Comments on: Stats Show Self-Inflicted Slaughter - Part 1 of an Occasional Series http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/ Here are my thoughts; share yours Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:17:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-620 dennis hammond Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:24:06 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-620 Jim, There's two truths to life in 21st century American: Cable tv and high speed internet is too expensive and medical care is too expensive and SUCKS. Get ready for a absolute WAVE of suicides by baby boomers who are USED to high quality service in other aspects of life. When they get a load of our Shity, do it your self "hospice" program on DEATH they'll be locking and loading that is if they have the nerve. Personally, I believe everyone should be issued a hydrogen cyaninde pill when they're 40. It DOES make sense and screw the religious "do gooders" Jim,

There’s two truths to life in 21st century
American: Cable tv and high speed
internet is too expensive and medical care
is too expensive and SUCKS.

Get ready for a absolute WAVE of suicides
by baby boomers who are USED to high
quality service in other aspects of life.
When they get a load of our Shity, do it
your self “hospice” program on DEATH
they’ll be locking and loading that is
if they have the nerve. Personally, I
believe everyone should be issued a
hydrogen cyaninde pill when they’re 40.
It DOES make sense and screw the religious
“do gooders”

]]> By: davebarnes http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-621 davebarnes Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:55:04 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-621 Jim, Why is a "high" suicide rate among the elderly a problem? I see it as a social good. Elderly suicide means more money can be spent on the young (the future). Jim,

Why is a “high” suicide rate among the elderly a problem? I see it as a social good.

Elderly suicide means more money can be spent on the young (the future).

]]> By: usersuz http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-622 usersuz Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:02:26 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-622 I think the rates are higher out West because we value our independence more highly here, higher in Colorado because there is less support for them? What does one do when, for example, he can no longer care for himself and his wife can no longer carry the burden of caring for him? Are they lifelong lovers who refuse to be parted? Do they find the prospect of a nursing home repugnant? A violation of their dignity and privacy? Are these people just like Jim Spencer's mom only ten years earlier and they see what's coming? We have learned to keep the body alive long after the mind goes, I think, not on purpose but by default. All the heroic efforts to prop up a deteriorating physique only to realize that somewhere in the process, the person got lost. I dunno. What's the answer? Or, as Gertrude Stein said, What's the question? I think the rates are higher out West because we value our independence more highly here, higher in Colorado because there is less support for them? What does one do when, for example, he can no longer care for himself and his wife can no longer carry the burden of caring for him? Are they lifelong lovers who refuse to be parted? Do they find the prospect of a nursing home repugnant? A violation of their dignity and privacy? Are these people just like Jim Spencer’s mom only ten years earlier and they see what’s coming? We have learned to keep the body alive long after the mind goes, I think, not on purpose but by default. All the heroic efforts to prop up a deteriorating physique only to realize that somewhere in the process, the person got lost. I dunno. What’s the answer? Or, as Gertrude Stein said, What’s the question?

]]> By: noidea http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-625 noidea Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:29:53 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-625 Usersuz I don't think that Jim was referring to suicide as an option solely when a person needed to go to assisted living facility. I believe that he was referring to pain and quality of life issues. I suppose that quality of life means different things to different people. That being said, why not make suicide or assisted death legal to anybody whose "quality of life" had deteroriated to less that they would like. How do we define quality of life? When does mental anquish become a reason for suicide? At what age? We do not take care of our elderly in this country and this needs to be fixed. Jim's piece brings up many questions that cannot be easily answered. Usersuz
I don’t think that Jim was referring to suicide as an option solely when a person needed to go to assisted living facility. I believe that he was referring to pain and quality of life issues. I suppose that quality of life means different things to different people. That being said, why not make suicide or assisted death legal to anybody whose “quality of life” had deteroriated to less that they would like. How do we define quality of life? When does mental anquish become a reason for suicide? At what age?

We do not take care of our elderly in this country and this needs to be fixed. Jim’s piece brings up many questions that cannot be easily answered.

