Man Laid Off & Commits Suicide

Fnord · 17th March 2011, 05:36 PM

> Link to Story <

A City of Costa Mesa (California) worker lept from the roof of City Hall minutes after receiving his pink slip. The employee - who had been at home with a broken ankle and who was not supposed to work today - was called in about 2:30 p.m. to receive his layoff notice.

I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website.

lionking · 17th March 2011, 05:44 PM

Unfortunately this happens all too often. I was talking to a colleague just yesterday whose friend suicided when the Australian airline Ansett collapsed. I don't think anyone can be held responsible.

Fnord · 17th March 2011, 05:47 PM

What about "Negligent Homicide"? Failure to maintain a safe work environment is the responsibility of the leadership, after all.

How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building?

Why were there no security personnel or guard rails?

Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people?

theprestige · 17th March 2011, 07:23 PM

Good riddance, I say. I hope that Costa Mesa used some of the money they saved by firing him to make the roof of City Hall wheelchair-accessible.

Wait, what? This is a parody thread, right? Right?

This Guy · 18th March 2011, 02:42 AM

His brother said (from the story link):

“When the layoffs were coming, he thought he was probably going to be rehired” by the new contractor, he said. There was no indication that Huy was despairing, he said.

He was not married and had no kids. 29 years old.

Anyone else think perhaps he had other issues going on?

This is sad, of course! My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends.

But losing a job is not the end of the world. I've been outsourced twice, with over 10 years at one job and 5 at the other. Sucks a big one! But not the end of the world. Appears he knew it was coming (I found out at the 10 year job when I got to work and couldn't log on to the system to do my job, and then was told "there will be a meeting in the conference room in 30 minutes").

He obviously had family near by that he probably could have lived with until he got things sorted out. I have to wonder if there aren't other issues involved.

Huy Pham - is that Vietnamese? Maybe it has to do with his culture?

Regardless, it is a sad story.

Rasmus · 18th March 2011, 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

What about "Negligent Homicide"? Failure to maintain a safe work environment is the responsibility of the leadership, after all.

How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building?

Why were there no security personnel or guard rails?

Why would there be? If you walk onto the roof of a building and to the ledge of the roof and then fall or jump over, it's your own fault and responsibility. The are was not unsafe and his death was not an accident, after all.

Quote:

Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people?

Because jumping off the roof was the only possible way in which he could have committed suicide?

Fnord · 19th March 2011, 09:12 AM

More Developments

The part where the Mayor was out partying while his staff did his dirty work reveals his especially cold-hearted attitude towards the people he once called his "family".

The mayor and the city council should resign to make room for leaders who actually care about the people that work for them.

WildCat · 19th March 2011, 09:18 AM

I thought government workers could earn way more in the private sector, why would this guy be so despondent over losing his crappy underpaid government job that he committed suicide?

truethat · 19th March 2011, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

What about "Negligent Homicide"? Failure to maintain a safe work environment is the responsibility of the leadership, after all.

How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building?

Why were there no security personnel or guard rails?

Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people?

Uh ok

the employment rate is sky rocketing. People are struggling everywhere. You can't hold a company responsible for this.

WildCat · 19th March 2011, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

The mayor and the city council should resign to make room for leaders who actually care about the people that work for them.

I agree. The city should hire every unemployed person in Costa Mesa at $50k a year plus lifetime benefits. No one should ever lose a job for any reason, and if they do the government should hire them.

They can just raise taxes to pay for it.

Sledge · 19th March 2011, 09:29 AM

Fnord, is there something more to this story you're not telling us? You seem rather angry about it, but I honestly can't see why. I agree that it's sad a young man took his own life, but I can't see why you're blaming anyone other than that young man.

BenBurch · 19th March 2011, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by WildCat

I thought government workers could earn way more in the private sector, why would this guy be so despondent over losing his crappy underpaid government job that he committed suicide?

Non Sequitur.

AJM8125 · 19th March 2011, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building?

He was a maintenance man, he probably had his own key to the roof access. My engineers and maintenance guys do in my buildings.

