Overheard on CNN.com: Suicides and the militaryleahgoldbergcnn
Comments of the Day:
"It saddens my heart to know that this man, who served for his country, can't be honored because of his turmoils. War does horrible things to the mind. It breaks people. Our soldiers deserve more." – cicisbo
"Look, I know this is a touchy subject, but, someone who commits suicide is the perpetrator, not the victim. They took a life, even if it was their own. It's not brave or honorable to do so." – o0hBoy
Even in suicide, soldiers' families deserve condolences from president
Army Spc. Chancellor Keesling, 25, died in 2009 on his second deployment to Iraq, but his family did not receive a presidential letter of condolence because Keesling committed suicide. Such letters are withheld from the families of service members who kill themselves. Keesling's father wrote an opinion piece for CNN.com, advocating for a change to the policy. Most people who commented on the piece wrote in support of the father.
Crankee said, "My heart goes out to Spc. Keesling's family, and the families of others for whom combat took too heavy a toll. The condolence letter policy needs to be changed."
buckcameron said, "We are reluctant to acknowledge the severe mental stress of combat and to accept that suicides, either during or after combat, are part of the destruction of war. This young man served honorably and, it would seem, above and beyond his limits. My condolences to the family and also my praise for continuing to recognize their son's worth and sacrifice."
MewsJunkie said, "Let us ask Pres. Obama to send condolence letters to families of servicemen and women who commit suicide. They died as a direct result of military service even though their scars are often invisible."
Some readers shared their own stories.
ChipsDad said, "USMC Sgt. Boyd W. Wicks, Sr., Squad Leader, infantry, honorably discharged: came home and committed suicide as a result of PTSD. Once a Marine always a Marine, except when you are already discharged, then commit suicide. His buddies remember and honor him to this day. I wrote numerous letters to the USMC commandant at the time, which have yet to be answered. Senators Carper, Biden, McCain, and Spector are trying to get the UDS to recognize these post-service deaths as casualties of war, not for any compensation, but to honor these dead as true casualties."
lyghtsalt said, "I had one friend who killed himself right before we got underway. Being in the US Navy, you form a strong bond with people. So when he died, my boat was hurt. Another friend of mine couldn't quite get back into civilian life and killed himself. I'm not condoning what they did, but I do believe the military should take mental assessments more seriously. There's a lot of stress in the military and the slightest problem can throw some people off."
KC3482 said, "I think more needs to be brought to light to avoid suicide. We had a guy kill himself at the start of our second deployment. He had issues with his father that started before the Army. He was a good kid and soldier but what he did was by no means honorable. He had a support system and friends. I've been down on my luck before; I've been depressed. I wouldn't expect the President to offer condolences to my family if I killed myself. We did have a memorial for that soldier but he isn't listed on the memorial of our unit's KIAs."
Saudi prince calls for lower oil prices
Americans are not the only ones who wish oil prices would drop: So does Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, grandson of the founding king of modern Saudi Arabia. He expressed concern that the higher prices will drive Americans to develop alternative energy.
cuseguy said, "Would a crack dealer be pleased his customer is trying to go clean?" RedDragon11 said, "Finally an honest person in political power. Keep US hooked, plain and simple. I like his honesty, but am concerned about our need for oil and lack of alternatives."
monada, who identified as an "ex-Marine, business owner, and typical solid citizen," said, "That's your pusher talking. When I look at the supposed 'hippie tree huggers' and the faux news 'real' Americans I think it's bass ackward. It sure seems like the 'real' Americans are doing what they want for short-term personal gain and not what's right for the country; and the libtards are the ones trying to actually do something for the betterment of America."
emma65 said, "True colours: if the West ever needed reason to begin weaning themselves off oil, it was just handed it to us on a silver platter. The sooner the West divests itself of all interest in the Middle East, the better." Commentor785 said, "The time to cut our addiction is now. Oil companies and corrupt leaders have been profiting off destroying the environment and artificially raising prices for far too long." sjalal said, "I am ready to pay the premium if that would make our leaders push for alternate, clean renewable energy sources."
HHI said, "Until everyone has their senator on speed dial nothing will change. Just throw another shrimp on the barbie. Have a great weekend all and thank you to all those who have served and do serve in our military." jmcguiredfh said, "Pretty soon, when you fill out your 1040 it will ask 'Do you want to donate to the Presidential Campaign fund?' and beneath that: 'Do you want to donate to Big Oil who will donate to the Presidential Campaign Fund?' "
Mysterious markings discovered at Great Pyramid of Giza
Why are there tiny tunnels leading from the royal chambers in Egypt's Great Pyramid to a small secret room? A new robot has photographed hieroglyphs that may offer a solution. CNN.com readers had fun offering their own.
l2l said, "When they are translated, the markings will read 'Made in China.' " UncleBeasley offered, "Give my regards to the British Museum."
1alan1 said, "I had similar markings on my floor after I painted the ceiling. Hmm, I wonder. …" zix said, "It's the PIN number for Mubarak's secret Pyramid account." ozky said, "Health and safety notice about wearing helmets, probably." Furunculus said, "Translates to, 'RESTROOM.' "
coldsteal2 suggested, " 'For a good time, call Nefertiti.' " HenkV said, " 'Keep raising the debt ceiling. It won't hurt us, our civilization will survive.' " klarg said, "Sorry, the glyphs say, 'Leave razors here overnight and they will magically sharpen.' "
johnnyever suggested, "Here I had many women." F0st3rs said, "Watch out for Moses. He's nothing but trouble."
Do you feel your views align with these commenters' thoughts? Post a comment below or sound off on video.
Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.
Via: This Just In



























