Census worker Bill Sparkman committed suicide and deliberately made it look like murder as part of an insurance scam, Kentucky state police have concluded.
I did not see any other diaries on this news and felt it worthy of discussion, particularly at this time of year.
Many in this community rushed to judgment when we first learned of the death of Bill Sparkman. How quickly we were willing to think the worst of "southern Appalachian anti-government wingnuts".
Now that the truth is out, I believe we owe an apology to the residents of Clay County, Kentucky and others who were slandered by another example of Hyperventilating Bulls*** on Daily Kos.
At the same time, I feel deeply sorry for Bill Sparkman. He was obviously in a great deal of emotional pain and in his tortured mind saw some cruel logic in the creation of his life's last chapter. It appears that he was thinking of his son, although I would wager his son would trade all the money in Bill's new life insurance policies, money he will now not ever receive, just to have his Dad back for Thanksgiving dinner.
In these difficult times, I fear many Americans thoughts will turn toward suicide. I know that I have thought about it from time to time. But I also know that it is not the answer. I know that it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Bill Sparkman got the permanent and temporary mixed up.
This Thanksgiving, as I count my blessings around the table with my own family, I will say a prayer for Bill Sparkman's son and for others who may face the same question of permanent solutions to temporary problems this holiday season.
Peace.