends” and associates more than family. But depression IS the root cause of these folks’ problems, often undiagnosed for years, it can happen in even the “best” of circumstances, to the “best” of people, and is sad.
It has come out today that he had Parkinson’s and was having trouble facing it. May well have been a factor, and if so, he’s not alone in taking matters into his own hands.
Dtroutma over 9 years ago
Even if they have professional care like Robin, some folks need those friends and family to do the daily “welfare check”.
frodo1008 over 9 years ago
You know, I had typed up a truly nasty response to your despicable comments on Robin Williams. But then decided that you just were not worth the effort!!
DWC23430 over 9 years ago
He took the cowards way out. That is how society felt about suicide not that long ago.
eepatt over 9 years ago
Mr. Anderson,
This is one of the best, most relevent editorial cartoons ever. Yours are usually good, but this is exceptional.
Thanks.
dzw3030 over 9 years ago
You must pay attention to your friends and loved ones, don’t take them for granted.
Dtroutma over 9 years ago
My brother-in-law attempted suicide years ago, by dowsing himself in paint thinner and lighting a match. He lost his right leg below the knee, and part of his left foot, but survived, with horrible burns and a years-long “recovery”. He remained more than a bit of a “flake” since, not seeking training, or a job, ever, and being a drunk was his modus. We’ve had police make several “welfare checks” on him over the years when he seemed down, he lives a long way away, and has no phone of his own, and doesn’t return letters or cards, except on an occasional birthday. He STILL feels everyone OWES HIM a free ride, to do whatever he wants, like stay drunk.
This represents long-term mental illness, not just “addiction”, but the sad fact is, until HE desires change, and WORKS for it, family can’t help, and his friends are crazier than him. BTW, his sister died a drug addict, a second sister is an alcoholic (functioning). My wife is the only one in the “normal” category, and their parents would have been described as “good, caring parents”, who never put restraints or real guidance on the younger three kids as they grew up. Sometimes the causes are “strange” and hidden, revolving around their “friends” and associates more than family. But depression IS the root cause of these folks’ problems, often undiagnosed for years, it can happen in even the “best” of circumstances, to the “best” of people, and is sad.
lindz.coop Premium Member over 9 years ago
It has come out today that he had Parkinson’s and was having trouble facing it. May well have been a factor, and if so, he’s not alone in taking matters into his own hands.