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.