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I applaud TOL by tackling this issue.  My father committed suicide when I was 11.  Even now at 35, I still live with the sense of guilt and responsibility.  My logical mind knows it isn't my fault but somewhere deep down, it still is with me.  It affected my relationship with men throughout my life. I wasn’t able to built lasting relationships due to a fear.  Fear that someone was going to abandon me, that I wouldn’t be enough for someone to live for, that I would be left behind to endure life’s struggles alone. It was obvious that my father was in pain. He has struggled all his life. He never got the help he need.  I understand this and I understand that in his state this seemed like the only way out.  However, what is left behind for our family is indescribably dark.   The desperate need for understanding, the guilt and anger at the person who died.  That is all that is left.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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This sort of thing in politics just amplifies how commercializated our culture is. Wasn't this country founded on seperation of church and state? For me, the more religious one is the more I have reason to be worried. I don't trust those to "leave things in God's hands" especially running our country. I also don't feel you have to go to church or be part of an organizated religion to be a moral, just and capable person. I understand the both presidential canidates must place that card since there is a huge population that is looking at them as under that light but that seems less sincere and faith driven to me. If I was running as president, I would go to church too, not because it is what I believe or what I have faith in but becasue it is what is expected of me. I am not saying these candiated don't aren't believers, it just seems awfully "convenient". Churches want more say in politics and politician want to be elected.... Goes hand-in-hand now.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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