Beerina · 19th March 2011, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

> Link to Story <

A City of Costa Mesa (California) worker lept from the roof of City Hall minutes after receiving his pink slip. The employee - who had been at home with a broken ankle and who was not supposed to work today - was called in about 2:30 p.m. to receive his layoff notice.

I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website.

This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you.

If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual?

BenBurch · 20th March 2011, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Beerina

This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you.

If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual?

Not particularly unusual. People who are already on the edge sometimes need only that sort of thing to push them over.

Cainkane1 · 20th March 2011, 08:38 AM

I've been laid off four times the latest being Dec 31st of this year and after each time suicide went through my head. I haven't done it yet.

DavidJames · 20th March 2011, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by theprestige

Good riddance, I say. I hope that Costa Mesa used some of the money they saved by firing him to make the roof of City Hall wheelchair-accessible.

Wait, what? This is a parody thread, right? Right?

What a special comment and wonderful human being you are.

Lisa Simpson · 20th March 2011, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Beerina

This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you.

If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual?

It is not. That would be Bell, California.

truethat · 20th March 2011, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Cainkane1

I've been laid off four times the latest being Dec 31st of this year and after each time suicide went through my head. I haven't done it yet.

Why would suicide go through your head? I'm curious?

WildCat · 20th March 2011, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

Non Sequitur.

As if this were a serious thread.

Roadtoad · 20th March 2011, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Beerina

This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you.

If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual?

Actually, that's the city of Bell.

Costa Mesa is south of there. However, Fnord is correct in noting that city employees have been vilified as greedy and worthless. That's been going on for a couple of years now throughout the LA Basin.

Yeah, it's a bit unusual. Most folks think about suicide when they lose a job, but very few actually do it.

charles brough · 20th March 2011, 11:38 AM

It is not normal to kill yourself only because you lose your job! People are killing themselve or going out and killing others because they are feeling an intense build-up of stress.

There is a reason for that stress build-up. We are evolved through millions of years as small-group primates. That is, we only feel secure in and feel compassion for a small number of people. Language-based ideologies made it possible for us to bond into much larger groups beginning about 40,000 years ago.

The move was not entirely successful, however. Always, human nature finally broke up these ideolgocal systems into smaller sect-led groups and the splintering of the ideology resulted in social problems and the breakdown, ultimately, of government. You may have noticed how the civilizations of history have risen and fallen in cycles.

The problem is that all our ideolgoies are now hopelessly divided, so much so it is increasingly difficult to get cooperation on needed world solutions. Even the so-called "united front against Kaddafi" was voted on in the UN Security Council in which all of Islam itself is without veto power. The vote was US-led Western. We really do not even have the Arab League behind us.

We need cooperation on nuclear disarmament, global carbon emissions, saving species, and birth control limitations on population growth.

About a decade ago, a scientist wrote a treatise on "The End of History" because it was thought that the end of the Soviet system heralded the final chapter of the long "stuggle of the human race for democracy" and that it was about to be achieved world wide! Well, it isn't, can't and won't. The idealism or over-idealism has faded to realism. The majority of people now accept that our civilization is in decline.

The upshot of all this is that the stress level is rising and will continue to rise until we slip into the next phase.

I am working on what that might be and envite others to join in . . .

Safe-Keeper · 20th March 2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Because jumping off the roof was the only possible way in which he could have committed suicide?

No, but it's common knowledge that when you hinder people from committing suicide in "obvious", "easy" ways, suicide rates go down. The idea that suicidal people will find a way, regardless of what deterrents you put up, is a myth.

Sledge · 20th March 2011, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by Roadtoad

Most folks think about suicide when they lose a job

[citation very much needed]

rwguinn · 20th March 2011, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Sledge

[citation very much needed]

Homicide, maybe...
However, I have been laid off (from high-paying jobs) more than once, and suicide never crossed my mind.
Nor do I know of anyone else in the same situation who harbored such thoughts.

fuelair · 20th March 2011, 01:41 PM

Actually, I have to assume that homicide should have been on his mind. Of course, the problem is that so many people do not logically calculate who is responsible for the removal,firing and if they homicide they just kill randomly - totally stupid. If you are going to go, clearly id your targets based on their responsibility for the decision. Shooting the typist or receptionist is idiotic and makes you look like any other nutjob shooter. Get the guilty......

jasonpatterson · 20th March 2011, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

> I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website.

