Breaking: Actor-Comedian Robin Williams Dead at 63 of Apparent Suicide

Heartbreak
US News • Views: 30,566

I was shocked to hear this news today — it’s way too soon for such a brilliant, talented artist. What a sad loss. He was apparently suffering from severe depression.

Here’s the official statement from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office:

August 11, 2014
Investigation into Death of Actor Robin Williams

On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.

An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted.

UPDATE at 8/11/14 5:29:36 pm by Charles Johnson

I’ve always thought this was one of Robin’s funniest stand-up routines: Golf.

YouTube

It breaks my heart that he’s gone.

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344 comments
1 Floral Giraffe  Aug 11, 2014 4:13:17pm

Prayers for his friends & family. Suicide of a loved one is very painful.

2 Kid A  Aug 11, 2014 4:13:36pm

Suicide by asphyxia? Gulp, a bag over his head?

3 SteelPH  Aug 11, 2014 4:13:52pm

Ouch, right in the childhood… :(

4 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:14:18pm

re: #2 Kid A

Suicide by asphyxia? Gulp, a bag over his head?

Hanged himself.

5 prairiefire  Aug 11, 2014 4:14:34pm

How awful, poor man.

6 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:14:38pm

This sucks.

7 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 4:15:28pm

Dammit. :-(

8 blueraven  Aug 11, 2014 4:15:45pm
Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, issued the following statement: “This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”

nbcbayarea.com

I know he had a 25 y/o daughter. His last tweet was a Happy Birthday and instagram pic of her as a baby with him.

Heartbreaking :(

9 Targetpractice  Aug 11, 2014 4:15:49pm

Is it sad that the moment I first heard this, my first thought was that it was yet another internet hoax?

So hard to believe that he’s gone.

10 Floral Giraffe  Aug 11, 2014 4:16:18pm

re: #4 Pie-onist Overlord

Could also have been in the garage with the car running…

11 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 4:16:22pm

That’s a shame. A damn shame.

12 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:17:22pm

So many great movies. A few shitty ones. My favorite: Genie in “Aladdin”

He was a lame Peter Pan though, Dustin Hoffman totally owned Captain Hook.

13 Kid A  Aug 11, 2014 4:17:52pm

He crushed it in “Good Will Hunting.”

14 allegro  Aug 11, 2014 4:18:08pm

I fell madly in love with Robin Williams after his first guest appearance on Happy Days. I knew he was going far. So brilliant, hilarious, lightening quick mind.

15 darthstar  Aug 11, 2014 4:18:10pm

Brilliant man, fantastic comedian, but like one of his idols Jonathan Winters, terribly damaged inside.

16 TedStriker  Aug 11, 2014 4:18:50pm

re: #2 Kid A

Suicide by asphyxia? Gulp, a bag over his head?

Or hanging oneself where the neck was not broken, basically just strangling to death.

Shit, this sucks…Williams has done more blow and booze over the years than most people can imagine, then got really serious about staying sober over the past decade or so, all while becoming and staying one of the best actors, comedic or otherwise, of a generation, only to lose a battle with depression and decides to check out.

Fuck…

17 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 4:19:39pm

Mrs. Fish and I are both taking this one pretty hard. He was an early favorite to both of us, a brilliant comedian and a genuinely good man (with flaws, of course, as we all have).

18 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 4:20:11pm

re: #16 TedStriker

Or hanging oneself where the neck was not broken, basically just strangling to death.

Shit, this sucks…Williams has done more blow and booze over the years than most people can imagine, got serious about staying sober over the past decade or so, all while becoming and staying one of the best actors, comedic or otherwise, of a generation, only to lose a battle with depression and decides to check out.

Fuck…

Just cuts off the blood supply to the brain. It doesn’t cut off breathing.

19 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 4:20:14pm
20 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 4:20:34pm

re: #17 thedopefishlives

Mrs. Fish and I are both taking this one pretty hard. He was an early favorite to both of us, a brilliant comedian and a genuinely good man (with flaws, of course, as we all have).

Same here.

I’m finding this one actually hurts.

21 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:20:42pm

[duplicate]

22 Kid A  Aug 11, 2014 4:20:59pm

re: #19 Gus

OMG, that is awesome!

23 Dr Lizardo  Aug 11, 2014 4:21:23pm

re: #12 Pie-onist Overlord

So many great movies. A few shitty ones. My favorite: Genie in “Aladdin”

He was a lame Peter Pan though, Dustin Hoffman totally owned Captain Hook.

My favorite of his was a more dramatic - and sinister - turn.

One Hour Photo.

RIP.

24 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 4:21:42pm

God damn it.

Just damn it all.

25 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 4:21:52pm

re: #19 Gus

re: #21 Pie-onist Overlord

I had to upding you both because you were so close to each other, but that is entirely awesome.

26 Kid A  Aug 11, 2014 4:22:07pm

re: #16 TedStriker

Repost from downstairs about his recent check in to a rehab.
people.com

27 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 4:23:04pm

re: #15 darthstar

Brilliant man, fantastic comedian, but like one of his idols Jonathan Winters, terribly damaged inside.

Winters fought demons his entire life and sometimes you could almost see it in his acts. Robin spoke about some issues he had at times, but I’m lost for words. You think some have the world by the ass and then again you never know. It’s rough when a family member goes like that. Rest in peace Mr. Williams.

28 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 4:23:20pm

As if things couldn’t get worse.

I met Robin Williams two years ago. He performed at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and stayed at the Park Hyatt, of which inside the hotel there is a ski shop where I work. Our shop is tailored to high-end, big spenders, so we have the highest quality everything on top of furs and cashmere sweaters.

He came in and was genuinely curious about goggles with GPS and cameras built right in, he heard that they’ll tell you how fast you’re going, and we were like “step right this way, we a few models to choose from.” I remember him being really polite, sporting a salt/pepper Zappa moustache, and really excited to try out his new GPS/camera equipped goggles.

Unbelievable sadness today.

29 abolitionist  Aug 11, 2014 4:24:16pm

IMO, one of his best performances was in Good Morning Vietnam. Loved much of his R-rated night club comedy, too. RIP, Mr Williams.

30 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 4:25:26pm

You know what makes me especially sad about this? I was just watching a recent BBC HARDtalk interview with Hamas’ leader, Khaled Meshaal. He takes responsibility for nothing. I didn’t know until today that Netanyahu had attempted (and failed) to have him assassinated by the Mossad back in 1997.

Why is it that assholes like that can survive such things and be totally unrepentant about their ways, but we lose someone like Robin Williams—whose life was dedicated to making people laugh—to depression?

31 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 4:27:54pm

re: #23 Dr Lizardo

My favorite of his was a more dramatic - and sinister - turn.

One Hour Photo.

RIP.

I’ve always most appreciated him not at his zaniest, but when he had to be controlled. There’s a scene in The Birdcage, where some madness is going on, and he’s sitting there, motionless, just reacting, but not broadly.

Yes, this one hurts. Really, really hurts.

32 William Barnett-Lewis  Aug 11, 2014 4:28:03pm

re: #29 abolitionist

IMO, one of his best performances was in Good Morning Vietnam. Loved much of his R-rated night club comedy, too. RIP, Mr Williams.

I remember the records. Oh, those were gut busting to teens back then.

33 allegro  Aug 11, 2014 4:28:38pm

“Tears of a Clown” has earwormed its way onto my head.

34 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 4:28:57pm

re: #30 CuriousLurker

You know what makes me especially sad about this? I was just watching a recent BBC HARDtalk interview with Hamas’ leader, Khaled Meshaal. He takes responsibility for nothing. I didn’t know until today that Netanyahu had attempted (and failed) to have him assassinated by the Mossad back in 1997.

Why is it that assholes like that can survive such things and be totally unrepentant about their ways, but we lose someone like Robin Williams—whose life was dedicated to making people laugh—to depression?

Depression kills more people than you might imagine, many of them are the walking dead. True zombies.

35 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 4:29:02pm

re: #29 abolitionist

IMO, one of his best performances was in Good Morning Vietnam. Loved much of his R-rated night club comedy, too. RIP, Mr Williams.

His bit on golf. Brilliant.

36 William Barnett-Lewis  Aug 11, 2014 4:29:40pm

re: #32 William Barnett-Lewis

I remember the records. Oh, those were gut busting to teens back then.

Thinking a bit more, my favorite has to be “The Fisher King”. It was an amazing movie.

37 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 4:29:56pm

re: #34 b_sharp

Depression kills more people than you might imagine, many of them are the walking dead. True zombies.

Yes, I know. *sigh*

38 Kid A  Aug 11, 2014 4:30:18pm

re: #35 GeneJockey
Youtube Video

39 Jack Burton  Aug 11, 2014 4:30:34pm

re: #9 Targetpractice

Is it sad that the moment I first heard this, my first thought was that it was yet another internet hoax?

So hard to believe that he’s gone.

Because of how riddled with bullshit the Internet is, I spent the last half hour trying to make sure it wasn’t a hoax before I texted my girlfriend about it. Just so I wouldn’t be “that guy” that spreads misinformation.

That said…

I’m so not happy about this. Why Robin? Why?

40 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 4:30:48pm

re: #30 CuriousLurker

Comedy and the ability to make people laugh is sometimes the result of finding something that gets you by. Insecure and shy, but boy can you tell a joke. The laughs build you up and when you’re not “on” it sucks. Some of the funniest people I’ve known could go really deep into the abyss. Sometimes it appeared to me that the show is pure survival.

41 ObserverArt  Aug 11, 2014 4:31:09pm

Damn.

Thanks for all the laughs Robin.

I don’t know why, but I feel like somehow this scene from Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King is appropriate right now.

