From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!npoiv!npois!cbosgd!cad Newsgroups: net.suicide Title: Raid #2 (Warning Shots) Article-I.D.: cbosgd.3107 Posted: Fri Feb 11 09:47:25 1983 Received: Sat Feb 12 08:38:43 1983 To begin with, let me state, unequivocally, that I do not profess to possess any legal expertise (except that which one acquires dodging State Troopers on I-5) so my comments may be viewed as those of an informed, but nonetheless, possibly confused, layman. My premise is that persons or AI projects that engage in a frank and open discussion of suicides, and especially, methods of suicide, with the express avowed purpose of encouraging the "creative self-destruction of one's body" could, in fact, be bordering on illegality and criminal behavior. I don't say this lightly. If, for instance, some unfortunately distaught person actually helps themselves into the hereafter with information acquired from this newsgroup, a criminal investigation to follow would undoubtably conclude that submitters to this group had contributed in not insubstantial ways to the death of this lost soul. Culpability is easily established by scanning the past debates (all of which I have archived for just this purpose) from which can be observed a menacing pattern of daredevil baiting of individuals weakened by the stresses of life. I believe, if my religious observance of Hawaii 5-0 has taught me correctly, suicides that are caused by such circumstances are upgraded to cases of manslaughter or homicide. In a public forum, which USENET has evolved into, our responsibility is clear. Let us cast aside our childish fascination with self-destruction and change the name and purpose of this newsgroup. I propose we form net.suicide.hotline and strive to aid our fellow human beings cope with stress effectively, rather than giving them a shove off the nearest meta- physical cliff. Rise up ye Christians of Good Character and cease this deplorable activity. ---> Chuck A DeGaul <--- PS. Free the Suicide 23! PPS. Pray for ittvax!keaton - I fear his anguish imperils his existence.