This economy is killing people

[gates]

Aquaintences son killed himself today - couldnt find a job, was despondent, blew his brains out - second time this has happened to someone I know in the last 60 days.

[brunop]

Well, I get your point. On the other hand, there are billions of people who live in MUCH WORSE circumstances every day for their whole lives who just get on with it.

I'm not judging him. I'm not saying I'm not sorry for him and his. I am saying that we all make choices in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.

I have a buddy whose parents punted: he was on his own at 14 or so. Lots of trouble. Lots of drugs. Lots of petty crime, and maybe one or two things not-so-petty.

He decided one day to get his shit together, and he is a completely sorted out individual. Took a lot of time and a lot of work. But that was his decision.

I enjoy your posts. Thanks for sticking with Econ & Investing.

[gates]

who the hell knows what people think that drive them to that point - sad thing is this guy left behind 8 yr old twin daughters - he saw them this morning then drove off and killed himself - waste

[Bawana jim]

The waste in my opinion is he lost his life not fighting for what's right but just giving up. You are right though, it's happening more and more.

jim

[leek]

He left social security death benefits until they reach age 18. That is , if the fund lasts tht long. I think it is about 1 k $ per month for each of them.

My 26 yr old nephew died last Sept. Heroine overdose. Heroine is really cheap now that the war in Afghanistan has increased opium production to an all time high. Since the opium is the only export Afgahnistan has, The US and NATO troops look the other way. No, the war did not make him an addict but it sure made it easy for a problem kid to actually afford Heroine. Its an epidemic.

My nephew could not find any work which he always did even with a alcohol and weed habit. No work, no hope and a whole lot of guilt not being able to provide for his daughter. And then it started, free heroine to get him hooked. The stuff is so cheap he just barrowed money or sold himself for another hit. No real life of crime to support his dead end habit. He died alone in his brother's apartment.

My sister called me at 9 am EST on Sept 21 , 2009 and told me the news as she wept. I flew out to Arizona the next day and did what I could---which wasn't much. I'm a talker , but on this vist , I mostly just sat and listened to my relatives cry , cry and cry.

Yes , there are folks dying out there. My midwest city of 100 k has about 2-3 suicides a month now----------all time high. The suicides peak in Jan- April when the Christmas bills come in.

[renaissance_warrior]

gates, I am very sorry to hear about that tragic event. However, I will say that there are probably far deeper circumstances that you are NOT aware of that may have been a contributing factor in that tragedy. There are far too many resources that a person can avail themselves to that would not totally eliminate, but at least minimize the stress of someone in said position.

[Stoney]

Who knows why, 27 year old nephew ate his gun last year.

[brunop]

It is tragic - and sad, too. I think a lot of people have no hope, which is the scariest thing of all.

Lift the people around you the best you can.

Peace.

[parisofthewest]

The son of a friend of my moms.

Had 3 kids, a wife, had already lost job and the house in Michigan. Went down to TN to look for work, found some but it dried up. With the family's help they came back to MI. Still no work. I vouch that this was not a slacker but someone who wanted to work to support his family.

Took the dog for a walk one night and told his wife he wouldn't be back. He was right. After a few hours she got worried and packed the kids up in the car to go look for him and found him hanging in a tree.

What a way to remember to the last time you saw your dad as a kid.

parisofthewest

[RG Coburn]

This is stupid. Even in Michigan,there is work,if you are willing to look and do it.
Why does everybody think they have to work for somebody else? I know a local guy who does nothing but cut brush,trees and lawns. His inventory is mowers,chainsaws,and gas cans,and he is busy from sun up to sundown. And he ain't starving.

[offshore44]

You don't have to work for someone else. No argument there.

But guess what? To do yard and tree work around here, you have to be:
Licensed
Bonded
Insured (six ways from Sunday)
Registered
Inspected
Certified
Taxed

I've looked into several business opportunities around here that were a no brainer at one time. Not so much anymore.

We have to help those around us. Every time and anywhere in any way we can. The transition from where we were to where we are going is not going to be pretty or painless. Most, younger adults especially, don't have the fortitude and mental / emotional skills to deal with what is happening right now. We, as parents, have failed them in the name of making their lives better and easier than ours were. All we can do now is pray for them (if you pray) and help them cope as best as you and they can.

[Bawana jim]

Thew economy is killing people but the wrong ones are dieing.
jim