Youtube Video

42 SpaceJesus  Aug 11, 2014 4:31:17pm

Has Alex Jones blamed Obama for this yet

43 GlutenFreeJesus  Aug 11, 2014 4:32:18pm

Nanoo nanoo… :-(

44 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:32:35pm

Drive-by fruiting.

45 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 4:33:10pm

re: #30 CuriousLurker

I have been pondering that sort of question for awhile now. I’m losing a friend to lung cancer, he’s at the end of his life and fighting to stay here so hard right now. One of the most generous people I’ve ever known. So, if everything happens for a reason, then why does a 47 yr old guy, who quit smoking 8 yrs ago, have to die of aggressive lung cancer. He’s a dad with more friends who love him than I can even count right now. He has made his part of the world SO much better just because he was there.

Meanwhile, assholes get rich and get all kinds of perks just for being assholes. And people like Robin Williams, beloved and loved, get so overwhelmed by life they kill themselves. I don’t get it at ALL. And it’s going to be REALLY hard for me to hear someone say my friend is “in a better place now” at his funeral that will be coming soon. Really? How is not being here with his daughters (age 20 and 16) a better place? I just do not understand it.

46 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 4:33:55pm

He was beloved.

:(

47 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 4:34:09pm

re: #45 A Mom Anon

I have been pondering that sort of question for awhile now. I’m losing a friend to lung cancer, he’s at the end of his life and fighting to stay here so hard right now. One of the most generous people I’ve ever known. So, if everything happens for a reason, then why does a 47 yr old guy, who quit smoking 8 yrs ago, have to die of aggressive lung cancer. He’s a dad with more friends who love him than I can even count right now. He has made his part of the world SO much better just because he was there.

Meanwhile, assholes get rich and get all kinds of perks just for being assholes. And people like Robin Williams, beloved and loved, get so overwhelmed by life they kill themselves. I don’t get it at ALL. And it’s going to be REALLY hard for me to hear someone say my friend is “in a better place now” at his funeral that will be coming soon. Really? How is not being here with his daughters (age 20 and 16) a better place? I just do not understand it.

That’s the Eternal Question.

48 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 4:34:25pm

re: #38 Kid A

[Embedded content]

Video

I didd parts of it for my boss, who’s a Scot, and loves to golf. I worried a bit about doing the accent - HIS accent - but it’s too good not to.

49 William Barnett-Lewis  Aug 11, 2014 4:35:38pm

re: #45 A Mom Anon

I don’t know.

I did remember this passage a bit ago and it seems to fit:

“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.”
- Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

50 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 4:37:11pm

re: #49 William Barnett-Lewis

I don’t know.

I did remember this passage a bit ago and it seems to fit:

Hemingway talked to me. And he walked out hard. And his one daughter.

51 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 4:40:07pm

re: #45 A Mom Anon

Yeah, it sucks. I just…. *sigh*

52 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 4:40:25pm

re: #45 A Mom Anon

I have been pondering that sort of question for awhile now. I’m losing a friend to lung cancer, he’s at the end of his life and fighting to stay here so hard right now. One of the most generous people I’ve ever known. So, if everything happens for a reason, then why does a 47 yr old guy, who quit smoking 8 yrs ago, have to die of aggressive lung cancer. He’s a dad with more friends who love him than I can even count right now. He has made his part of the world SO much better just because he was there.

Meanwhile, assholes get rich and get all kinds of perks just for being assholes. And people like Robin Williams, beloved and loved, get so overwhelmed by life they kill themselves. I don’t get it at ALL. And it’s going to be REALLY hard for me to hear someone say my friend is “in a better place now” at his funeral that will be coming soon. Really? How is not being here with his daughters (age 20 and 16) a better place? I just do not understand it.

The truth is there is no divine purpose in life. Everything happens as a consequence of something else but from our point of view it’s random. It’s a very difficult thing to accept, so much so people invent reasons.

All you can do is know that all of us are in the same boat so you can come to us for support.

53 Decatur Deb  Aug 11, 2014 4:40:52pm

Mindy: You’re saving a rock for transportation?
Exidor: Yes. I’m going to tie it to my leg when I go on vacation in Atlantis!

54 lawhawk  Aug 11, 2014 4:41:49pm

Damn. Just damn.

55 TedStriker  Aug 11, 2014 4:44:09pm

re: #54 lawhawk

Damn. Just damn.

Yeah, I know.

Like a punch in the gut.

56 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 4:44:59pm

re: #55 TedStriker

Yeah, I know.

Like a punch in the gut.

Having had my gut punched a time or two, this is surprisingly accurate.

57 ausador  Aug 11, 2014 4:45:44pm

One of his better appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (1991) funny from the moment he walked on stage.

Youtube Video

58 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:47:16pm
59 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 4:47:44pm
60 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 4:47:54pm

re: #45 A Mom Anon

I have been pondering that sort of question for awhile now. I’m losing a friend to lung cancer, he’s at the end of his life and fighting to stay here so hard right now. One of the most generous people I’ve ever known. So, if everything happens for a reason, then why does a 47 yr old guy, who quit smoking 8 yrs ago, have to die of aggressive lung cancer. He’s a dad with more friends who love him than I can even count right now. He has made his part of the world SO much better just because he was there.

Meanwhile, assholes get rich and get all kinds of perks just for being assholes. And people like Robin Williams, beloved and loved, get so overwhelmed by life they kill themselves. I don’t get it at ALL. And it’s going to be REALLY hard for me to hear someone say my friend is “in a better place now” at his funeral that will be coming soon. Really? How is not being here with his daughters (age 20 and 16) a better place? I just do not understand it.

This is a good part of why I’m an atheist. I cannot convince myself that there is any justice to the world but what we make ourselves, or meaning to life but what we give it. My Niece posts endlessly on FB, thanking God for this or that, talking about how she’s really dealing with Satan sometimes, and all I can think is, “Or maybe it’s all just random shit that happens.”

To me, life can be so beautiful by random chance that to think it had been made that way on purpose would diminish it. And sometimes life can be so shitty that to think it was made that way on purpose would leave me feeling powerless in the face of a cruel and capricious omnipotence.

But hey, that’s me.

61 Joanne  Aug 11, 2014 4:48:40pm

RIP, Robin. You’ll be sorely missed.

One of the funniest comedians ever. I’m so very sad.

62 ObserverArt  Aug 11, 2014 4:48:51pm

re: #36 William Barnett-Lewis

Thinking a bit more, my favorite has to be “The Fisher King”. It was an amazing movie.

Well, you can tell by what I already posted that I too loved that film.

Maybe one of the reasons it worked is because there was a sadness to his character and yet, he was also the fun one giving life to Jeff Bridges. Gilliam may have known that.

And I always liked when he was on the talk shows. He would get into some epic free thought comedy performed right from somewhere in that head like jazz.

63 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 4:49:25pm

re: #60 GeneJockey

This is a good part of why I’m an atheist. I cannot convince myself that there is any justice to the world but what we make ourselves, or meaning to life but what we give it. My Niece posts endlessly on FB, thanking God for this or that, talking about how she’s really dealing with Satan sometimes, and all I can think is, “Or maybe it’s all just random shit that happens.”

To me, life can be so beautiful by random chance that to think it had been made that way on purpose would diminish it. And sometimes life can be so shitty that to think it was made that way on purpose would leave me feeling powerless in the face of a cruel and capricious omnipotence.

But hey, that’s me.

I think that’s a lot of us.

64 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 4:50:20pm

re: #63 b_sharp

I think that’s a lot of us.

Yeah, but I can only speak for me.

65 b.d.  Aug 11, 2014 4:51:42pm

What horribly sad news.

To any and all, what he did was not the right answer. If you have feelings like that talk to somebody. TALK TO US HERE IF NEED BE.

66 First As Tragedy, Then As Farce  Aug 11, 2014 4:51:50pm

My favorite thing with him in it was The World According to Garp, which I haven’t seen in probably 20 years. I’ll rectify that soon.

67 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 4:52:48pm
68 lawhawk  Aug 11, 2014 4:52:58pm

If there’s anything good that come from this, it’s that there’s a whole lot of attention on mental health and that if you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, they’re not alone and there are people out there who can help.

69 lawhawk  Aug 11, 2014 4:55:07pm

You never know how much you’re going to miss someone until they’re gone.

70 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:55:44pm

I’m crying now. :(

71 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 4:56:58pm

We really need more mental health professionals and therapies for depression and other forms of mental illness. Less stigma, more help.

72 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 4:57:05pm

re: #69 lawhawk

You never know how much you’re going to miss someone until they’re gone.

Yeah, they world just got a little grayer today.

re: #70 Pie-onist Overlord

I’m crying now. :(

Me too. The tweets…. he could make us laugh, but not make himself happy.

73 Archangelus  Aug 11, 2014 4:57:11pm

Didn’t hear anything about this until i refreshed the LFG window in the browser a moment ago, like a punch straight to the gut.
I grew up idolizing Williams and had the pleasure of meeting him briefly years ago and telling him how much I loved all of his work. This is just heartbreaking… :((

74 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:57:31pm

Depression is not something you can “get over” or “snap out of.”

75 Archangelus  Aug 11, 2014 4:57:51pm

re: #70 Pie-onist Overlord

I’m crying now. :(

You are in no way alone…

76 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 4:58:00pm

Meds help, but only if you remember to take them.

77 allegro  Aug 11, 2014 4:58:01pm

I’ve had two friends call to ask “did you hear…?” That has never happened due to the death of a celebrity before. A testament to just how universally this man was loved and admired.

78 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 4:58:06pm

re: #70 Pie-onist Overlord

I’m crying now. :(

{{{Alouette}}}

Mrs. Fish is consoling herself with a big bowl of ice cream. Yeah, it’s that bad.