I'm baffled by this. Is it intended to be hyperbole or are you serious?

The man who jumped is the one who is responsible for his death, in exactly the same way he would have been had he jumped after breaking up with his girlfriend. Surely you wouldn't be calling for her indictment in that situation. People are responsible for their own actions.

MatildaGage · 20th March 2011, 02:05 PM

Maybe the murder comment in the op is supposed to be a joke?

It's not murder, right?

Architect · 20th March 2011, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by jasonpatterson

I'm baffled by this. Is it intended to be hyperbole or are you serious?

The man who jumped is the one who is responsible for his death, in exactly the same way he would have been had he jumped after breaking up with his girlfriend. Surely you wouldn't be calling for her indictment in that situation. People are responsible for their own actions.

What he said, if the reports on the case accurate.

rwguinn · 20th March 2011, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Architect

What he said, if the reports on the case accurate.

Management has to come up with new ways to show they are serious about cost-cutting. There wasn't a bus around to throw him under, but a roof-top was handy, so...

Sledge · 20th March 2011, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by rwguinn

Homicide, maybe...
However, I have been laid off (from high-paying jobs) more than once, and suicide never crossed my mind.
Nor do I know of anyone else in the same situation who harbored such thoughts.

Indeed. Every time I've lost a job, my first thought is "better get to the jobcentre."

Nosi · 20th March 2011, 02:39 PM

In America your job is your lifeline to health care (if your lucky) and when you loose that you loose your health care. If you have medical conditions and or debts, they can often preclude you getting a new job. When unemployment is high and jobs scarce, suicide can seem an attractive option.

theprestige · 20th March 2011, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by DavidJames

What a special comment and wonderful human being you are.

I'll let WildCat rebut this one:

Originally Posted by WildCat

As if this were a serious thread.

Beerina · 21st March 2011, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by truethat

Why would suicide go through your head? I'm curious?

Failure, money worries, that sort of thing.

I've learned to stop being such of a worry-wart about money -- any problem that can be fixed with a money cannon pointed at people to make them go away isn't really a problem.

I recall a concentration camp survivor talking about how people worried about their debts all out of proportion -- he said compared to what he went through, debt was not something to worry and fret about, so he had no problems taking out a house loan or whatever. Debt isn't a real problem. Governments rounding you up and killing you is a real problem.

Hell is other people. Most leave when the money canon is pointed at them.

TragicMonkey · 21st March 2011, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by Sledge

Indeed. Every time I've lost a job, my first thought is "better get to the jobcentre."

Really? My first thought in that situation is "hell with it, I'm going to get laid tonight and worry about another job tomorrow."

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st March 2011, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

> Link to Story <

A City of Costa Mesa (California) worker lept from the roof of City Hall minutes after receiving his pink slip. The employee - who had been at home with a broken ankle and who was not supposed to work today - was called in about 2:30 p.m. to receive his layoff notice.

I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website.

Did he break his ankle jumping off the roof on a previous occasion?

Also, IANAL, but doesn't a charge of murder require a motive, a.k.a. "malice aforethought"?

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st March 2011, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building?

Maybe he had a key.

Originally Posted by Fnord

Why were there no security personnel or guard rails?

Maybe there was and he climbed over it.

Originally Posted by Fnord

Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people?

I think it's in their city charter that they aren't allowed to care.

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st March 2011, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

More Developments

The part where the Mayor was out partying while his staff did his dirty work reveals his especially cold-hearted attitude towards the people he once called his "family".

The mayor and the city council should resign to make room for leaders who actually care about the people that work for them.

The link says nothing about the mayor being "out partying". Did you make that up?

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st March 2011, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by theprestige

Good riddance, I say. I hope that Costa Mesa used some of the money they saved by firing him to make the roof of City Hall wheelchair-accessible.

