is this suicide justified?, 85 year old man shoots himself Options

[illumineering]

An 85 year-old man committed suicide in my town last week. His wife died about 4 years ago from cancer. His daugher-in-law died 6 years ago from cancer. His son had a heart attack and died last week. His only living relatives were his only son's 2 children. They asked him to move near them so they could be closer together. They said they would build him a house near them in Philadelphia so they could take care of him.

After he buried his son, he took his dog to the kennel the next day, returned home, and shot himself.

Was this man justified in doing this? Is this an overreaction to a difficult situation that he could have accepted over time? Was he placing his grandchildren under a more difficult situation because he was feeling sorry for himself? When his granddaughter found out, she almost miscarried her baby because she was so emotional. Doesn't the bible say suicide is a sin? (He was a Christian.)

Because he didn't want to burden anyone and had lost everyone that he was close to, was his decision acceptable? Let's face it, the best years of his life were over and he has the right to decide when and how he should leave this earth. His actions should be respected.

I'm having a hard time resolving this. Although I can respect his right to decide what he wants to do with his life, I also feel that his actions were somewhat selfish.

What do you think?

[Mulder]

well....theres no law against someone trying to kill themselves....so...im not sure what were supposed to debate. the religious view? ok.....most religions say you shouldn't because you'll go to hell. im not religious though.

i dont think someone can decide whether a suicide is justified...but for this guy..he lost everyone he loved....and he wanted to be with them. id probably do the same thing.

[*mipadi*]

well....theres no law against someone trying to kill themselves

Actually, many areas do have laws prohibiting suicide. In fact, even as late as the 1970s, those guilty of attempted suicide could be placed in jail; attempted suicide is rarely prosecuted anymore, though, and if it is, the guilty party is usually given court-ordered psychiatric care, not jail time.

[Paradox of Life]

Actually, many areas do have laws prohibiting suicide. In fact, even as late as the 1970s, those guilty of attempted suicide could be placed in jail; attempted suicide is rarely prosecuted anymore, though, and if it is, the guilty party is usually given court-ordered psychiatric care, not jail time.

That's retarded. People no longer have freedom of choice. The laws and government now forbid them to do what they thing is best for themselves. I might just commit suicide for that.