79 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 4:58:28pm

re: #76 Pie-onist Overlord

Meds help, but only if you remember to take them.

They may not always help, either. Mental health is such a difficult thing to work with.

80 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 5:00:22pm

re: #79 thedopefishlives

They may not always help, either. Mental health is such a difficult thing to work with.

Too true.

81 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:00:48pm
82 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 5:07:22pm

re: #66 First As Tragedy, Then As Farce

My favorite thing with him in it was The World According to Garp, which I haven’t seen in probably 20 years. I’ll rectify that soon.

I loved that movie. So much.

John Lithgow too.

I’ve probably seen The Birdcage 10 times.

83 austin_blue  Aug 11, 2014 5:08:39pm

I think we are all having a little sniffle. So sad. What a brilliant, brilliant mind.

Dammit. This sucks.

84 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:09:02pm

NEVER HAD A FRIEND LIKE ME
Youtube Video

85 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 5:09:19pm

re: #71 A Mom Anon

We really need more mental health professionals and therapies for depression and other forms of mental illness. Less stigma, more help.

Agreed. My wife’s family has what we euphemistically refer to as “Serotonin Issues”, which she didn’t realize till she was hit with a bout of clinical depression at about 40.

To make a long and occasionally painful story short, one issue she dealt with for a LONG time was the “Just Try Harder” mentality, the belief that you should be able to overcome your issues, you just need to work harder at it. Of course, for someone with anxiety and depression, that just makes it worse - obviously you’re not trying hard enough, or you’d be happy and problem-free.

People who talk about dealing with depression without medication likely have never experienced real, deep, clinical depression, or crippling anxiety.

86 e e smith  Aug 11, 2014 5:10:40pm

re: #59 Kragar

Depression is so hard to talk about even to people who care. I ran into those boneheads back in a depression twenty years ago, and soon stopped trying to talk about it. I pretty much stopped talking, period. The depression lasted four agonizing years and I’m not sure how I survived.

I’ve been having chest pains for the last year. The heart checked out okay. I mentioned to my doctor my history of depression and anxiety. I’ve been on Lexapro for a few weeks now and feeling better. I guess that’s what it finally took for me to get help.

87 GlutenFreeJesus  Aug 11, 2014 5:10:49pm

re: #45 A Mom Anon

I have been pondering that sort of question for awhile now. I’m losing a friend to lung cancer, he’s at the end of his life and fighting to stay here so hard right now. One of the most generous people I’ve ever known. So, if everything happens for a reason, then why does a 47 yr old guy, who quit smoking 8 yrs ago, have to die of aggressive lung cancer. He’s a dad with more friends who love him than I can even count right now. He has made his part of the world SO much better just because he was there.

Meanwhile, assholes get rich and get all kinds of perks just for being assholes. And people like Robin Williams, beloved and loved, get so overwhelmed by life they kill themselves. I don’t get it at ALL. And it’s going to be REALLY hard for me to hear someone say my friend is “in a better place now” at his funeral that will be coming soon. Really? How is not being here with his daughters (age 20 and 16) a better place? I just do not understand it.

One of many reasons why I just can’t believe there’s a God. Of any kind. No God of mine would be so unfair and cruel.

88 allegro  Aug 11, 2014 5:11:10pm

I loved The Birdcage. It was such fun to see Williams play straight man for most of the movie to Nathan Lane’s screamingly hilarious role. Then there was Exidor. LOL

89 PhillyPretzel  Aug 11, 2014 5:12:44pm

Favorite movie that had Robin Williams in it was Dead Poets Society. Carpe Diem … Seize the Day.

90 piratedan  Aug 11, 2014 5:13:13pm

just thankful he dwelt amongst us for a while, bringing laughter, tears of joy and magnificent performances… at least we have memories, numerous ones and stories to tell and swap, kind of hard to have a legacy worse than that.

91 First As Tragedy, Then As Farce  Aug 11, 2014 5:14:08pm
The so-called ‘psychotically depressed’ person who tries to kill herself doesn’t do so out of quote ‘hopelessness’ or any abstract conviction that life’s assets and debits do not square. And surely not because death seems suddenly appealing. The person in whom Its invisible agony reaches a certain unendurable level will kill herself the same way a trapped person will eventually jump from the window of a burning high-rise. Make no mistake about people who leap from burning windows. Their terror of falling from a great height is still just as great as it would be for you or me standing speculatively at the same window just checking out the view; i.e. the fear of falling remains a constant. The variable here is the other terror, the fire’s flames: when the flames get close enough, falling to death becomes the slightly less terrible of two terrors. It’s not desiring the fall; it’s terror of the flames. Yet nobody down on the sidewalk, looking up and yelling ‘Don’t!’ and ‘Hang on!’, can understand the jump. Not really. You’d have to have personally been trapped and felt flames to really understand a terror way beyond falling.

- David Foster Wallace

92 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 5:14:35pm

re: #86 e e smith

Depression is so hard to talk about even to people who care. I ran into those boneheads back in a depression twenty years ago, and soon stopped trying to talk about it. I pretty much stopped talking, period. The depression lasted four agonizing years and I’m not sure how I survived.

I’ve been having chest pains for the last year. The heart checked out okay. I mentioned to my doctor my history of depression and anxiety. I’ve been on Lexapro for a few weeks now and feeling better. I guess that’s what it finally took for me to get help.

I suffer from anxiety problems, been on various meds for a few years, but try to manage. I really find it hard not to snap sometimes, but I try.

The last couple days have been trying.

93 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 5:15:30pm

Update from previous thread:

— 2 felony batteries, 1 for strangulation
— 2 felony domestic violence with great bodily injury
— felony coercion with the threat of force
— felony assault with a deadly weapon
— misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon

94 ausador  Aug 11, 2014 5:18:56pm

re: #77 allegro

I’ve had two friends call to ask “did you hear…?” That has never happened due to the death of a celebrity before. A testament to just how universally this man was loved and admired.

Next door neighbor knows that I don’t even have a tv in the condo anymore (don’t want it) and knocked just a few minutes ago to ask me if I had heard yet. There is almost a 20 year age gap between us yet she remembers him as fondly as I do.

95 Decatur Deb  Aug 11, 2014 5:19:22pm

Just as a general principle, I wish the authorities had finished their investigation before releasing their speculation. No matter how good the basis, that’s a hard bell to unring.

96 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 5:19:44pm

I am heartbroken. Robin Williams was such an amazing talent, but like a lot of great talents, he was tortured. What a huge, indescribable loss. :(

Youtube Video

97 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 5:23:25pm
98 Floral Giraffe  Aug 11, 2014 5:25:38pm

re: #92 Kragar

{{{{{Kragar}}}}}

99 De Kolta Chair  Aug 11, 2014 5:25:55pm

Dragged over from the previous and less relevant thread…

From The Hollywood Reporter: “[Robin Williams] performed in the mid-1980s in a series of mediocre movies including The Survivors (1983), The Best of Times (1986) and Club Paradise (1986).”

WTF? The Best of Times was fun, with nice performances, especially from Pamela Reed. But I admit they’re right about the other two.

Personal Williams faves: The Fisher King (1991) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988).

100 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 5:26:43pm
101 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 5:26:53pm

I actually had a pair of Mork suspenders as a kid. What a sad day. :(

102 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 5:26:57pm

re: #100 Kragar

Dafuq.

103 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:29:13pm

People are still RT’ing that bogus NationalReport story. But they are TCOT assholes.

104 b.d.  Aug 11, 2014 5:29:20pm

re: #100 Kragar

[Embedded content]

DRONEZ!!

105 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 5:29:55pm

re: #100 Kragar

Fucking disgusting predators. I would call them vultures but vultures serve an actual purpose.

106 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 5:29:58pm

re: #30 CuriousLurker

Oddly, the brief cognitive dissonance caused by watching the Mishaal interview in one tab, then switching to the Spy tab and reading about Williams’ death kind of makes me feel like Mishaal killed him.

I know that’s absurd, but since my brain has now indelibly inked the two together it feels… I dunno, sort of like now I want to have a personal grudge against Mishaal for being one of the people who spreads darkness by bringing pain & suffering to others, while an inability to cope with life’s darkness stole someone who brought light to others.

So we’re all sitting here crying over Williams, and Gazans are still mourning and trying to cope & rebuild their lives & homes, and Khalid Effing Mishaal is sitting over in Qatar all safe & sound, looking all smug & self-righteous.

Aaaaargh! Excuse me while I go scream into a pillow…

107 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:31:16pm
108 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 5:32:09pm
109 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 5:32:16pm

(((hugs))) to anyone who needs one, or two.

110 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 5:32:40pm

YouTube is slowing down because so many people are looking for Robin Williams videos.

111 PhillyPretzel  Aug 11, 2014 5:32:43pm

re: #109 A Mom Anon

Thanks. :)

112 Jenner7  Aug 11, 2014 5:33:34pm

Video

Hope I did this right. One of my favorites.

113 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 5:33:35pm

re: #92 Kragar

I suffer from anxiety problems, been on various meds for a few years, but try to manage. I really find it hard not to snap sometimes, but I try.

The last couple days have been trying.

Anxiety is tough to deal with, especially since it often manifests in unexpected ways, many of which would not make you think “anxiety”, unless you’d experienced it -

“He doesn’t do his homework! He must be lazy!” Or maybe the thought of choosing a topic to write about makes him so anxious he seeks refuge in distraction, till there’s so little time left that the anxiety keeps his very bright mind from processing well.

114 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 5:34:07pm

re: #109 A Mom Anon

(((hugs))) to anyone who needs one, or two.

