Sad, unrelated news at Occupy San Diego today

[Joanie Baloney]

But, they reacted very respectfully.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/10/occupy-san-diego-continues-despite-suicide/

Occupy SD turns march into vigil after suicide

The Occupy San Diego movement maintained momentum Monday despite the apparent suicide of a man who jumped from the eighth floor of a parking garage next to the plaza where hundreds of protesters have camped for days.

Based upon a preliminary investigation and witness interviews, police Capt. Mark Jones said the man did not appear to be affiliated with the group protest against corporate greed and is believed to have jumped.

The death snapped protesters out of their revelry as many were planning a downtown march to spotlight the plight of America’s poorest “99 percent.”


On the positive side, from the same article:

Assistant Police Chief Boyd Long said the protest has been peaceful and respectful since its start on Friday, and that while the encampment outside City Hall is illegal, there are no plans to stop it. “They’re out here exercising their First Amendment freedom of speech, and the police are down here to help them exercise it,” Long said.

Let's hope it stays that way.

-JB

[tblue]

1. Ohhh. That is sad.

Poor guy. I wonder what drove him to that. We really need better access to mental health services. People are suffering and need help.

[Joanie Baloney]

3. Not sure how relevant it is

but in the article it said:

Police determined that the man was not hanging signs, although fliers were found near the body that read: “Important message to intelligent earthlings from your creators.”

Police declined to identify the man, saying only he was in his 40s. No suicide note was found.

Very sad indeed.

[krispos42]

2. I wonder what his economic situation was

The choice of location is interesting. Perhaps he was joining the protesters in the most effective way possible.

Poor guy. I hope he didn't suffer. :-(