Gary wrote:

<<<The man was sick.  He was either not properly treated or his disease was
beyond treatment.  His disease killed him.  Would you say "fuck you" to
the guy who's dying of cancer?  Ain't no difference here.>>>>

Sorry Gary, but it isn't the same.  The guy who is dying of cancer does not have a choice.  The person who shots smack did/does.  The analogy doesn't work.

On the other hand, one must feel compassion for anyone whose pain is so great that they see no other alternative but suicide.  Even if the man was a horrible creature his whole life (which is doubtful), one can't help but feel compassion for that pain, but feeling that compassion does not obviate Elliot Smith or anyone else from responsibility.  It is the rare person indeed whose mental condition is so fully phyisically determined that they have no responsibility for their actions.

Bill

NP - Drew's SOTT 17 contribution "Chick Habit"