Back atcha’ {{{AMA}}}

115 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:34:30pm

I can’t believe I am so torn up over this. :(

116 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 5:34:53pm
117 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 5:35:39pm

re: #115 Pie-onist Overlord

I can’t believe I am so torn up over this. :(

A testament to the man’s titanic impact. There aren’t very many celebrities who can claim to have really, legitimately affected people this deeply.

118 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 5:36:20pm
119 Bulworth  Aug 11, 2014 5:36:51pm

Saw this on the gym’s TV…just awful. Terrible. Philip Seymour Hoffman, now Robin Williams…sigh.

120 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 5:37:13pm
121 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 5:37:46pm

re: #115 Pie-onist Overlord

I can’t believe I am so torn up over this. :(

I wonder how much is from having heard about his struggles int he past and figuring he’d managed to make peace with his demons and he was now okay. Makes things feel fragile.

I’m finding it hard to go home, in case my wife hasn’t heard. I don’t want to be the one to break ti to her, but I don’t want her to feel alone.

There’s that avoidant behavior I mentioned.

122 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 5:37:53pm
123 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:41:46pm
124 ObserverArt  Aug 11, 2014 5:42:28pm

re: #110 Charles Johnson

YouTube is slowing down because so many people are looking for Robin Williams videos.

Fitting. Hopefully it crashes a bit in his honor. Sort of like stopping time.

125 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 5:45:41pm
126 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 5:46:08pm
127 Varek Raith  Aug 11, 2014 5:47:52pm

:(

128 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 5:51:40pm

re: #126 Pie-onist Overlord

The thing that breaks my heart about the death of Robin Williams is how someone who could make everyone laugh, feel so depressed and alone.

There’s a reason Joe Callicot (and others) sang “Laughing to Keep From Crying”

Youtube Video

129 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 5:53:00pm

re: #115 Pie-onist Overlord

I can’t believe I am so torn up over this. :(

I think most of us are suffering tragedy overload about Gaza, Iraq, Michael Brown, etc. and this is giving us a cathartic release.

130 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 5:55:23pm

My congressman:

131 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 5:58:25pm

re: #129 b_sharp

I think most of us are suffering tragedy overload about Gaza, Iraq, Michael Brown, etc. and this is giving us a cathartic release.

Sort of makes it personal doesn’t it? Like you knew him. He showed you who he was. You bounced around with his wit. He could and did touch your feelings. Like a friend.

132 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 6:02:07pm

re: #131 nines09

Sort of makes it personal doesn’t it?

The fact that most of us are very familiar with Robin and have had our spirits lifted by him one time or another makes it highly personal.

133 Varek Raith  Aug 11, 2014 6:02:12pm

Man, this really sucks.

134 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 6:03:53pm
135 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 6:08:56pm

re: #133 Varek Raith

Man, this really sucks.

Jonathan Winters walked that fine line between crazy and funny and had me in tears as a kid more times than I can recall. I got it. Robin Williams did the same things to me later in life and both touched me and brought joy. This does suck.

136 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:11:06pm
137 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 6:11:59pm

Trending on Twitter right now:

RIP Robin Williams
What Dreams May Come
Mrs. Doubtfire
World’s Greatest Dad
#makeuptransformation
The Fisher King
Good Morning Vietnam
#ImHappyBecause
The Birdcage
Hook

138 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 6:14:02pm

re: #135 nines09

Jonathan Winters walked that fine line between crazy and funny and had me in tears as a kid more times than I can recall. I got it. Robin Williams did the same things to me later in life and both touched me and brought joy. This does suck.

JW and RW on 60 Minutes:

Youtube Video

139 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 6:14:41pm

I love The Fisher King. Gah. Not to mention his other work. This blows.

140 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 6:22:21pm
141 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 6:23:19pm

WTFITS doing on the #RobinWilliams hashtag

142 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:23:37pm
143 gwangung  Aug 11, 2014 6:30:11pm

re: #141 Pie-onist Overlord

WTFITS doing on the #RobinWilliams hashtag

[Embedded content]

Well, there are some people who are not embarrassed to be room temperature IQ stupid.

144 goddamnedfrank  Aug 11, 2014 6:30:27pm
145 prairiefire  Aug 11, 2014 6:30:49pm

re: #92 Kragar

I suffer from anxiety problems, been on various meds for a few years, but try to manage. I really find it hard not to snap sometimes, but I try.

The last couple days have been trying.

I was taking Lexipro for about a year and 1/2. I found my problems were still there, but that drug put me in a manic “part people party all the time” mode that wasn’t helpful either. I got off it and I think I will join the Y and try exercising for endorphins, etc.

146 Targetpractice  Aug 11, 2014 6:31:51pm

re: #137 teleskiguy

Trending on Twitter right now:

RIP Robin Williams
What Dreams May Come
Mrs. Doubtfire
World’s Greatest Dad
#makeuptransformation
The Fisher King
Good Morning Vietnam
#ImHappyBecause
The Birdcage
Hook

What Dreams May Come. How oddly appropriate for today’s news.

147 prairiefire  Aug 11, 2014 6:32:28pm

Love The Fisher King.

148 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:33:32pm
149 danarchy  Aug 11, 2014 6:34:56pm

re: #139 alpuz

I love The Fisher King. Gah. Not to mention his other work. This blows.

Yeah he had some greats, even some of his cameos like the king of the Moon in the Adventures of Baron Munchhausen were priceless. I think Terry Gilliam gave him a rough outline and then let him go play.

150 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 6:34:58pm
151 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 6:34:58pm

Ummm, those are carnations.

152 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 6:35:37pm

re: #151 Pie-onist Overlord

Minor detail.

153 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 6:36:14pm

re: #146 Targetpractice

What Dreams May Come. How oddly appropriate for today’s news.

That was the movie my Sister mentioned. I haven’t seen it but apparently was about suicide and death.

154 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:37:03pm
155 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 6:39:57pm

My kids are posting their favorite scenes on FB. They grew up on Aladdin, Hook & Mrs. Doubtfire.

156 Targetpractice  Aug 11, 2014 6:40:24pm

re: #153 Stanley Sea

That was the movie my Sister mentioned. I haven’t seen it but apparently was about suicide and death.

I’d characterize it as more about accepting death and the loss of loved ones, as well as the connections we make in life. And that death is not an end, just another state of being.

157 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 6:41:02pm

re: #145 prairiefire

I never had much luck with SSRIs or benzodiazepines. I have anxiety and depression and the meds always seemed to make things worse, especially the SSRIs. So I started walking daily a little over a year ago with my dog. We’re just about to hit the 4 million step mark, around 1300 miles. I’ve lost 30 lbs and it really has helped quite a bit. I wouldn’t call it a cure, but I can say I’m managing things much better than I was before. I also make sure I spend a couple of days a week outdoors working in the yard or garden when the weather permits. Some new, early stage studies have shown there’s microbes in soil that can help with depression and anxiety, I figure it can’t hurt since I like that sort of thing anyway.

158 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 6:41:46pm

Patton Oswalt’s comment, especially.

159 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:43:00pm
160 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 6:43:43pm

re: #157 A Mom Anon

I never had much luck with SSRIs or benzodiazepines. I have anxiety and depression and the meds always seemed to make things worse, especially the SSRIs. So I started walking daily a little over a year ago with my dog. We’re just about to hit the 4 million step mark, around 1300 miles. I’ve lost 30 lbs and it really has helped quite a bit. I wouldn’t call it a cure, but I can say I’m managing things much better than I was before. I also make sure I spend a couple of days a week outdoors working in the yard or garden when the weather permits. Some new, early stage studies have shown there’s microbes in soil that can help with depression and anxiety, I figure it can’t hurt since I like that sort of thing anyway.

Freaking neurochemistry. No one size fits all. SSRIs have made a world of difference for Mrs. J, but they don’t work for everyone. Glad you’ve found something that helps.

161 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 6:44:24pm

re: #158 GeneJockey

Patton Oswalt’s comment, especially.

Man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain.
Doctor says “Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.”
Man bursts into tears.
Says, “But Doctor… I am Pagliacci.”

162 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:44:29pm
163 ninja cat  Aug 11, 2014 6:46:08pm

re: #101 Rev_Arthur_Belling

I actually had a pair of Mork suspenders as a kid. What a sad day. :(

Same here. My sis may even still have hers.

I am heart-broken. I love The Fisher King especially, it was a great movie that I saw at a low time in my life.

164 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:46:15pm
165 prairiefire  Aug 11, 2014 6:46:50pm

re: #157 A Mom Anon

Fantastic! I did not like that false, manic sense of “EVERYTHING IS GREAT! IT”S FINE, REALLY! I really think the exercise will help. The kids go back to school on Wed.

166 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 6:48:02pm
167 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 6:48:54pm

Just for you B_sharp

168 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 6:50:16pm

re: #167 Stanley Sea

Just for you B_sharp

[Embedded content]

Thanks SS

{{{SS}}}

169 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 6:50:27pm
170 b_sharp  Aug 11, 2014 6:51:05pm

I’m heading off to read something and take my mind off of everything else.

G’night lizards.

171 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 6:51:28pm
172 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 6:52:15pm

re: #160 GeneJockey

I think that’s one of the hard things for many people to understand about depression and anxiety disorders. It’s not just one thing that works for everyone. I was reading somewhere that meds only work on about 1/3 of people, so that leaves a lot of people who need something(s) else. And even if the meds work, many people need more than that. While mental illnesses are medical problems, they are also very different than something like diabetes or other chronic illnesses. That makes it hard for people to understand and hence lead to some really insensitive attitudes. There’s no magic cure, it’s work and a balancing act every day.

173 dholmes32  Aug 11, 2014 6:52:37pm

re: #123 Pie-onist Overlord

As someone who has struggled with depression and who takes a raft of Big Pharma’s finest evil psych drugs to keep it together, I said OH GOD when I saw this. This is what it’s like to be in a terrible depression for me.