Wait, what? This is a parody thread, right? Right?

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st March 2011, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Roadtoad

Yeah, it's a bit unusual. Most folks think about suicide when they lose a job, but very few actually do it.

I would question the use of the word "most". Some, certainly, but I would suspect a very tiny percentage.

17th March 2011, 05:36 PM	#1
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	Man Laid Off & Commits Suicide > Link to Story < A City of Costa Mesa (California) worker lept from the roof of City Hall minutes after receiving his pink slip. The employee - who had been at home with a broken ankle and who was not supposed to work today - was called in about 2:30 p.m. to receive his layoff notice. I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website.
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.** Last edited by Fnord; 17th March 2011 at 05:44 PM. Reason: RULE 10 - Self-Censorship

17th March 2011, 05:47 PM	#3
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	What about "Negligent Homicide"? Failure to maintain a safe work environment is the responsibility of the leadership, after all. How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building? Why were there no security personnel or guard rails? Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people?
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.** Last edited by Fnord; 17th March 2011 at 05:50 PM.

17th March 2011, 07:23 PM	#4
theprestige Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,590	Good riddance, I say. I hope that Costa Mesa used some of the money they saved by firing him to make the roof of City Hall wheelchair-accessible. Wait, what? This is a parody thread, right? Right?
theprestige Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,590

18th March 2011, 02:42 AM	#5
This Guy Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: On the corner of WALK and DON'T WALK Posts: 2,000	His brother said (from the story link): “When the layoffs were coming, he thought he was probably going to be rehired” by the new contractor, he said. There was no indication that Huy was despairing, he said. He was not married and had no kids. 29 years old. Anyone else think perhaps he had other issues going on? This is sad, of course! My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends. But losing a job is not the end of the world. I've been outsourced twice, with over 10 years at one job and 5 at the other. Sucks a big one! But not the end of the world. Appears he knew it was coming (I found out at the 10 year job when I got to work and couldn't log on to the system to do my job, and then was told "there will be a meeting in the conference room in 30 minutes"). He obviously had family near by that he probably could have lived with until he got things sorted out. I have to wonder if there aren't other issues involved. Huy Pham - is that Vietnamese? Maybe it has to do with his culture? Regardless, it is a sad story.
	__________________ I'm lost. I've gone to find me. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait!

18th March 2011, 02:55 AM	#6
Rasmus Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,138	Originally Posted by Fnord What about "Negligent Homicide"? Failure to maintain a safe work environment is the responsibility of the leadership, after all. How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building? Why were there no security personnel or guard rails? Why would there be? If you walk onto the roof of a building and to the ledge of the roof and then fall or jump over, it's your own fault and responsibility. The are was not unsafe and his death was not an accident, after all. Quote: Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people? Because jumping off the roof was the only possible way in which he could have committed suicide?
Rasmus Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,138	__________________ "Well, the religious community could not just make it up." - JetLeg

17th March 2011, 05:44 PM	#2
lionking In the Peanut Gallery Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 29,653	Unfortunately this happens all too often. I was talking to a colleague just yesterday whose friend suicided when the Australian airline Ansett collapsed. I don't think anyone can be held responsible.

19th March 2011, 09:12 AM	#7
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	More Developments The part where the Mayor was out partying while his staff did his dirty work reveals his especially cold-hearted attitude towards the people he once called his "family". The mayor and the city council should resign to make room for leaders who actually care about the people that work for them.
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**

19th March 2011, 09:18 AM	#8
WildCat NWO Master Conspirator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albany Park, Chicago Posts: 49,038	I thought government workers could earn way more in the private sector, why would this guy be so despondent over losing his crappy underpaid government job that he committed suicide?

