I remember reading about this incident in Chicago. It garnered little nationwide attention. What a profoundly insightful individual. Quality vid. Thank you.
To answer your first question, yes. We are ultimately liable for what our govt does, but by the same token that is only meaningful if we are informed - and we clearly aren't. Not sure what you're getting at with your second question - could you explain further?
Oh, of course you can love your country and hate the government. I think the quotation I heard was: Love my country always, and my government when it deserves it.
I have some disagreements w/ the author - but I honestly think there are many cool observations for each oversimplification. I wanted to read his note because I hoped it would provoke some thoughtful responses. It has, at least in my opinion, satisfied that objective (at least partly due to your contributions - thank you!)
The suicide part definately complicates it for me. Is intent or success more important. Does lack of success make it an invalid expression? Or is there no relationship between the two. Anyway, I'm glad it provoked some interesting discussion.
I understand exactly where the writer of this note was coming from. I have contemplated "ending it all" several times as of late. The unending frustration at what the world has become and is becoming, and the absolute knowledge that there is not one thing I can do to change it, is simply too hard to bear at times. Then I think, why make it even one iota easier for the cocksuckers.
The world is a fucked up place. Will it ever change? Probably not in my lifetime.
Just visited your channel, read your words, and all I can say is, "Put that option out of your mind." IMHO, the next 8-10 years will be at once, the most enlightening, yet challenging period humanity has experienced since well, forever. You got a ringside seat. Better than that, there's a real possibility that you will be one who leads the way for others. Don't give it away! And, I think I'll join you in that drink. Cheers!
WetalMorker is right: SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER. You have a tool that you can use to instantly spread a positive message to people all over the planet. How can you say that there is noting you can do?
I don't think any of us knows enough to say what any human being is capable of achieving. All we can do is learn as much as possible and try to do as much good as possible.
A lot of them spoke to me too, that's why I posted this. I listed my objection to the Rumsfeld section, and though I buy his justification for what he did, I'm not sure I agree it was the best thing to do.
But the content of a lot of his "mission statement" really impressed me. Especially, oddly, the parts where he talks about his conception of god. It's a conception of god that, for the most part, actually makes sense to me.
Agreed. In my opinion, people who commit suicide are more like assassins than martyrs. Martyrs are people who want to try and do good regardless of the consequences. Assassins are people who do nothing more than end all of a person's potential to do more good. And that in my opinion will never be heroic.
Thanks you Zach, 1st i would say he was a Buddhist and i agree with most of what he said.
The problem is internal and he woke up to this fact of life. i to on the net in the 90s always had to say i'm sorry to the people of the world for our American Actions Belgrade, Uzbekistan Ukraine and Russia. they wanted to work with us but Nato and greed Over here keep us apart. Clinton saved Nato and its the noose that Russia Wants to use now to hang US with.
I wouldn't kill anybody but i understand the killing of one self. it is the understanding of self worth and human worth. his energy was released and you just pass it on to us for its impact. Buddhist have the same thoughts when mind see no way out. drip in to the pond makes powerful waves to passed on. gives meaning to his words is all that he was after. i broke the orthodoxy of Buddhism over the understanding of this way. Bad Buddhist is my way but i do still smoke :p
It's a process. There must be something you have yet to understand about your smoking. It took me a long time and it is still hard. Perhaps the economic crisis will be the kick in the butt you need.
Great snag, Zach! Not sure I agree w/ funalunatic that Malachi's death was "mostly meaningless. I count four souls who've been touched by his message, right here. Would you have been drawn to this article if not for his tragic end?
I think that people who defend suicide should consider what would happen if all the good people of this world killed themselves. It would be an immediate victory for evil. A positive message means nothing if there are no good people alive to act upon it.
If this guy had not killed himself, his message may have never reached us. But what if the messenger (Zach) had also killed himself before delivering the message? Then the message would not have "touched" anyone.
gold: I know it's hard to get away from the circumstances that brought his letter to my attention, but his suicide is actually just a discussion point about commitment to me. There were other parts of his note which I found much more compelling than the way it came to my attention or his justifications for the same.
If all the good people commit suicide that would be a disaster. Then again, those pictures of the monks burning themselves to protest Viet Nam moved many. It's complicated.
Zach: Good points. But I think what makes the situation "complicated" is the fact that we are able to look on the bright side of any issue no matter how horrendous.
I certainly can't pass judgement on anyone. I don't know what's in anyone's heart but my own. I'm sure that in each of these individual's minds there are reasons that justify their actions. I just believe that suicide is an evil act. And some good may come out of it in spite of the act not because of the act.
Point taken. I'm rather sensitive about the subject myself; It being that my mother chose the suicide solution herself, I feel like I know the subject matter pretty well. I don't defend it at all, in fact, I really can't describe my thoughts on it. Peace!