174 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 6:54:37pm

OK. I had been holding it together pretty well, but this has me in tears:

Ugh. What a massive, massive loss. He was truly one of a kind.

175 Romantic Heretic  Aug 11, 2014 6:56:18pm

Well, crap.

Vaya con Dios, Mr. Williams. May you find the peace you couldn’t find in this life.

176 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:56:34pm
177 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 6:57:12pm

re: #168 b_sharp

Thanks SS

{{{SS}}}

XXXOOO

178 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 6:58:09pm

re: #174 Lidane

OK. I had been holding it together pretty well, but this has me in tears:

[Embedded content]

Ugh. What a massive, massive loss. He was truly one of a kind.

Oh yeah.

179 Romantic Heretic  Aug 11, 2014 6:58:47pm

re: #16 TedStriker

Or hanging oneself where the neck was not broken, basically just strangling to death.

That was how I tried to take my own life. Luckily I had just enough survival instinct left to get myself loose and look of help.

180 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:58:52pm
181 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 6:59:11pm
182 Gus  Aug 11, 2014 6:59:29pm
183 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:00:24pm

Robin Williams really really touched us all.

What an amazing man.

184 Bubblehead II  Aug 11, 2014 7:01:34pm

Night Lizards. R.I.P . Mr. Williams and my condolences to your family.

I have lost 2 friends to suicide. They both ate a bullet.

I still wonder if there was something I missed or could have done.

Youtube Video

185 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:04:08pm

re: #169 Kragar

[Embedded content]

That really is over the top. Yes, the police shooting in Ferguson was seriously questionable, and yes when things got ugly after the shooting the police brought in a police dog. But the dog was never set upon anyone, and even after people from other places used Mr. Brown’s memorial to loot the police did not go on a rampage.

Yes, the police in Ferguson have plenty to answer for, but they are not acting like the police in Birmingham, Alabama back in the 1960’s. Please do keep a proper sense of proportion.

186 GeneJockey  Aug 11, 2014 7:05:28pm

re: #172 A Mom Anon

I think that’s one of the hard things for many people to understand about depression and anxiety disorders. It’s not just one thing that works for everyone. I was reading somewhere that meds only work on about 1/3 of people, so that leaves a lot of people who need something(s) else. And even if the meds work, many people need more than that. While mental illnesses are medical problems, they are also very different than something like diabetes or other chronic illnesses. That makes it hard for people to understand and hence lead to some really insensitive attitudes. There’s no magic cure, it’s work and a balancing act every day.

My wife once wondered what it is about society that so many people now seem to be suffering from so many mental/emotional conditions. I said I think it was probably always this way, and lots of people just went through life with this burden, not sharing it with anyone, miserable but alive - except for those who couldn’t take it anymore. My wife’s mother was miserable most of her life, as far as we can tell. Mrs. J’s Dad loved her, and still speaks fondly of her, but she mystified him. he could not understand why she left him and ran back to the town she grew up in, only to be miserable there, too. She was on Valium for a long time, but that just numbs you. And there was a time when she drank, till she got a DWI and quit.

Given how clearly heritable her condition was (both children affected), I cannot imagine it didn’t also afflict her mother or father. Not sure which one, or how they coped, but her whole family has a very WASP-ish “We Don’t Talk About Things” rule.

187 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 7:06:39pm

re: #149 danarchy

Gilliam + Williams? Stand back. There should be more of that.

188 klys  Aug 11, 2014 7:07:15pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

That really is over the top. Yes, the police shooting in Ferguson was seriously questionable, and yes when things got ugly after the shooting the police brought in a police dog. But the dog was never set upon anyone, and even after people from other places used Mr. Brown’s memorial to loot the police did not go on a rampage.

Yes, the police in Ferguson have plenty to answer for, but they are not acting like the police in Birmingham, Alabama back in the 1960’s. Please do keep a proper sense of proportion.

Dark, how much have you read about, for example, the breakdown of stops in Ferguson versus the racial makeup of the town? There’ve been comments on it here today, no need to go elsewhere for your research.

189 abolitionist  Aug 11, 2014 7:07:20pm

On hulu — Seriously Funny — about 6 min

Hulu Video

[edit] Link not working for me, but that may be my browser config.

190 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:07:27pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

That really is over the top. Yes, the police shooting in Ferguson was seriously questionable, and yes when things got ugly after the shooting the police brought in a police dog. But the dog was never set upon anyone, and even after people from other places used Mr. Brown’s memorial to loot the police did not go on a rampage.

Yes, the police in Ferguson have plenty to answer for, but they are not acting like the police in Birmingham, Alabama back in the 1960’s. Please do keep a proper sense of proportion.

191 Romantic Heretic  Aug 11, 2014 7:07:28pm

re: #71 A Mom Anon

We really need more mental health professionals and therapies for depression and other forms of mental illness. Less stigma, more help.

It’s the stigma that’s the killer. Admitting that you’re suffering from mental illness is declaring, “I’m too weak to live,” to many people including the sufferer.

Our society worships ‘strength’ and ‘weakness’ is a choice. An evil choice.

ETA: This cartoon speaks to the problem of stigma, and how stupid it is.

192 Pie-onist Overlord  Aug 11, 2014 7:07:42pm

I watched some excerpts from The Fisher King on YouTube.

I am very weirded out now.

193 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:08:21pm
194 klys  Aug 11, 2014 7:08:30pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

That really is over the top. Yes, the police shooting in Ferguson was seriously questionable, and yes when things got ugly after the shooting the police brought in a police dog. But the dog was never set upon anyone, and even after people from other places used Mr. Brown’s memorial to loot the police did not go on a rampage.

Yes, the police in Ferguson have plenty to answer for, but they are not acting like the police in Birmingham, Alabama back in the 1960’s. Please do keep a proper sense of proportion.

Also, the police dog showed up the first night. No looting occurred until the second.

Of course, you checked out on the first night because you wanted to wait for the facts.

195 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:08:55pm

re: #191 Romantic Heretic

It’s the stigma that’s the killer. Admitting that you’re suffering from mental illness is declaring, “I’m too weak to live,” to many people including the sufferer.

Our society worships ‘strength’ and ‘weakness’ is a choice. An evil choice.

I know people in the DoD community who will not go for counseling because it will be used against when it comes time for security clearance reviews.

196 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:09:48pm

re: #194 klys

Also, the police dog showed up the first night. No looting occurred until the second.

Of course, you checked out on the first night because you wanted to wait for the facts.

I thought I’d stipulated that the dog had been brought in on the first night. I was aware of that, and I apologize if I gave a different impression.

197 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:09:48pm
198 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 7:10:04pm

re: #192 Pie-onist Overlord

Why?

199 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:10:20pm

Please, tell us more Dark.

200 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 7:10:42pm

re: #191 Romantic Heretic

It’s the stigma that’s the killer. Admitting that you’re suffering from mental illness is declaring, “I’m too weak to live,” to many people including the sufferer.

Our society worships ‘strength’ and ‘weakness’ is a choice. An evil choice.

This. I suffer from depression. Admitting it was something I had to struggle with mightily, because it meant “I can’t handle it.”

201 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 7:10:58pm

Robin Williams did some bit work for Matt Oswalt’s web comic Puddin’ (Matt is Patton’s brother). Weird stuff.

Youtube Video

Youtube Video

Youtube Video

Youtube Video

202 Romantic Heretic  Aug 11, 2014 7:11:02pm

re: #79 thedopefishlives

They may not always help, either. Mental health is such a difficult thing to work with.

I’ve had to change mine several times.

203 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:12:33pm
204 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:12:34pm

The song I’ve got running in my mind having heard of Robin Williams’ suicide:

Youtube Video

Rest In Peace, Robin. Thank you for all the wonderful humor and the incredible acting skill. The world is poorer without you in it.

205 bratwurst  Aug 11, 2014 7:12:35pm
206 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:13:01pm
“Police shooting tear gas at residents yelling “Return to your homes.” Residents: “this is our home”

Yes, it’s not like anyone might be trying to live peacefully nearby.

207 ObserverArt  Aug 11, 2014 7:13:11pm

Later LGFers. I am still really sad, and thinking of how much pain many can be in and you just never know, especially if they can cover it by wise cracking and other tools. I’ve had a good friend take his own life and this is reminding me of it again. I need to immerse myself in some work to get past this.

By the way, Lawrence O’Donnell just said Williams was voted least likely to succeed by his high school class. Probably seen as the cut-up, never serious, etc. I bet he still laughed about that.

: (

208 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 7:13:24pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

That really is over the top. Yes, the police shooting in Ferguson was seriously questionable, and yes when things got ugly after the shooting the police brought in a police dog. But the dog was never set upon anyone, and even after people from other places used Mr. Brown’s memorial to loot the police did not go on a rampage.

Yes, the police in Ferguson have plenty to answer for, but they are not acting like the police in Birmingham, Alabama back in the 1960’s. Please do keep a proper sense of proportion.

And here comes the apologist.

209 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 7:13:43pm

re: #186 GeneJockey

My wife once wondered what it is about society that so many people now seem to be suffering from so many mental/emotional conditions. I said I think it was probably always this way, and lots of people just went through life with this burden, not sharing it with anyone, miserable but alive - except for those who couldn’t take it anymore. My wife’s mother was miserable most of her life, as far as we can tell. Mrs. J’s Dad loved her, and still speaks fondly of her, but she mystified him. he could not understand why she left him and ran back to the town she grew up in, only to be miserable there, too. She was on Valium for a long time, but that just numbs you. And there was a time when she drank, till she got a DWI and quit.