19th March 2011, 09:21 AM	#9
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,628	Originally Posted by Fnord What about "Negligent Homicide"? Failure to maintain a safe work environment is the responsibility of the leadership, after all. How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building? Why were there no security personnel or guard rails? Why doesn't the Costa Mesa City Council care about its people? Uh ok the employment rate is sky rocketing. People are struggling everywhere. You can't hold a company responsible for this.
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,628	__________________ “Do not argue with an idiot they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” ― Mark Twain

19th March 2011, 09:22 AM	#10
WildCat NWO Master Conspirator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albany Park, Chicago Posts: 49,038	Originally Posted by Fnord The mayor and the city council should resign to make room for leaders who actually care about the people that work for them. I agree. The city should hire every unemployed person in Costa Mesa at $50k a year plus lifetime benefits. No one should ever lose a job for any reason, and if they do the government should hire them. They can just raise taxes to pay for it.

19th March 2011, 09:29 AM	#11
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Fnord, is there something more to this story you're not telling us? You seem rather angry about it, but I honestly can't see why. I agree that it's sad a young man took his own life, but I can't see why you're blaming anyone other than that young man.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

19th March 2011, 09:39 AM	#12
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,151	Originally Posted by WildCat I thought government workers could earn way more in the private sector, why would this guy be so despondent over losing his crappy underpaid government job that he committed suicide? Non Sequitur.
	__________________ Are you IN? Join the IN crowd now!

19th March 2011, 10:26 AM	#13
AJM8125 NWO Black Ops Tagger Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: **** Creek, California Posts: 15,255	Originally Posted by Fnord How did he gain access to the roof of that five-story building? He was a maintenance man, he probably had his own key to the roof access. My engineers and maintenance guys do in my buildings.

19th March 2011, 03:36 PM	#14
Beerina Sarcastic Conqueror of Notions Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: A floating island above the clouds Posts: 23,835	Originally Posted by Fnord > Link to Story < A City of Costa Mesa (California) worker lept from the roof of City Hall minutes after receiving his pink slip. The employee - who had been at home with a broken ankle and who was not supposed to work today - was called in about 2:30 p.m. to receive his layoff notice. I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website. This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you. If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual?
	__________________ "Great innovations should not be forced [by way of] slender majorities." - Thomas Jefferson The government should nationalize it! Socialized, single-payer video game development and sales *now!* More, cheaper, better games, right? Right?

20th March 2011, 08:32 AM	#15
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,151	Originally Posted by Beerina This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you. If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual? Not particularly unusual. People who are already on the edge sometimes need only that sort of thing to push them over.
	__________________ Are you IN? Join the IN crowd now!

20th March 2011, 08:38 AM	#16
Cainkane1 Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The great American southeast Posts: 7,196	I've been laid off four times the latest being Dec 31st of this year and after each time suicide went through my head. I haven't done it yet.
	__________________ If at first you don't succeed try try again. Then if you fail to succeed to Hell with that. Try something else.

20th March 2011, 10:38 AM	#17
DavidJames Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 7,087	Originally Posted by theprestige Good riddance, I say. I hope that Costa Mesa used some of the money they saved by firing him to make the roof of City Hall wheelchair-accessible. Wait, what? This is a parody thread, right? Right? What a special comment and wonderful human being you are.
	__________________ I will no longer respond to those who choose to have tools of murder as their avatars. Everyone is a skeptic except, of course, for the stuff that they believe Beaver Hateman: Is your argument that human life loses value proportionate to the number of humans available? Malcolm Kirkpatrick: That's part of the argument. Value is determined by supply and demand.

20th March 2011, 10:42 AM	#18
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,060	Originally Posted by Beerina This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you. If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual? It is not. That would be Bell, California.
	__________________ That's what the Internet does -- you get a free bonus prize of Stupid Lies with every box of Delicious Facts. - cracked.com Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

20th March 2011, 10:47 AM	#19
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,628	Originally Posted by Cainkane1 I've been laid off four times the latest being Dec 31st of this year and after each time suicide went through my head. I haven't done it yet. Why would suicide go through your head? I'm curious?
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,628	__________________ “Do not argue with an idiot they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” ― Mark Twain

20th March 2011, 10:52 AM	#20
WildCat NWO Master Conspirator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albany Park, Chicago Posts: 49,038	Originally Posted by BenBurch Non Sequitur. As if this were a serious thread.