]]> By: noidea http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-626 noidea Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:36:27 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-626 Our society disregards the eldery and basically treats them like sh.t in our neglect... I confused myself reading what your point was.. Assisted suicide, the elderly need more counseling for suicide prevention or just the fact that the elderly feel depressed because they are aging...My previous comment was referring to your comments regarding whether or not you would request assisted suicide should you digress into your Mom's situation..then I went back and read what you wrote and became confused as to the overall purpose of your words. If you are writing about mental health for the elderly...mental health care in our country is lacking across the board regardless of age. If you are referring to assisted suicide....not sure what to think as it could be a slippery slope as to who could request it or not. Our society disregards the eldery and basically treats them like sh.t in our neglect… I confused myself reading what your point was.. Assisted suicide, the elderly need more counseling for suicide prevention or just the fact that the elderly feel depressed because they are aging…My previous comment was referring to your comments regarding whether or not you would request assisted suicide should you digress into your Mom’s situation..then I went back and read what you wrote and became confused as to the overall purpose of your words.

If you are writing about mental health for the elderly…mental health care in our country is lacking across the board regardless of age.

If you are referring to assisted suicide….not sure what to think as it could be a slippery slope as to who could request it or not.

]]> By: davebarnes http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-627 davebarnes Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:21:53 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-627 Why does Dennis Hammond fail to understand the meaning of the term: "word wrap"? Why does Dennis Hammond fail to understand the meaning of the term: “word wrap”?

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-629 dennis hammond Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:11:15 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-629 I think Dave Barnes should immediately commit suicide "for the children" I like my comments in depth Dave I think Dave Barnes should immediately
commit suicide “for the children”

I like my comments in depth Dave

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-630 dennis hammond Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:22:24 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-630 Jim, Once the greatest generation has passed we can consider the "opt out" plan. An assisted suicide plan for the "quality of life challanged" All ages over 18 welcome. The Great Depression/WWII generation were smart, didn't use debt and experienced mega appreciation on their real estate and other investments. They have money. Therefore they are at risk of others wanting to hasten their departure from this mortal coil. Subsequent generations, baby boomers ect. are in debt up to their eyeballs, live in fully mortgaged homes, and squandered their retirement savings, 401ks ect ect on internet stock and material exstrava- gance and have a negative net worth. Assuming they have no life insurance they are at no risk of being terminated against their wishes Instituting the "Opt out plan" will save Social Security and fortify our health care resources. What a hoot! Jim,

Once the greatest generation has passed
we can consider the “opt out” plan.
An assisted suicide plan for the “quality
of life challanged” All ages over 18
welcome.

The Great Depression/WWII generation
were smart, didn’t use debt and experienced
mega appreciation on their real estate
and other investments. They have money.
Therefore they are at risk of others
wanting to hasten their departure from this
mortal coil.

Subsequent generations, baby boomers ect.
are in debt up to their eyeballs, live
in fully mortgaged homes, and squandered
their retirement savings, 401ks ect ect
on internet stock and material exstrava-
gance and have a negative net worth.
Assuming they have no life insurance
they are at no risk of being terminated
against their wishes

Instituting the “Opt out plan” will save
Social Security and fortify our health
care resources.

What a hoot!

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-631 dennis hammond Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:44:11 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-631 Go ROCKIES!!!!!!!!! Go ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Keith http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-632 Keith Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:42:33 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-632 Whom would like Dennis to be the head of your parent's assisted care? Health care provider? If you can't afford it - just die. Such a ray of hope! That aside, another phenom is probably the attitude of generations. Past generations were raised with what we often refer to as "family values" where you took care of your elderly family members. Part of it is cultural, but a great deal of it is tradition. That seems to have changed and progressed. Kids don't take care of their parents as they used to do, and feel that's what senior citizen homes are for. As a baby boomer, even I wonder how far my kids will go to care of me. In the same vein is probably less concern for the senior to pass on their life time estate to their children, so buy that long term health insurance. There's also less of a religious influence that affect suicide and a more "progressive"? acceptance of assisted suicide, so the thought is "why not?" Whom would like Dennis to be the head of your parent’s assisted care? Health care provider? If you can’t afford it - just die. Such a ray of hope!

That aside, another phenom is probably the attitude of generations. Past generations were raised with what we often refer to as “family values” where you took care of your elderly family members. Part of it is cultural, but a great deal of it is tradition.