Given how clearly heritable her condition was (both children affected), I cannot imagine it didn’t also afflict her mother or father. Not sure which one, or how they coped, but her whole family has a very WASP-ish “We Don’t Talk About Things” rule.

Cowboy up. Pull it together. Be a man. Everybody has problems. What you crying about. So who cares? It’s a cruel world, grow up. Like you’re the only one with problems? You’re just being silly. Pull yourself together.
Who wants to show weakness? You get torn apart. Sound about right?
The other side of the coin is not doing harm to yourself, but others in varied and very fucked up ways. I haven’t seen it all, but I’ve seen a lot. In my profile I say what I know to be true. We are all damaged in our own exquisite way.

210 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:13:59pm

re: #197 Aunty Entity Dragon

[Embedded content]

This is beyond fucked up. Who advised the police that this was the path to take?

They’ve done nothing right. Absolutely NOTHING.

211 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:16:26pm

re: #210 Stanley Sea

This is beyond fucked up. Who advised the police that this was the path to take?

They’ve done nothing right. Absolutely NOTHING.

They have cover to do anything at all after last night. A few people get shot? No questions will be asked.

212 ObserverArt  Aug 11, 2014 7:16:39pm

One last word…and hope.

Can the violence be kept out of this particular thread? Just as a sign of respect. I find it hard to see how we can jump from discussion about Robin WIlliams to some of what is going on.

Maybe Charles could launch a new thread regarding Mo.

Later all! Dark…be good.

213 thedopefishlives  Aug 11, 2014 7:16:44pm

Goddamnit, people. This is supposed to be a thread to remember a brilliant comedian and a legendary pop culture icon. This is not the time to be picking fights over the bad crazy going on elsewhere.

Goodnight, gentle lizardfolk. Try not to forget yourselves in the heat of the moment. For those that struggle with depression, {{{hugs}}} and my deepest sympathy - I doubt I’d be diagnosed with it now, but it is something I’ve struggled with in the past and I understand.

214 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:16:54pm

Sorry, but when your defense of good ole boys fucking over entire communities is “it aint as bad as it could/used to be”, you can fuck right off.

215 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:17:05pm

re: #210 Stanley Sea

This is beyond fucked up. Who advised the police that this was the path to take?

They’ve done nothing right. Absolutely NOTHING.

The ghost of Bull Connor? They just want to put these people down. Nothing more.

They suck, and yes I want the feds to take over.

216 klys  Aug 11, 2014 7:17:14pm

re: #196 Dark_Falcon

I thought I’d stipulated that the dog had been brought in on the first night. I was aware of that, and I apologize if I gave a different impression.

Maybe you should explain how you think “things got ugly” the first night, then.

217 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:17:54pm

Sorry. But this shit is happening.

218 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:19:23pm
219 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:19:42pm
220 Backwoods_Sleuth  Aug 11, 2014 7:20:11pm

Long, sad day all around.
Be kind and look out for each other.
Niters.

221 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 7:20:50pm

re: #219 Stanley Sea

Gad, I don’t think “dead” is the word to use there.

222 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:21:18pm
223 Skandal  Aug 11, 2014 7:21:45pm

re: #126 Pie-onist Overlord

Famous anecdote:

Man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel.

Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain.

Doctor says “Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.”

Man bursts into tears.

Says “But, doctor…”

“…I am Pagliacci.”

224 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:22:58pm

re: #215 Stanley Sea

The ghost of Bull Connor? They just want to put these people down. Nothing more.

They suck, and yes I want the feds to take over.

The Feds are investigating and monitoring the local investigation as well. Anything further at this point would have to come from the state level. And I think it would be a good idea for Governor Nixon to send in the state police to handle crowd monitoring and control for the next week or two in order to calm things down. The Ferguson police should also have their crowd control procedures reviewed, posthaste.

225 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:23:32pm

Livestream

new.livestream.com

Local reporter “Never seen anything like this in years of covering Ferguson”

226 William Barnett-Lewis  Aug 11, 2014 7:23:52pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

Sorry DF but they are at least the same, if not worse, as their companions from the deep south. Not to mention knowing that there are even worse PD’s down there according to the people I know in greater STL.

The police remain the problem in America’s cities and the increasing militarization of the police has caused nothing but evil. There needs to be a mechanism where out of control PD’s can be federalized and every current member fired, instantly, to be replaced over time with properly selected, psychologically tested & fully trained individuals with no access to a SWAT team. No suburban PD needs an MRAP. No officer should have an AR in his vehicle. None.

227 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 7:23:57pm
228 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 7:23:59pm

So. Who’s rioting now? Gee, looks suspiciously like….. RIP Robin Williams. This world is still the same. Goodnight Lizards. Tomorrow comes, be there.

229 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:25:33pm
230 Blue Fielder  Aug 11, 2014 7:26:34pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

You’ll pardon me if I don’t take your fucking word on what’s over the fucking top.

231 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:26:55pm

re: #226 William Barnett-Lewis

Sorry DF but they are at least the same, if not worse, as their companions from the deep south. Not to mention knowing that there are even worse PD’s down there according to the people I know in greater STL.

The police remain the problem in America’s cities and the increasing militarization of the police has caused nothing but evil. There needs to be a mechanism where out of control PD’s can be federalized and every current member fired, instantly, to be replaced over time with properly selected, psychologically tested & fully trained individuals with no access to a SWAT team. No suburban PD needs an MRAP. No officer should have an AR in his vehicle. None.

For truth.

232 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:27:19pm

re: #226 William Barnett-Lewis

MRAPs are cheaper than SWAT vans, because they’re surplus. And yes, Will, there are places where cops need an AR-15 in their squad cars. And I’m sad to say that some of those places are in Chicago.

233 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:28:01pm
234 Charles Johnson  Aug 11, 2014 7:28:06pm
235 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:28:22pm
236 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:28:33pm
237 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:29:03pm
238 Romantic Heretic  Aug 11, 2014 7:29:54pm

re: #172 A Mom Anon

I think that’s one of the hard things for many people to understand about depression and anxiety disorders. It’s not just one thing that works for everyone. I was reading somewhere that meds only work on about 1/3 of people, so that leaves a lot of people who need something(s) else. And even if the meds work, many people need more than that. While mental illnesses are medical problems, they are also very different than something like diabetes or other chronic illnesses. That makes it hard for people to understand and hence lead to some really insensitive attitudes. There’s no magic cure, it’s work and a balancing act every day.

I’ve heard it’s any one med will work on one third of any group of people. It’s why so many victims change drugs. One doesn’t work. Another might.

It just shows how little we understand about the human mind.

239 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:30:02pm

Video is the enemy.

240 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 7:31:13pm

re: #236 Stanley Sea

Jesus. Overreact much police? This shit needs to stop. It’s like they just want to have a reason to shoot the citizens. This is bullshit.

241 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:31:23pm

re: #226 William Barnett-Lewis

Sorry DF but they are at least the same, if not worse, as their companions from the deep south. Not to mention knowing that there are even worse PD’s down there according to the people I know in greater STL.

The police remain the problem in America’s cities and the increasing militarization of the police has caused nothing but evil. There needs to be a mechanism where out of control PD’s can be federalized and every current member fired, instantly, to be replaced over time with properly selected, psychologically tested & fully trained individuals with no access to a SWAT team. No suburban PD needs an MRAP. No officer should have an AR in his vehicle. None.

Mexico has mechanisms by which the Federales can take over if a police department is too corrupt or too ineffective. But they don’t fire everyone; Instead they evaluate the local cops to see who among them is actually fit to do the job. That’s more of a wise policy, IMO: Firing people for evils they may not have aided leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

The other problem is that there is no ready-to-use federal police force.

242 klys  Aug 11, 2014 7:31:43pm

The news today has just hit too close to home.

243 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:31:56pm
244 Skip Intro  Aug 11, 2014 7:32:31pm

re: #234 Charles Johnson

No fire hoses yet?

245 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:33:09pm

This can go real bad real quick.

246 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:33:18pm
247 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:33:44pm

re: #243 Aunty Entity Dragon

[Embedded content]

Oh, shit. I really hope that doesn’t happen; If any cops get shot Gov. Nixon is going to have to call in the National Guard to restore order, because things will get very bad very fast.

248 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:33:46pm
249 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:34:03pm
250 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 7:34:36pm

Earlier today (last night?), I asked when they would institute the curfews. Now we know.

D_F, there is no excuse for this.

251 Romantic Heretic  Aug 11, 2014 7:34:49pm

re: #195 Kragar

I know people in the DoD community who will not go for counseling because it will be used against when it comes time for security clearance reviews.

I’d say that’s even worse. A clever intelligence agency could use some one suffering an illness. Either blackmail or manipulation.

Or worst of all, a Doctor Strangelove situation.

ETA: Oops. Quoted wrong post.

252 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:35:26pm

re: #247 Dark_Falcon

Oh, shit. I really hope that doesn’t happen; If any cops get shot Gov. Nixon is going to have to call in the National Guard to restore order, because things will get very bad very fast.

Cops over citizens. That mentality that led to this.

Remember, a young man was basically executed in the street. Nothing about that anymore. Nothing. All about the cops and the pissed off people.

Surprise.

253 Blue Fielder  Aug 11, 2014 7:36:07pm

re: #232 Dark_Falcon
>Chicago

OH BOY HERE WE GO

254 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:36:24pm
255 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:38:01pm
256 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:38:45pm
257 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 7:38:56pm
258 Varek Raith  Aug 11, 2014 7:40:07pm

WTF year is it again?

259 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 7:40:13pm

re: #247 Dark_Falcon

Oh, shit.

Yeah. That’s the ‘oh shit’ moment. Fuckin’ A

260 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:41:06pm
261 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:41:22pm
262 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 7:42:46pm

This is funny because he’s actually 38.

