Posted on 10/05/2007 5:49:29 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA
I didn’t off myself in public.
This man could have punished those in front of him but instead of ruining their lives and lives of their families he chose to be a martyr.
Those people, that town will forever have that man's death burned into them.
We Americans will only be pushed so far before we take drastic measures...
You have no problem with the guy committing suicide?! What the hell is wrong with you?
You posted: Read upthread, there were buildings zoned commercial all around him, including next door.
***
Yeah, I did read that, but it is not clear from the article exactly what sort of rezoning he was seeking, and what sort of uses that rezoning would have allowed. From prior posts it appears that this guy had already borrowed money, before getting the rezoning, hoping that he’d get what he asked for from the city. Someone opposed his rezoning request, and it would be interesting to know who those peoople were, and why they were in opposition. I am not a big government person, but local governments, at least in smaller cities and towns, are more responsive to citizen concerns and input. There is a lot to this story that has not yet been said.
Liar. But, unlike you, I do understand why a man, who has just heard a city council vote to destroy his business and who will lose his home, might feel suicidal. You apparently do not understand that, and have no problem with petty bureaucracy destroying everything he worked for. Understood.
By the way, with commercially zoned property next door to him, and all down the street from him, what do YOU think should have been done? Would YOU have voted against him?
It’s very hostile and anti-social, regardless of the provocation. And it was not an appropriate response to a City Council decision. Yegad. He lost all perspective.
I shouldn’t be laughing, but I did. It’s a grower.
From the Shriner’s pin on his hat, IMHO, the fatal decision had been a consequence of hanging around the wrong influential people for a long time.
Meanwhile, I wonder what the freemasons will now feel compelled to do with the city council when they are confronted by an obvious self sacrifice of one of their brethren in response to those who cornered a masonic brother.
If they follow freemasonry, then evil prevails, but if they simply believe in God, through faith in Christ first, then they won’t be so tempted into continuing Bo’s incorrect reaction.
Your implication here is that everyone who has lost everything kills himself. So very not true.
‘My sympathy is with the dead guy.’ Yup, he sure showed them. Except for one small wrinkle in his plan — HE LOST.
Of course it isn’t clear in the article, why the board made the decision. That might have revealed something else that made the poor city council uncomfortable.
“Hey man, nice shot.”
Your take is right on!
Consequences of their actions? Are you kidding me? The guy asked for his zoning to be changed because of debts he incurred... without it he couldn’t get a loan to restructure. Why is that the ZONING BOARDS fault????
I don’t see how the zoning board is at fault for not changing a persons zoning, a zoning the person knew when they bought the property long ago.
I don’t know what this guy was trying to prove, but its sad that this is the decision he chose to make. Blaming the board members for refusing a zoning change on a standing structure however for his decision is childish and insane.
How was his livelihood "stolen," and by whom?
Let's recap the events as related in the article:
- Bo Ward expands his barber shop, goes into debt.
- Ward then asks the city to re-zone his house, increasing his property value with the stroke of a pen, so he can borrow more money.
- City refuses, Ward shoots himself.
Note that the barber shop was not in his house, and that he hadn't expressed any plans to move it there.
I haven't seen his house. I don't know whether commercial zoning would be appropriate for it. I know I wouldn't be thrilled if a business opened next door on my quiet, tree-lined suburban street.
This is a story about a man who made a bad business decision -- the kind that puts businesses under every day. If his barber shop had failed, he could have gone to work for someone else. The city had no obligation to bail him out, and the city is not responsible for whatever emotional problems led to his suicide.
As a first step, avoid shooting oneself. Secondly, find a way to overcome the setback. Oh, that's right, no one else thinks that way except me.
"Would YOU have voted against him?"
Nope. But I guess I would have gotten to view his suicide all the same. What a treat.
What shocks me about this entire thread is that so very few FReepers have any sympathy at all for this man.
What else shocks me about this entire thread is how very many FReepers would meekly put up with the loss of their home and livelihood because of a petty zoning board decision.
Sheeple.
I'll bet you have no clue how many home businesses are 'illegally' operating in your neighborhood.
L
I pray to God you never have to eat those words.
Perhaps you’ve never had to endure the suicide of a loved one. I pray that if that’s why you have so little empathy for those who choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem that God will spare you the experience.
And perhaps you are indeed a caring individual who did not intend to come across as sounding flippant and judgmental. If so disregard those of us who find your attitude a bit lacking.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.