Wisconsin Teacher in Apparent Suicide, “Distraught” Over Walker’s CutsThe article goes on to discuss the cuts...the teacher...the relationship between her suicide and the anti-public union sentiment coming from the governor's office and the Republican legislature.
Jeri-Lynn Betts, an early childhood teacher in the Watertown, Wisconsin, school district, died on March 8 of an apparent suicide.
A colleague says she was “very distraught” over Gov. Scott Walker’s attacks on public sector workers and public education.
Betts, 56, was a dedicated teacher who was admired in the Watertown community.
What is most disturbing about this is not the relationship between the political situation and the suicide, though it's hardly fair to blame a suicide on one incident or situation. Usually someone who is at the point of suicide has had a history of depression. The catalyst that pushes them over the edge can hardly be labeled "the only cause."
It's not the tragedy of the suicide itself, though it is, indeed tragic when someone is so overwhelmed with hopelessness that they see no other solution besides taking their own life.
The most disturbing thing related to this story is the level of anger it has prompted. A look at the comments following the story will give you a taste of the pent up rage.
The author is denounced...the woman who committed suicide is berated...the anger against the teachers, the union, the workers, is toxic and vicious...
We've become a nation of cruel, angry, screamers. The national discussion has become nothing less than a national tantrum.
There's no room for compromise...no room for discussion. There's no time for sadness at the death of another human being. There's no place for cooperation...no desire to work towards a common goal, or define a common good.
Find someone to blame. Lash out blindly.
This country needs some serious therapy.
~~~
~~~
No comments:
Post a Comment