That seems to have changed and progressed. Kids don’t take care of their parents as they used to do, and feel that’s what senior citizen homes are for. As a baby boomer, even I wonder how far my kids will go to care of me. In the same vein is probably less concern for the senior to pass on their life time estate to their children, so buy that long term health insurance.

There’s also less of a religious influence that affect suicide and a more “progressive”? acceptance of assisted suicide, so the thought is “why not?”

]]> By: witness http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-633 witness Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:59:34 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-633 And sadly the acknowledgement of elder abuse is often not recognized. The current elder population are not from a generation that are comfortable talking about abuse. (Elder abuse being financial, physical, emotional, psychological, etc.) Cases of Elder Abuse are rising, with abuse most often committed by a family member, likely a "baby-boomer" &/or a "baby-boomer with mental illness", remaining dependent on the parent, but ultimately becoming the "caregiver" of the parent. Our old people have limited options for care, trapped in a painful aging body, trapped in a painful & well hidden web of abuse, they'd rather die. And sadly the acknowledgement of elder abuse is often not recognized. The current elder population are not from a generation that are comfortable talking about abuse. (Elder abuse being financial, physical, emotional, psychological, etc.) Cases of Elder Abuse are rising, with abuse most often committed by a family member, likely a “baby-boomer” &/or a “baby-boomer with mental illness”, remaining dependent on the parent, but ultimately becoming the “caregiver” of the parent.

Our old people have limited options for care, trapped in a painful aging body, trapped in a painful & well hidden web of abuse, they’d rather die.

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-637 dennis hammond Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:39:39 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-637 Keith, That's funny. though I jest, I speak from experience as I cared for my mother so she WOULD"T have to go into assisted care as she was terrified of that. I took 2006 off to care for her full time. And I was with her when she took her last breath. I know of what I speak. It's monumentally difficult for everyone involved in a myriad of ways. It defies description. Keith,

That’s funny. though I jest, I speak from
experience as I cared for my mother so
she WOULD”T have to go into assisted
care as she was terrified of that. I
took 2006 off to care for her full time.
And I was with her when she took her last
breath. I know of what I speak. It’s
monumentally difficult for everyone
involved in a myriad of ways. It defies
description.

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-639 dennis hammond Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:43:26 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-639 By the way, whom is the objective case. Who is the nominative case. Who would like Dennis? who is the subject, like is the verb, Dennis is the predicate nominative, if I'm not mistaken. By the way, whom is the objective case.
Who is the nominative case. Who would
like Dennis? who is the subject, like
is the verb, Dennis is the predicate
nominative, if I’m not mistaken.

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-640 dennis hammond Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:47:52 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-640 Keith By the way, I have four older sisters. Only one would help me care for my mother. Keith

By the way, I have four older sisters.
Only one would help me care for my mother.

]]> By: Wildflower http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-643 Wildflower Wed, 17 Oct 2007 05:08:38 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-643 I wasn't aware of the high rate of elderly suicide. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. There were some very thoughtful remarks on this board, I think all seem to be in agreement on this issue, it seems we need some sort of assisted suicide law like Oregon has(?)...I know I plan on going there if ever the time comes. It seems Dave is pleased to think of the elderly dying. Remember when then Gov. Lamm said the elderly had a "duty to die and get out of the way"? I wonder how he feels about it now that he is aging? Usersuez hit it for me mentioning independence... I would not care to lose it, ever, or go to a nursing home. I applaud Dennis for caring for his mother, that is the ultimate in sacrifice. If I were in the same situation as Jim's mother, I would also want to be dead, as he said. When we lose our soul, our personality, the "essence" of who we are, we are already dead, only our body is alive. It is such a cruel fate. God forbid we could get started on stem cell research in this country. I'm sure isolation plays a role in elderly suicide. Medicare doesn't do much about addressing 3 things so important to the elderly, hearing, vision, dentistry.If they can't hear, they become isolated, if they have cataracts they can't see to get around, and if the dentures don't fit they can't chew their food. I've seen all these things in my elderly neighbors. Depression and loss of appetite can possibly be caused by the interactions of medications, and the poor diet many have. It's too much trouble to cook if there is just one person, and they live on fixed income that doesn't allow proper nutrition, after they pay the heat and meds. It's too bad Meals on Wheels isn't free for the srs. who own their own homes, they don't have the money to pay for it and they have too much pride to accept help from family and neighbors. Another example of how we punish people who have worked hard and owned a home but if you have nothing then everything is free, subsidized rent, utilities, Meals on Wheels, etc. And, from the comments on this board it sounds like if you don't outlive your money, when you're helpless somebody will be preying on you and abusing you. And if you have no money, you will be isolated. Sounds like seniors can't win for losing. I'm glad I'm only uh, er, 39. I wasn’t aware of the high rate of elderly suicide. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
There were some very thoughtful remarks on this board, I think all seem to be in agreement on this issue, it seems we need some sort of assisted suicide law like Oregon has(?)…I know I plan on going there if ever the time comes. It seems Dave is pleased to think of the elderly dying. Remember when then Gov. Lamm said the elderly had a “duty to die and get out of the way”? I wonder how he feels about it now that he is aging?
Usersuez hit it for me mentioning independence… I would not care to lose it, ever, or go to a nursing home. I applaud Dennis for caring for his mother, that is the ultimate in sacrifice.
If I were in the same situation as Jim’s mother, I would also want to be dead, as he said. When we lose our soul, our personality, the “essence” of who we are, we are already dead, only our body is alive. It is such a cruel fate. God forbid we could get started on stem cell research in this country.