263 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:43:52pm
264 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 7:44:25pm

Getting back to the original topic, depression sucks. I have dealt with it off and on for most of my life. I’ve had some very dark moments where I couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have always managed to hang on and find some hope, but I know that struggle far too well. I’m sorry Robin Williams couldn’t see a way out. It sucks.

Tonight is a night for watching his best comedy bits and putting on some music that makes me feel better. I’m going to think about all the good things he did and the ways he made me laugh, and raise my root beer in a toast to his memory.

265 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:45:10pm

re: #253 Blue Fielder

>Chicago

OH BOY HERE WE GO

Blue Fielder, I was born and grew up in Chicago. My parents live in Chicago. I work in Chicago. I’ve been a Cook County native my whole life.

So it’s not the same thing with me as with some wingnut. I really am sad that things in some parts of Chicago are that bad, and it makes me feel somewhat useless that I don’t have a good idea about how to stop the gang violence in those parts of the city of my birth.

There was a good piece on one such neighborhood in Chicago (West Garfield Park) in the Chicago Tribune today. Check it out. you’ll find it far better and more nuanced than standard wingnut fare.

I’m not mad at you, BF, but I do treat Chicago with respect and I ask that you consider my posts in that light.

266 simoom  Aug 11, 2014 7:45:13pm

washingtonpost.com

Would arming Syria’s rebels have stopped the Islamic State?

The academic literature is not encouraging. In general, external support for rebels almost always make wars longer, bloodier and harder to resolve (for more on this, see the proceedings of this Project on Middle East Political Science symposium in the free PDF download). Worse, as the University of Maryland’s David Cunningham has shown, Syria had most of the characteristics of the type of civil war in which external support for rebels is least effective. The University of Colorado’s Aysegul Aydin and Binghamton University’s Patrick Regan have suggested that external support for a rebel group could help when all the external powers backing a rebel group are on the same page and effectively cooperate in directing resources to a common end. Unfortunately, Syria was never that type of civil war.

Syria’s combination of a weak, fragmented collage of rebel organizations with a divided, competitive array of external sponsors was therefore the worst profile possible for effective external support. …

267 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:45:18pm
268 [deleted]  Aug 11, 2014 7:46:31pm
269 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:47:09pm
270 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:47:15pm

re: #262 teleskiguy

This is funny because he”s actually 38.

[Embedded content]

Cubs, if it takes forever! (I grew up on the North Side.)

271 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:48:29pm
272 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:48:30pm

re: #268 Blue Fielder

Your hostility is unwarranted. Go soak your head.

273 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:48:32pm

re: #268 Blue Fielder

I don’t trust you. I will take nothing you say at face value. And my concerns are as valid as yours given I grew up in IL.

You don’t give me orders, boy. Keep that in mind.

Getting unnecessarly personal with that. You don’t need to go there.

274 A Mom Anon  Aug 11, 2014 7:49:22pm

re: #271 Kragar

Someone needs to issue a stand down order NOW. Someone else is going to die if this shit doesn’t end. It’s out of control.

275 abolitionist  Aug 11, 2014 7:49:47pm

re: #239 Stanley Sea

Video is the enemy.

Stupidity —especially collective stupidity —is the enemy.

276 Eventual Carrion  Aug 11, 2014 7:49:58pm

re: #263 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances

Wonder how many of these can be broken tonight in the name of state rights?

277 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:50:03pm
278 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 7:50:28pm

re: #268 Blue Fielder

Don’t ever call a commenter on LGF “boy.” We’re all adults here, belittling people just makes you look like an asshole, dude.

279 Blue Fielder  Aug 11, 2014 7:50:50pm

re: #272 Dark_Falcon
re: #273 Aunty Entity Dragon
re: #278 teleskiguy

Reported. You want to give orders, you’ll do it somewhere else. And if you respond, you’ll get another report. You don’t own the site. When the owner says to stop, I’ll stop.

280 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 7:51:09pm

re: #265 Dark_Falcon

I have no idea why you think your upbringing warrants authority. You don’t show that same respect when you talk about Wisconsin politics.

Why?

Look, man… your ‘oh shit’ moment came late in the game. And honestly, Dark this isn’t a fuckin’ game. You know that. Right?

281 makeitstop  Aug 11, 2014 7:52:09pm

re: #277 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Just what the fuck are they planning?

282 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 7:52:21pm

re: #279 Blue Fielder

Um, OK?

283 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:52:32pm
284 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:52:54pm
285 Floral Giraffe  Aug 11, 2014 7:53:33pm

re: #283 jaunte

re: #284 Kragar

THAT close!

286 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:53:53pm

re: #279 Blue Fielder

Reported. You want to give orders, you’ll do it somewhere else.

What in the world are you talking about??

Somebody pissed in your cheerios?

287 Blue Fielder  Aug 11, 2014 7:53:56pm

And I’m done with this thread anyhow. You wanna act big, you can do it without the person you want to push around.

288 nines09  Aug 11, 2014 7:54:12pm
289 Rev_Arthur_Belling  Aug 11, 2014 7:54:34pm
290 Kragar  Aug 11, 2014 7:54:52pm
291 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:55:18pm

re: #287 Blue Fielder

And I’m done with this thread anyhow. You wanna act big, you can do it without the person you want to push around.

flounce.

292 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:55:34pm

All that tear gas will be getting into people’s houses.

293 TedStriker  Aug 11, 2014 7:55:37pm

re: #279 Blue Fielder

Reported. You want to give orders, you’ll do it somewhere else.

Chill out, dude (or dudette, whichever the case may be); Dark may be a GOP homer who can’t see the forest for the trees sometimes, but, as far as I can see, you’re the one that started acting like an asshole in this thread.

We have a saying here in my part of Nashville that you’d be wise to consider: Don’t start no shit, won’t be no shit.

294 Floral Giraffe  Aug 11, 2014 7:56:46pm

re: #291 Aunty Entity Dragon

flounce.

From your fingertips to Stinky’s ears! Or is that wrench?

295 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 7:57:02pm

re: #287 Blue Fielder

You wanna act big

…which is what you did right here:

re: #268 Blue Fielder

You don’t give me orders, boy. Keep that in mind.

Stay classy.

296 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 7:57:28pm

re: #280 alpuz

I have no idea why you think your upbringing warrants authority. You don’t show that same respect when you talk about Wisconsin politics.

Why?

Look, man… your ‘oh shit’ moment came late in the game. And honestly, Dark this isn’t a fuckin’ game. You know that. Right?

Yeah, I know its not a game. And I wasn’t claiming authority, i was claiming that I do not speak of Chicago in the hostile manner that many wingnuts do. I thought that Blue Fielder’s #253 was likely making the case that my speaking of Chicago was in the fashion of wingnuts, who use its problems as a club with which to swing at President Obama. I was not speaking in such a way. I was actually referencing the fact that some Chicago police patrolling dangerous neighborhoods actually do have semi-auto AR-15s in their squad cars and that those officers in my opinion need those rifles.

297 Eclectic Cyborg  Aug 11, 2014 7:58:30pm

These cops in Ferguson are major league douchebags.

I don’t think we’ll make it through the night without shots fired.

298 jaunte  Aug 11, 2014 7:58:50pm

Democratic Committeewoman of Ferguson Township in St Louis County in MO.

299 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 7:59:01pm

Looks like things may be winding down for now in Ferguson. Hope so.

300 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 7:59:10pm

re: #290 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Those cops are CRAZY. Warrior wannabe’s.

Fuck.

301 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 7:59:23pm
302 Belafon  Aug 11, 2014 7:59:50pm

re: #283 jaunte

re: #284 Kragar

The comments on that are full of white privilege.

303 Floral Giraffe  Aug 11, 2014 7:59:51pm

Incredibly offensive to use the term “boy” in that way, on this thread.

304 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 8:00:25pm
305 Belafon  Aug 11, 2014 8:00:27pm

re: #301 Lidane

That should only be a scene in a dystopian movie.

306 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 8:01:02pm

re: #296 Dark_Falcon

Every Sheriff’s deputy in Eagle County, CO (a quite wealthy resort county in which I reside) has an AR-15 or a short-barrel 12-gauge in their cruiser at all times. Me? I think it’s a waste of money because crime rates are exceptionally low, seems excessive.

307 Lidane  Aug 11, 2014 8:01:22pm

re: #303 Floral Giraffe

Incredibly offensive to use the term “boy” in that way, on this thread.

Even dumber just to use it around here. Nobody at LGF is a boy or girl. We’re all adults.

308 Eclectic Cyborg  Aug 11, 2014 8:01:30pm

re: #304 Lidane

[Embedded content]

Are they allowed to do that? Kick the media off public streets?

309 Eclectic Cyborg  Aug 11, 2014 8:02:02pm

re: #305 Belafon

That should only be a scene in a dystopian movie.

I had the exact same thought.

310 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 8:02:45pm

re: #296 Dark_Falcon

What, in the goddam hell has that to do with shooting down this kid? Or, the death of Robin Williams?

Why… Fuggit. I already know why. Good night, Dark.

311 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 8:03:06pm

re: #305 Belafon

That should only be a scene in a dystopian movie.

Welcome to America, where you are free to folow the orders coming from the guy with a gun, gasmask and a black military uniform.

312 TedStriker  Aug 11, 2014 8:03:43pm

re: #308 Eclectic Cyborg

Are they allowed to do that? Kick the media off public streets?

I’m sure they’ll try to couch it under “extraordinary powers” during a “state of emergency”.

A “state of emergency” that was instigated and is being fueled by the actions of the Ferguson PD.

313 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 8:04:13pm

re: #303 Floral Giraffe

Incredibly offensive to use the term “boy” in that way, on this thread.

