Quote Originally Posted by xld
I do not, never have thought that Zack or you are raving lunatics, just because you disagree with me, even if you are wrong .
And I really appreciate that Bob.

Quote Originally Posted by xld
What I worry about, besides the obvious number of deaths (and Zack, a suicide is a wasted life, how can you say what you said, that makes me almost weep) is what happens to people like Zack when they do use that weapon, and they kill someone
Well, let me define a little more what I think here. I did not explain myself very well here. In the cleanest sense of definitions a suicide is a waste of life, I agree. What I disagree with is that I don't think people should ever resort to suicide. It is tragic, of course, but more than that it makes me angry. Angry that people would resort to such a stupid, stupid decision that is not needed.

That being said, if people are going to do it, they are going to do it and there is nothing anybody can do about it. Those who attempt but are unsuccessful are either too dumb to accomplish the task or do not really want to complete it. This, IMO, is the majority of people. I tend to find that these types of people (and yes I may be stereotyping harshly here) are more or less begging for attention or do not have the mental capacity to know any better.

Surmising to say that if somebody is going to take their own life, what are they wasting? Would they be better off doing well with their life? Yes! Looking at the other extreme, there are people who are alive and are wasting their life as well. Nevertheless, it is sad in any case. I have had friends along the way take their own life, some even with firearms. There are very few times I have ever been so sad in my life. In the literal sense, their life was indeed a waste.

Lastly, let me echo Patrick's comments about the debate. It is indeed nice to be able to civilly have a debate amongst friends, even if we agree to disagree. .. and even if you are wrong.