I’m sure isolation plays a role in elderly suicide. Medicare doesn’t do much about addressing 3 things so important to the elderly, hearing, vision, dentistry.If they can’t hear, they become isolated, if they have cataracts they can’t see to get around, and if the dentures don’t fit they can’t chew their food. I’ve seen all these things in my elderly neighbors.

Depression and loss of appetite can possibly be caused by the interactions of medications, and the poor diet many have. It’s too much trouble to cook if there is just one person, and they live on fixed income that doesn’t allow proper nutrition, after they pay the heat and meds.
It’s too bad Meals on Wheels isn’t free for the srs. who own their own homes, they don’t have the money to pay for it and they have too much pride to accept help from family and neighbors. Another example of how we punish people who have worked hard and owned a home but if you have nothing then everything is free, subsidized rent, utilities, Meals on Wheels, etc.
And, from the comments on this board it sounds like if you don’t outlive your money, when you’re helpless somebody will be preying on you and abusing you. And if you have no money, you will be isolated. Sounds like seniors can’t win for losing.
I’m glad I’m only uh, er, 39.

]]> By: gloria http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-644 gloria Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:11:46 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-644 what did you "take a year off" from dennis? what did you “take a year off” from dennis?

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-645 dennis hammond Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:00:25 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-645 Gloria "The mortgage business" Gloria “The mortgage business”

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-646 dennis hammond Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:24:33 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-646 For anyone whose interested I can get into the whole story of taking care of my aging mother as the youngest of five. Talk about getting stuck between a desire to have a life and concern for my mother and her wishes. The net effect on my life was a freekin disaster. What else could I do? It was extremely difficult, taking care of someone whose dying. My siblings didn't show up until my mother was practically dead. It was awful. For anyone whose interested I can
get into the whole story of taking
care of my aging mother as the youngest
of five. Talk about getting stuck
between a desire to have a life and
concern for my mother and her wishes.
The net effect on my life was a freekin
disaster. What else could I do? It
was extremely difficult, taking care
of someone whose dying. My siblings
didn’t show up until my mother was
practically dead. It was awful.

]]> By: gloria http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-653 gloria Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:33:14 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-653 GEE, DENNIS -- i didn't realize you actually WORKED!!! It certainly didn't appear that way..... GEE, DENNIS — i didn’t realize you actually WORKED!!! It certainly didn’t appear that way…..

]]> By: gloria http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-654 gloria Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:36:10 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-654 and no, dennis, i don't think anyone is interested in your LIES!!! and no, dennis, i don’t think anyone is interested in your LIES!!!

