I think it's interesting that we categorize death. Yeah, I often bring that ethereal liberalism perspective, but genuinely, don't you find it to be an intriguing thought? If someone drinks regularly, we look down on it, but do we see it as a slow suicide? Drinking and smoking do receive negative attention, but not as bad as suicide. Is there a great difference though -- perhaps killing yourself over a decade or more is more acceptable than in one motion. As if watching someone die over a long while is more comforting than dealing with the sudden shock. 

Really though, we introduce chemicals into our bodies, our air, and our water that we know will give us cancer. How is our slow suicide, a thing which we can reject, pay money and vote against, more selfless than taking one's self? 

This conversation has been had in the Guild and recently. A lot of us shared very personal stories and some of who often argue came together over our shared sufferings. What a lot of us found was that this isn't a simple answer, nor I guess is it really complex. We make a large thing about the abstract notion of suicide and yet the actual thing is an experience entirely different. Some of us have had friends and loved ones take themselves out of this life. But the fact is that while we may suffer, clearly the ones we lost suffered greatly first. So great in fact that they felt death their salvation. They chose. I often declare that choice is the one thing that scares me to lose. I defend that, choice, and I keep a respect for those who choose in good conscience. Suicide is a choice and I can't say I feel right labelling it a right or wrong, tragic or selfish thing. It's a decision I simply hope those who're attracted to it do so with careful consideration. 

More importantly I think we should listen to people. We're so often caught up in our personal dramas and resentments and passions that we ignore the loving and writhing people all around us. We ignore them and condemn them for needing our attention. Everyone wants to be accepted, just validated if only by one. I think it's more important to listen and consider others than it is to cast judgements about abstract notions. People are absolute. They're here, in health and in pain.