Thank you for that, Floral. and thanks for everyone who saw me as I am: I wasn’t trying to push at Blue Fielder. I thought he didn’t understand where I was coming from, and I did not give him orders. My #250 ended with:

re: #265 Dark_Falcon

I’m not mad at you, BF, but I do treat Chicago with respect and I ask that you consider my posts in that light.

I wasn’t trying to cause a problem and I’m sorry things got hostile.

314 TedStriker  Aug 11, 2014 8:05:00pm

re: #310 alpuz

What, in the goddam hell has that to do with shooting down this kid? Or, the death of Robin Williams?

Why… Fuggit. I already know why. Good night, Dark.

Back to the OT, here’s a little respite from the Ferguson madness:

Youtube Video

315 Belafon  Aug 11, 2014 8:06:00pm
316 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 8:06:12pm

Life online is a bit raw right now.

Everyone breathe.

317 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 8:06:15pm

re: #308 Eclectic Cyborg

Are they allowed to do that? Kick the media off public streets?

It would seem so. They were able to put Boston under martial law and forcibly enter homes without warrant with machine guns because of two guys with a couple of pressure cooker bombs.

The stuff we learned about the constitution in high school civics class seems pretty quaint these days.

318 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 8:06:38pm

re: #268 Blue Fielder

WTFF?

re: #279 Blue Fielder

re: #287 Blue Fielder

Did it ever occur to you that maybe you’re the reason people suck?

Longtime political blogger who quit because people suck. I’m back because people still suck.

littlegreenfootballs.com

319 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 8:06:59pm

re: #316 Stanley Sea

Life online is a bit raw right now.

Everyone breathe.

Youtube Video

320 TedStriker  Aug 11, 2014 8:07:18pm

re: #318 CuriousLurker

WTFF?

Did it ever occur to you that maybe you’re the reason people suck?

Heh…I thought the same thing when I looked at their profile.

321 Stanley Sea  Aug 11, 2014 8:07:44pm

re: #315 Belafon

[Embedded content]

an understanding btween ppl/police

Oh good luck dude with gun.

322 abolitionist  Aug 11, 2014 8:07:58pm

re: #308 Eclectic Cyborg

Are they allowed to do that? Kick the media off public streets?

*checking First Ammendment*

323 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 8:08:07pm

re: #310 alpuz

What, in the goddam hell has that to do with shooting down this kid? Or, the death of Robin Williams?

Why… Fuggit. I already know why. Good night, Dark.

My #232 was in response to this post:

re: #226 William Barnett-Lewis

Sorry DF but they are at least the same, if not worse, as their companions from the deep south. Not to mention knowing that there are even worse PD’s down there according to the people I know in greater STL.

The police remain the problem in America’s cities and the increasing militarization of the police has caused nothing but evil. There needs to be a mechanism where out of control PD’s can be federalized and every current member fired, instantly, to be replaced over time with properly selected, psychologically tested & fully trained individuals with no access to a SWAT team. No suburban PD needs an MRAP. No officer should have an AR in his vehicle. None.

I replied:

re: #232 Dark_Falcon

MRAPs are cheaper than SWAT vans, because they’re surplus. And yes, Will, there are places where cops need an AR-15 in their squad cars. And I’m sad to say that some of those places are in Chicago.

So my comment was addressing another post in the context of an discussion about what sort of weapons police needed access to.

324 CuriousLurker  Aug 11, 2014 8:10:48pm

re: #323 Dark_Falcon

BTW, good to see you back. We were getting kinda worried about you there for a while. I know we’ve all gotten upset with you at one time or another and yelled at or down-dinged the hell out of you, but you didn’t deserve that #268.

325 Aunty Entity Dragon  Aug 11, 2014 8:11:26pm

re: #322 abolitionist

*checking First Ammendment*

It inceasingly looks to me that LE can basically cancel the bill of rights whenever they like if they can claim an “emergency” of some sort. The mass detention (with guns pointed at dozens of innocent motorists) in Aurora Colrado comes to mind.

326 prairiefire  Aug 11, 2014 8:11:58pm

re: #323 Dark_Falcon

Your cool, Dark.

327 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 8:13:10pm

re: #323 Dark_Falcon

Honest question. Being a “good” Republican (I put good in quotes because I honestly don’t know what constitutes a good Republican these days, all I know is that you are pretty consistent in your voting patterns) how do you feel having to explain yourself at almost every turn, or does that even happen? I think I understand your politics and I do respect them (Republican in Cook County?!? Study Its Habits!!!) though I often disagree, especially when it comes to state power.

If you respond, I’ll be grateful. :)

328 Lancelot Link  Aug 11, 2014 8:14:26pm

“The police aren’t here to create disorder. The police are here to preserve disorder.”
Richard J. Daley, mayor of Chicago

329 Eventual Carrion  Aug 11, 2014 8:15:37pm

re: #322 abolitionist

*checking First Ammendment*

There is none but the second! So it is unwritten.

330 alpuz  Aug 11, 2014 8:15:42pm

smh. Ok, I’m trying to make some sort of sense from this. smh.

331 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 8:16:48pm
332 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 8:17:06pm

re: #327 teleskiguy

Honest question. Being a “good” Republican (I put good in quotes because I honestly don’t know what constitutes a good Republican these days, all I know is that you are pretty consistent in your voting patterns) how do you feel having to explain yourself at almost every turn, or does that even happen? I think I understand your politics and I do respect them (Republican in Cook County?!? Study Its Habits!!!) though I often disagree, especially when it comes to state power.

If you respond, I’ll be grateful. :)

I don’t always or even most of the time have to explain everything out. The times here on LGf when I do are just something I deal with. If anything, it helps me make my arguments more clearly.

333 William Barnett-Lewis  Aug 11, 2014 8:19:10pm

re: #241 <font><font>Dark_Falcon </font></font>

Actually there are easily available federal police. They call them “MP”s. I’d trust them before any of the so-called police in Ferguson.

334 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 8:20:09pm

re: #332 Dark_Falcon

I don’t always or even most of the time have to explain everything out. The times here on LGf when I do are just something I deal with. If anything, it helps me make my arguments more clearly.

I’d love to nit-pick you issue-by-issue just to see how right wing you are. But that’s for another time, over beers and the Avalanche crushing the Blackhawks.

*pwn*

:)

335 HappyWarrior  Aug 11, 2014 8:20:47pm

So sad to hear of his passing. He always seemed like a really down to earth guy. Had no idea about his issues with depression. My condolences to Robin’s friends and family.

336 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 8:35:23pm
337 Retrograde  Aug 11, 2014 8:37:13pm

Is it possible Williams may have been suffering from Bi-Polar mania ? The high energy “manic ” comedic style was his trademark , and is also a hallmark sign of this disorder . We only see the upside manic highs in his performances , however those suffering from this , experience the downside which is a deep , quiet depression . These depression states involve staying isolated , or in bed all day , weight loss , use of drugs or alcohol which can last for several days or weeks .In the past those suffering from this were diagnosed as suffering from manic depression , but Bi-Polar Mania is different , the highs can be indeed manic , but the lows ,a crushing depression which can lead to suicide . This can be treated , but must be diagnosed properly as such .
At any rate , he was a great actor and comic ,who gave more than he took . May he rest in peace .

338 Dark_Falcon  Aug 11, 2014 8:40:00pm

re: #333 William Barnett-Lewis

Actually there are easily available federal police. They call them “MP”s. I’d trust them before any of the so-called police in Ferguson.

The problem with that is the Posse Comitatus law. You’d need to change federal law and trying to change that law would in my opinion unleash enough paranoia and conspiracism that the attempt would likely founder.

339 abolitionist  Aug 11, 2014 8:48:46pm

re: #328 Lancelot Link

“The police aren’t here to create disorder. The police are here to preserve disorder.”
Richard J. Daley, mayor of Chicago

I think I saw that on live TV. Yeah, I’m old.

340 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 10:13:18pm

My favorite Robin Williams dialogue, probably:

PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWER!!!

itty bitty living space

341 sagehen  Aug 11, 2014 10:47:24pm

re: #306 teleskiguy

Every Sheriff’s deputy in Eagle County, CO (a quite wealthy resort county in which I reside) has an AR-15 or a short-barrel 12-gauge in their cruiser at all times. Me? I think it’s a waste of money because crime rates are exceptionally low, seems excessive.

Isn’t that one of those semi-wilderness (or nearish the wilderness) areas where’s there’s plenty of things other than people that may need shooting at?

342 teleskiguy  Aug 11, 2014 11:05:00pm

re: #341 sagehen

Isn’t that one of those semi-wilderness (or nearish the wilderness) areas where’s there’s plenty of things other than people that may need shooting at?

Nope. Not by a long shot. You’re thinking of backcountry villages accessible only by aircraft in the bush in Alaska. Colorado is bisected on all sides by some sort of human activity. In Alaska? Yeah, I’d want some guns (which are in fact required for every Dept. of Interior employee in Alaska, so I’m told.)

Alaska is a big untamed wilderness, kind of.

343 William Barnett-Lewis  Aug 12, 2014 6:31:14am

re: #338 Dark_Falcon

The problem with that is the Posse Comitatus law. You’d need to change federal law and trying to change that law would in my opinion unleash enough paranoia and conspiracism that the attempt would likely founder.

It was bad law when created to gut the Reconstruction. It needs to end.

344 Jolo5309  Aug 12, 2014 10:29:18am

Re: Robin WIlliams
I know that at least one of you was a Warhammer 40K player, so was Robin Williams. He has played it doing voices for all his miniatures.

Williams on Jonathan Winters:

We shared a love of painted military miniatures. He once sent me four tiny Napoleonic hookers in various states of undress with a note that read, “For zee troops!”


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