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-660 dennis hammond Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:29:36 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-660 Gloria, you are only showing your ignorance. Try taking care of someone, especially someone you love, 24/7 while trying to put on a happy face for them so that maybe they can cope with the dying process and at the same time care for all of their needs, its the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Harder than any job I've ever had and I'd be happy to compare resumes with you. Have you ever been a care giver? I would venture to say no. You don't have a clue what you're talking about Gloria, you are only showing your
ignorance. Try taking care
of someone, especially someone you love,
24/7 while trying to put on a happy face
for them so that maybe they can cope
with the dying process and at the same
time care for all of their needs, its
the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my
life. Harder than any job I’ve ever had
and I’d be happy to compare resumes with
you. Have you ever been a care giver? I
would venture to say no. You don’t have
a clue what you’re talking about

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-661 dennis hammond Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:36:16 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-661 Actually, what happened to me, as the youngest and only son in my family is happening all over America right now. As the responsibilities I accepted for the care of my parents increased, being the youngest, my siblings became more and more happy to let that burden fall on me and take absolutely No responsibility. I had one sister out of four who took an active roll in caring for my father after a stroke in 2004 but that was pretty much it. My family was a varitable Payton Place of drama, premarital sex and births, suicide and miscellaneous bad behavior. All of this caused a rift which led to the separation of my parents. If your parents separate it makes care for them in their final years even more difficult. I belive it's a national tradegy and my siblings only showed up to pick up their share of the estate. My parents saved, they were depression era people. My mother expressed her terror with being put in a "home" and I promised her that would never happen. I'm proud to say she died in her home last Novemeber. Where she at least had her creature comforts and an occasional visit from her grand daughter and great grand son. During the seven years my mother was ill with emphysema she was only in the hospital 3 days. I gave up a 15 career to become self employed, work out of a home office so I could care for my mother. If that's my sin I'm guilty. I'd do it again, she deserved better than a care facility and to be "cared for" by strangers. My sisters? They just want the money. The baby boomer were'nt big savers and pretty scumy. Right "Gloria"? Actually, what happened to me, as
the youngest and only son in my family
is happening all over America right now.
As the responsibilities I accepted for
the care of my parents increased, being
the youngest, my siblings became more and
more happy to let that burden fall on me
and take absolutely No responsibility.

I had one sister out of four who took an
active roll in caring for my father after
a stroke in 2004 but that was pretty much
it. My family was a varitable Payton
Place of drama, premarital sex and
births, suicide and miscellaneous bad
behavior.
All of this caused a rift which led to
the separation of my parents. If your
parents separate it makes care for them
in their final years even more difficult.
I belive it’s a national tradegy and my
siblings only showed up to pick up their
share of the estate. My parents saved,
they were depression era people. My
mother expressed her terror with being
put in a “home” and I promised her that
would never happen. I’m proud to say
she died in her home last Novemeber.
Where she at least had her creature
comforts and an occasional visit from
her grand daughter and great grand son.

During the seven years my mother was
ill with emphysema she was only in the
hospital 3 days. I gave up a 15 career
to become self employed, work out of a
home office so I could care for my mother.
If that’s my sin I’m guilty. I’d do it
again, she deserved better than a care
facility and to be “cared for” by
strangers. My sisters? They just want
the money. The baby boomer were’nt
big savers and pretty scumy. Right
“Gloria”?

]]> By: durf786 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-674 durf786 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:57:24 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-674 This board could really use a "kill list" feature. This board could really use a “kill list” feature.

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-686 dennis hammond Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:41:52 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-686 durt786, Better yet, you could just go watch television durt786,

Better yet, you could just go watch
television

]]> By: Wildflower http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-689 Wildflower Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:23:33 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-689 Pardon the pun Durf but your remark about a "kill list feature" just slays me. Pardon the pun Durf but your remark about a “kill list feature” just slays me.

]]> By: dennis hammond http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-694 dennis hammond Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:23:17 +0000 http://spencerspeaks.com/2007/10/15/stats-show-self-inflicted-slaughter-part-1-of-an-occasional-series/#comment-694 I notice no one has taken me up on my request for THEIR presidential game plan. Considering their critique of President Bush's performance, especially durt786, so knowledgable, like most Lefties from his La-z-boy. "Yeah, put up a bumper sticker!" That's leadership! I notice no one has taken me up on my
request for THEIR presidential game
plan. Considering their critique of
President Bush’s performance, especially
durt786, so knowledgable, like most
Lefties from his La-z-boy. “Yeah, put
up a bumper sticker!” That’s leadership!

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