On Suicide and Hunter S. Thompson

      I think that if one feels necessary to commit suicide then, in some cases that decision should be accepted and/or allowed. ‘Attempted suicide’ has been removed from the Criminal Code in Canada in 1972 and it is only regarded as a ‘misdemeanor’ in a few of the states in the U.S. I think it would be senseless to try to punish someone who is trying to kill themselves and giving me a ticket when I am dead will also not solve much.

      I think ‘suicide’ could be a decent way to go if you plan it as a one-way-trip to some place you need to go to and you do it in a responsible manner in relation to whom and what you leave behind.

                     “Hunter S. Thompson's body was found in a chair in the kitchen

                     in front of his typewriter with the word "counselor" typed in the

                     center of the page, according to sheriff's reports.” AP March 2^nd, 2005

      I was saddened when I learned that he committed suicide because I think he was one of the greatest American writers. His style was truly unique. His courage and persistence were truly admirable. As a journalist he was always chasing a story and even if he was going in the wrong direction, he never stopped until he got a story! It did not matter if the story he found was a different one than the one his publishers wanted. In the end his story got printed. Rolling Stone Magazine had him on the payroll for decades and Random House never failed to publish his books, no matter how weird or strange they were because he was a great writer and a fantastic journalist!

      So what if he decided to call it quits? The man published more books and articles than most people could not even imagine. I always laugh when I remember some of the things he wrote about Richard Nixon. His descriptions are priceless: “He was the real thing--a political monster straight out of Grendel and a very dangerous enemy. He could shake your hand and stab you in the back at the same time.” I can hear his voice …

      I laughed to tears throughout many of his books and throughout many boring high-school courses. He kept me company in class; that way I didn’t skip at least although, spontaneous outbursts of laughter from the back of the class were never appreciated much by most of my dull teachers. I never met the man but I do feel like I know him because I have probably read close to everything that he published and I have read a few biographies written about him as well. His writing is very personal and to see him in recorded interviews is always entertaining! What a monster he was, amazing!

      Thus, if he decided to take his own life, he had all the rights to do it. I am sure he did as much as he wanted to do and more. He lived a fulfilling life and I am surprised he actually made it that far considering his life-style.

      I think suicide in some cases is quite an understandable action. I would not want to rot away in some hospital bed waiting to be freed of this body. If one is not able to do much except count the minutes to the finish line … that is no life to live in my opinion. Or if you are just personally sick of Life (which in my mind is not possible) and want nothing of it then, do as You wish.

      On the other hand, I had a close relative take his life in an ignorant way and that I do not condone. I have had friends take their life because of depression and despair; that I think is tragic! Such people need help and support.

      Therefore, each suicide and/or attempted suicide should be interpreted in a different manner, in respect to each individual circumstance. For some people it just may be the next logical step to take. If you are done here then, you are done here.

                     “If it’s my time to leave,

                     I will leave in victory …” “Tears of blood” Mexicano 777

      “No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun – for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax – This won’t hurt.” – Hunter’s suicide note (published in Rolling Stone magazine).

      Thank you for everything Hunter! Much love.