You were correct when part two uploaded first I was completely confused, I came back to watch them in order.
I must say I agree with virtually everything this man stated. Sad that he burned himself to death, although I can understand that to.
Today I wrote my Reps. (traitors) and told them I am about done paying federal taxes for their Non-representation, not that it will do much good, nothing else has shook mine from their self serving agendas though.
This guy's death and note have had no impact. His death is mostly meaningless. In life, he could have done plenty of good, or what he thought was good. Instead, he killed himself because poking Rummies or volunteering at orphanages or otherwise fighting what may be a futile fight is too, I don't know, mired in uncertainty of consequence? It was reality itself that he couldn't bear, not whatever taint he imagines that society gives it.
I tend to agree, though I respect his decision. On some level, I'm guessing he was tired of living w/ the contradictions of our society and wanted out. I'm not sure, but I'm willing to bet he could've achieved more if he lived.
But I found a lot of the content of this note very interesting, persuasive, and even beautiful. As an atheist, I was surprised how I was touched by his view of god.
Yeah, I think he certainly had the right to end his life at the time of his choosing, even if I think it was a stupid decision. He wrote a good note, and it should have been read on the national news in prime time, but of course it's not in the mass media's function to try to personify anything uncomfortable, or communicate anything of more than superficial importance.
"Without staring death in the eye, as the perpetually reverse side of life, we cannot live fully and completely."
~Soko Morinaga
outlier55 3 years ago
I remember reading about this incident in Chicago. It garnered little nationwide attention. What a profoundly insightful individual. Quality vid. Thank you.
onemanband1963 3 years ago
I have been trying to do a video response for the
past two hours and am not happy with it. So don't
you think it is a bit extreme to insist that all tax
payers have blood on their hands? Does love of
country require an equal love of more transient
government?
angryislander56 3 years ago
To answer your first question, yes. We are ultimately liable for what our govt does, but by the same token that is only meaningful if we are informed - and we clearly aren't. Not sure what you're getting at with your second question - could you explain further?
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Is it not possible to love the idea of what ones
country could be or should be or was meant to be
without being required to love its specific
government?
angryislander56 3 years ago
Oh, of course you can love your country and hate the government. I think the quotation I heard was: Love my country always, and my government when it deserves it.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
I also thought that this mans reaction to his
government or country(he did not seem to make
the distinction) was naive.He asks what has
become of his country, and I would respond that
the war in Iraq is not exactly unique in American
history.
angryislander56 3 years ago
I have some disagreements w/ the author - but I honestly think there are many cool observations for each oversimplification. I wanted to read his note because I hoped it would provoke some thoughtful responses. It has, at least in my opinion, satisfied that objective (at least partly due to your contributions - thank you!)
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Your videos are always thought provoking and you
read beautifully.I did not mean to imply that I
assumed you completely agreed with everything in
this letter just because you read it.I agree about the
coolness of some of his observations.Especially
hollowness of economy and Reagan idiocracy:)
angryislander56 3 years ago
The suicide part definately complicates it for me. Is intent or success more important. Does lack of success make it an invalid expression? Or is there no relationship between the two. Anyway, I'm glad it provoked some interesting discussion.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Comment removed
wetalmorker 3 years ago
I understand exactly where the writer of this note was coming from. I have contemplated "ending it all" several times as of late. The unending frustration at what the world has become and is becoming, and the absolute knowledge that there is not one thing I can do to change it, is simply too hard to bear at times. Then I think, why make it even one iota easier for the cocksuckers.
The world is a fucked up place. Will it ever change? Probably not in my lifetime.
Geez, I need another drink.
xxxchaindrive 3 years ago
Just visited your channel, read your words, and all I can say is, "Put that option out of your mind." IMHO, the next 8-10 years will be at once, the most enlightening, yet challenging period humanity has experienced since well, forever. You got a ringside seat. Better than that, there's a real possibility that you will be one who leads the way for others. Don't give it away! And, I think I'll join you in that drink. Cheers!
wetalmorker 3 years ago
in response to xxxchaindrive:
WetalMorker is right: SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER. You have a tool that you can use to instantly spread a positive message to people all over the planet. How can you say that there is noting you can do?
I don't think any of us knows enough to say what any human being is capable of achieving. All we can do is learn as much as possible and try to do as much good as possible.
goldglutton10 3 years ago
These words really 'spoke' to me. Mirroring a lot of what has been going through my mind lately. Especially the parts about individual responsibility.
BTW I think the facial hair looks good man! Adds a certain sophistication.
neotoy 3 years ago
A lot of them spoke to me too, that's why I posted this. I listed my objection to the Rumsfeld section, and though I buy his justification for what he did, I'm not sure I agree it was the best thing to do.
