THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 28, 1996 TAG: 9605240031
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
The recent suicide of Admiral Jeremy Boorda inspired many to ask why such a man would take his own life. The media wonder if the press went too far to get the story. The military community feels responsible because Admiral Boorda was not just a leader, he was part of the family. This finger-pointing and wondering must stop.
I am a survivor from a family touched by suicide. I have studied suicide and written about the subject in my graduate work at Norfolk State University. I have worked toward the prevention of suicide in this community by volunteering at the Crisis Center, where I answer phone calls from suicidal people who are reaching out for help.
Admiral Boorda's suicide was a personal choice. The press did not drive him to it. The shame of wearing unauthorized decorations did not force him to it. He could see no other choice to stop his pain. Admiral Boorda's emotional state could not allow him to consider any other choice.
At any time in anyone's life the thought of suicide may be considered. To paraphrase the father of suicidology, Dr. Edwin Schniedman: It is all right to think about suicide; just don't make it your only option.
SAM HOCHBERG
Norfolk, May 23, 1996 by CNB