[NewMusic] Immolation

[Matthew Weber]

At 04:05 PM 11/8/2006, you wrote:
>That's the first time that I've heard of a suicidal act being something 
>"spiritual".  Regardless of agreeing with his sentiments, I couldn't agree 
>less with his actions.  Assumedly he's left some loved one behind after 
>this act, and if not, then that is likely the larger reason behind his act 
>than any political protest.  But If he has, then ask that person whether 
>his behavior is "spiritual", or "admirable", or for that matter, worthwhile.
>
>Suffering is indeed a part of life, and suicide is often an attempt to 
>short circuit that suffering.  The statement that this person made above 
>all is this: I can't take it anymore.  Any political statements are 
>secondary, to say the least.  I'm sorry if I can't lionize 
>self-immolation, but having been through chronic depression myself, and 
>having lost a couple of friends to suicide, I have a hard time finding 
>anything noble about it.
>
>-Chris

My sentiments exactly.


Matthew Weber
Curatorial Assistant
Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library
University of California, Berkeley

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.
         The Holy Bible (The New Testament):  The First Epistle of Paul the 
Apostle to Timothy, 6:12