20th March 2011, 11:03 AM	#21
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Gone. Posts: 15,738	Originally Posted by Beerina This isn't the city with elders running around with 800k salaries, is it? If so, I'm with you. If not, then it's sad, but particularly unusual? Actually, that's the city of Bell. Costa Mesa is south of there. However, Fnord is correct in noting that city employees have been vilified as greedy and worthless. That's been going on for a couple of years now throughout the LA Basin. Yeah, it's a bit unusual. Most folks think about suicide when they lose a job, but very few actually do it.

20th March 2011, 11:38 AM	#22
charles brough Muse Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CALIFORNIA USA Posts: 555	He killed himself because of what we are ALL going through! It is not normal to kill yourself only because you lose your job! People are killing themselve or going out and killing others because they are feeling an intense build-up of stress. There is a reason for that stress build-up. We are evolved through millions of years as small-group primates. That is, we only feel secure in and feel compassion for a small number of people. Language-based ideologies made it possible for us to bond into much larger groups beginning about 40,000 years ago. The move was not entirely successful, however. Always, human nature finally broke up these ideolgocal systems into smaller sect-led groups and the splintering of the ideology resulted in social problems and the breakdown, ultimately, of government. You may have noticed how the civilizations of history have risen and fallen in cycles. The problem is that all our ideolgoies are now hopelessly divided, so much so it is increasingly difficult to get cooperation on needed world solutions. Even the so-called "united front against Kaddafi" was voted on in the UN Security Council in which all of Islam itself is without veto power. The vote was US-led Western. We really do not even have the Arab League behind us. We need cooperation on nuclear disarmament, global carbon emissions, saving species, and birth control limitations on population growth. About a decade ago, a scientist wrote a treatise on "The End of History" because it was thought that the end of the Soviet system heralded the final chapter of the long "stuggle of the human race for democracy" and that it was about to be achieved world wide! Well, it isn't, can't and won't. The idealism or over-idealism has faded to realism. The majority of people now accept that our civilization is in decline. The upshot of all this is that the stress level is rising and will continue to rise until we slip into the next phase. I am working on what that might be and envite others to join in . . .
	__________________ Brough, http://civilization-overview.com

20th March 2011, 12:42 PM	#23
Safe-Keeper Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sogndal, Norway Posts: 7,112	Quote: Because jumping off the roof was the only possible way in which he could have committed suicide? No, but it's common knowledge that when you hinder people from committing suicide in "obvious", "easy" ways, suicide rates go down. The idea that suicidal people will find a way, regardless of what deterrents you put up, is a myth.

20th March 2011, 01:14 PM	#24
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by Roadtoad Most folks think about suicide when they lose a job [citation very much needed]
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

20th March 2011, 01:30 PM	#25
rwguinn Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: 16 miles from 7 lakes Posts: 8,441	Originally Posted by Sledge [citation very much needed] Homicide, maybe... However, I have been laid off (from high-paying jobs) more than once, and suicide never crossed my mind. Nor do I know of anyone else in the same situation who harbored such thoughts.
	__________________ "Political correctness is a doctrine,...,which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end." "I pointed out that his argument was wrong in every particular, but he rightfully took me to task for attacking only the weak points." Myriad http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=6853275#post6853275

20th March 2011, 01:41 PM	#26
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,936	Actually, I have to assume that homicide should have been on his mind. Of course, the problem is that so many people do not logically calculate who is responsible for the removal,firing and if they homicide they just kill randomly - totally stupid. If you are going to go, clearly id your targets based on their responsibility for the decision. Shooting the typist or receptionist is idiotic and makes you look like any other nutjob shooter. Get the guilty......
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,936	__________________ There is no problem so great that it cannot be fixed by small explosives carefully placed. Wash this space! We fight for the Lady Babylon!!!