But the content of a lot of his "mission statement" really impressed me. Especially, oddly, the parts where he talks about his conception of god. It's a conception of god that, for the most part, actually makes sense to me.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Ultimately, the universe is impartial. Build from there. Nice reading.
jfooj 3 years ago
Oh, and take care of that knee Zach.
jfooj 3 years ago
Thanks and I'm trying. It's challenging to get around my messy basement on crutches.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
In response to funkalunatic:
Agreed. In my opinion, people who commit suicide are more like assassins than martyrs. Martyrs are people who want to try and do good regardless of the consequences. Assassins are people who do nothing more than end all of a person's potential to do more good. And that in my opinion will never be heroic.
goldglutton10 3 years ago
WOW. *sits in silence, soaking in his words, as well as the way he chose to end his life*
jakluk4 3 years ago
Thanks you Zach, 1st i would say he was a Buddhist and i agree with most of what he said.
The problem is internal and he woke up to this fact of life. i to on the net in the 90s always had to say i'm sorry to the people of the world for our American Actions Belgrade, Uzbekistan Ukraine and Russia. they wanted to work with us but Nato and greed Over here keep us apart. Clinton saved Nato and its the noose that Russia Wants to use now to hang US with.
czarwright 3 years ago
I wouldn't kill anybody but i understand the killing of one self. it is the understanding of self worth and human worth. his energy was released and you just pass it on to us for its impact. Buddhist have the same thoughts when mind see no way out. drip in to the pond makes powerful waves to passed on. gives meaning to his words is all that he was after. i broke the orthodoxy of Buddhism over the understanding of this way. Bad Buddhist is my way but i do still smoke :p
Thanks for sharing
czarwright 3 years ago
It's a process. There must be something you have yet to understand about your smoking. It took me a long time and it is still hard. Perhaps the economic crisis will be the kick in the butt you need.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Great snag, Zach! Not sure I agree w/ funalunatic that Malachi's death was "mostly meaningless. I count four souls who've been touched by his message, right here. Would you have been drawn to this article if not for his tragic end?
wetalmorker 3 years ago
In response to wetalmorker:
I think that people who defend suicide should consider what would happen if all the good people of this world killed themselves. It would be an immediate victory for evil. A positive message means nothing if there are no good people alive to act upon it.
If this guy had not killed himself, his message may have never reached us. But what if the messenger (Zach) had also killed himself before delivering the message? Then the message would not have "touched" anyone.
goldglutton10 3 years ago
gold: I know it's hard to get away from the circumstances that brought his letter to my attention, but his suicide is actually just a discussion point about commitment to me. There were other parts of his note which I found much more compelling than the way it came to my attention or his justifications for the same.
If all the good people commit suicide that would be a disaster. Then again, those pictures of the monks burning themselves to protest Viet Nam moved many. It's complicated.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Zach: Good points. But I think what makes the situation "complicated" is the fact that we are able to look on the bright side of any issue no matter how horrendous.
I certainly can't pass judgement on anyone. I don't know what's in anyone's heart but my own. I'm sure that in each of these individual's minds there are reasons that justify their actions. I just believe that suicide is an evil act. And some good may come out of it in spite of the act not because of the act.
goldglutton10 3 years ago
Point taken. I'm rather sensitive about the subject myself; It being that my mother chose the suicide solution herself, I feel like I know the subject matter pretty well. I don't defend it at all, in fact, I really can't describe my thoughts on it. Peace!
wetalmorker 3 years ago
You were correct when part two uploaded first I was completely confused, I came back to watch them in order.
I must say I agree with virtually everything this man stated. Sad that he burned himself to death, although I can understand that to.
Today I wrote my Reps. (traitors) and told them I am about done paying federal taxes for their Non-representation, not that it will do much good, nothing else has shook mine from their self serving agendas though.
Thanks Zach.
700eyesonly007 3 years ago
This guy's death and note have had no impact. His death is mostly meaningless. In life, he could have done plenty of good, or what he thought was good. Instead, he killed himself because poking Rummies or volunteering at orphanages or otherwise fighting what may be a futile fight is too, I don't know, mired in uncertainty of consequence? It was reality itself that he couldn't bear, not whatever taint he imagines that society gives it.
funkalunatic 3 years ago 2
I tend to agree, though I respect his decision. On some level, I'm guessing he was tired of living w/ the contradictions of our society and wanted out. I'm not sure, but I'm willing to bet he could've achieved more if he lived.
But I found a lot of the content of this note very interesting, persuasive, and even beautiful. As an atheist, I was surprised how I was touched by his view of god.
As always, I appreciate your input.
FeelFreeToArgue 3 years ago
Yeah, I think he certainly had the right to end his life at the time of his choosing, even if I think it was a stupid decision. He wrote a good note, and it should have been read on the national news in prime time, but of course it's not in the mass media's function to try to personify anything uncomfortable, or communicate anything of more than superficial importance.
funkalunatic 3 years ago