economic crisis suicides

I have a morbid fixation with the suicides that are being reported as due to the economic crisis.

I'm not sure why, other than as a measure of how bad it is -- not just in terms of the economy, and not even just in terms of consumer sentiment, but in terms of how our economic structure enforces for so many people the idea of no options, and, in terms of support systems, often provides no options.

Anyway, there was the old lady who was foreclosed on who failed in her suicide attempt; and the guy who got laid off from a tech company and then killed his wife and son at Stanford before shooting himself. There's been a couple of hedge fund guys (at least one of which was related to Madoff's ponzi scheme), and now this which is hands down the most horrifying one I've read about.

And chances are, there are a whole bunch more out there that none of us know about.

This is the measure of what's happening out there to people who, by and large, aren't that different from us. And sometimes it feels like Katrina (the only thing that's ever forced me to stop watching news coverage for even a day because I couldn't take it) happening in slow motion.

(no subject)

Folks I know are selling an impressive collection of rare/valuable Harlan Ellison books to help with serious financial burdens very much not of their own making. If interested, please look at what they have available.

Meanwhile, elionwyr is still jumping out of a perfectly good airplane to help combat sexual violence.

baldanders has made his way back online, but recovery from his stroke and the impact on the finances of he and his partner continue. A donation link is here. Magnificent photographer sykii has also been selling prints of her work to benefit the cause.

s00j is also doing the dance of no insurance and medical misfortunes. Information on funraising efforts on her behalf are here.

Anyone else? Post a comment, I'll add to the post and then link to the post periodically.