20th March 2011, 01:50 PM	#27
jasonpatterson Philanthropic Misanthrope Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Space, The Final Frontier Posts: 2,182	Originally Posted by Fnord > I think that the members of the Costa Mesa City Council should be collectively indicted for murder. Their names can be found on the Costa Mesa website. I'm baffled by this. Is it intended to be hyperbole or are you serious? The man who jumped is the one who is responsible for his death, in exactly the same way he would have been had he jumped after breaking up with his girlfriend. Surely you wouldn't be calling for her indictment in that situation. People are responsible for their own actions.
	__________________ Sandra's seen a leprechaun, Eddie touched a troll, Laurie danced with witches once, Charlie found some goblins' gold. Donald heard a mermaid sing, Susie spied an elf, But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Shel Silverstein

20th March 2011, 02:05 PM	#28
MatildaGage Muse Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Risa Posts: 799	Maybe the murder comment in the op is supposed to be a joke? It's not murder, right?
	__________________ End the grisly, barbaric practice of metzitzah b'peh.

20th March 2011, 02:13 PM	#29
Architect Chief Punkah Wallah Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 8,478	Originally Posted by jasonpatterson I'm baffled by this. Is it intended to be hyperbole or are you serious? The man who jumped is the one who is responsible for his death, in exactly the same way he would have been had he jumped after breaking up with his girlfriend. Surely you wouldn't be calling for her indictment in that situation. People are responsible for their own actions. What he said, if the reports on the case accurate.
	__________________ When the men elected to make laws are but a small part of a foreign parliament, that is when all healthy national feeling dies. James Keir Hardie (1856 - 1915): Politician, Founder of Scottish Labour Party

20th March 2011, 02:19 PM	#30
rwguinn Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: 16 miles from 7 lakes Posts: 8,441	Originally Posted by Architect What he said, if the reports on the case accurate. Management has to come up with new ways to show they are serious about cost-cutting. There wasn't a bus around to throw him under, but a roof-top was handy, so...
	__________________ "Political correctness is a doctrine,...,which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end." "I pointed out that his argument was wrong in every particular, but he rightfully took me to task for attacking only the weak points." Myriad http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=6853275#post6853275

20th March 2011, 02:31 PM	#31
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by rwguinn Homicide, maybe... However, I have been laid off (from high-paying jobs) more than once, and suicide never crossed my mind. Nor do I know of anyone else in the same situation who harbored such thoughts. Indeed. Every time I've lost a job, my first thought is "better get to the jobcentre."
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

20th March 2011, 02:39 PM	#32
Nosi Master Poster Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,731	In America your job is your lifeline to health care (if your lucky) and when you loose that you loose your health care. If you have medical conditions and or debts, they can often preclude you getting a new job. When unemployment is high and jobs scarce, suicide can seem an attractive option.
Nosi Master Poster Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,731	__________________ __________ Hiding from the

20th March 2011, 04:22 PM	#33
theprestige Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,590	Originally Posted by DavidJames What a special comment and wonderful human being you are. I'll let WildCat rebut this one: Originally Posted by WildCat As if this were a serious thread.
theprestige Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,590

21st March 2011, 08:56 AM	#34
Beerina Sarcastic Conqueror of Notions Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: A floating island above the clouds Posts: 23,835	Originally Posted by truethat Why would suicide go through your head? I'm curious? Failure, money worries, that sort of thing. I've learned to stop being such of a worry-wart about money -- any problem that can be fixed with a money cannon pointed at people to make them go away isn't really a problem. I recall a concentration camp survivor talking about how people worried about their debts all out of proportion -- he said compared to what he went through, debt was not something to worry and fret about, so he had no problems taking out a house loan or whatever. Debt isn't a real problem. Governments rounding you up and killing you is a real problem. Hell is other people. Most leave when the money canon is pointed at them.
	__________________ "Great innovations should not be forced [by way of] slender majorities." - Thomas Jefferson The government should nationalize it! Socialized, single-payer video game development and sales *now!* More, cheaper, better games, right? Right? Last edited by Beerina; 21st March 2011 at 08:57 AM.

21st March 2011, 09:10 AM	#35
TragicMonkey Poisoned Waffles Pither Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Monkey Posts: 30,081	Originally Posted by Sledge Indeed. Every time I've lost a job, my first thought is "better get to the jobcentre." Really? My first thought in that situation is "hell with it, I'm going to get laid tonight and worry about another job tomorrow."
	__________________ One cannot expect wisdom to flow from a pumpkin.