Swartz committed suicide as he faced a federal trial on criminal charges. One of the hacker world’s most iconic personalities, he had played a key role in building a number of things that defined the internet’s voice, helping build the RSS spec at the age of 14, helping build Reddit in its early days, and playing a key role in modern tech activism. It was this last aspect of his life that got him into significant legal trouble, as he faced a FBI investigation after publicly releasing large parts the for-pay PACER database to the public, then, two years later, found himself facing criminal charges after downloading millions of articles from the private JSTOR academic journal database. Swartz faced $4 million in fines as as many as 35 years in prison over felony charges related to the case — though both MIT and JSTOR declined civil actions in the case. (photo by quinnums/Flickr)
EDIT: Here’s a roundup of some noted tech-world reaction to Swartz’s death.
If you can take your worst nightmare and then put somebody you know and love into that situation and give them a gun and stand 3 feet away from them and watch them kill themselves, that’s what it’s like. It’s unfathomable. It’s something that you would love to wash away from your mind, but you can’t do it. There’s nothing like it. There’s nothing like it. Think about your worst nightmare and multiply by five.Kansas City Mayor Sly James • Speaking to the press regarding the horrible incident that occurred in his city this morning, in which Jovan Belcher, starting linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend (and mother of their infant child) before turning the gun on himself. His suicide occurred in a parking lot outside Arrowhead Stadium, where he arrived after his girlfriend’s shooting, and there were two very prominent witnesses — Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel, and general manager Scott Pioli, who Belcher reportedly thanked for their support before shooting himself. James, above, explained the emotional turmoil felt by Pioli, who he’s spoken to since the incident. Crennel has not yet spoken publicly. source
Here’s A bit of background info on seau, for those playing catch-up: A graduate of the University of Southern California, Seau was drafted fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers during the 1990 NFL draft. He spent 12 years in San Diego before being traded to Miami, retiring briefly, and finally landed with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. While he made two Super Bowl appearances, and 12 Pro Bowl starts, a championship ring eluded him his entire career. Seau retired again after the 2009 season, and was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame before the opening game of the 2010 season. More information on his reported death as it becomes available. source
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Today’s Sioux City Journal devoted their full front page to an editorial about a gay teen who recently committed suicide. On the death of 14-year-old Kenneth Weishuhn, which the paper called “a kind-hearted, fun-loving teenage boy,” the paper had this to say: “This is not a failure of one group of kids, one school, one town, one county or one geographic area. Rather, it exposes a fundamental flaw in our society, one that has deep-seated roots. Until now, it has been too difficult, inconvenient — maybe even painful — to address. But we can’t keep looking away.” A must-read that offers concrete solutions to a major cultural problem; check it out for yourself. (page via Newseum; thanks sarahlee310 for spotting)
Here’s a window into a tragedy within the American military: For every soldier killed on the battlefield this year, about 25 veterans are dying by their own hands.New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof • In an opinion piece on the death of soldiers after they return home. A few other key stats — more former soldiers have committed suicide after returning home than died in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq combined, being a veteran doubles the risk of suicide, and being a veteran between ages 17 and 24 quadruples the risk. Yikes. Read up on this disturbing trend.
A Moroccan woman forced to marry her rapist to protect her family’s honor recently committed suicide, but her legacy left a long trail online after her death. Amina Al Filali’s death shined a harsh light onto laws in the Moroccan legal system, specifically one that allows a man who marries the victim of rape or kidnapping to avoid prosecution. Her husband, Mustafa Fallaq, initially resisted the marriage — which was encouraged by Al Filali’s mother in response to the rape — but was later made aware aware of the legal loophole and used it to his advantage. A sad story, but what came after was amazing. Watch the clip above and read Al Jazeera’s recap. An important story on the strength of protest. (thanks suckersandpunks | EDIT: Clarification thanks to sharquaouia, who is in the above clip)
» Who would have guessed that getting high reduces stress? While the study stopped short of conclusively saying that medical marijuana was the direct cause of the lower rates, the authors did note that, when used in moderation, cannabis acts as an anti-depressant. The authors also found that states with medical marijuana programs saw a reduction in alcohol consumption by young men, and note that alcohol is a known depressant. Read the full results of the study here.
No plea bargaining. There must be a strong message sent that this type of unlawful misconduct cannot be tolerated. … They have to create an atmosphere in which Asian-Americans feel safe.OCA New York chapter president Elizabeth R. OuYang • Discussing the apparent suicide of Pvt. Danny Chen, a Chinese-American soldier found shot to death in a guard tower in Afghanistan. Chen died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, one which may have been precipitated due to hazing by other soldiers. Eight men have been charged in Chen’s death on an array of charges, including manslaughter and negligent homicide. Officials with ties to the Chinese-American community, like OuYang, have pressed for a deeper investigation by Army officials, but the Army has largely remained mum on said investigation. source (via • follow)
I can’t add much to what’s already been (and will be) ...
One of the perks of being an early employee...
Over the last 90 days, the Digg...
#FMMDI (at 30 Rockefeller Plaza)
Thanks. I guess my thoughts are as follows:
1. I think...
It’s always been a fear of mine knowing (the preserve’s owner) had all those animals. I have kids.Neighbor Danielle White • Discussing the bizarre incident involving an Ohio wildlife preserve, where numerous animals — lions, tigers and bears, plus more — had to be taken down in shoot-to-kill fashion after the owner opened up the cages housing numerous animals … then reportedly committed suicide, allowing the animals to run free throughout the area and creating a number of challenges for authorities. The preserve had been the subject of many complaints over the past decade. White, for example, once saw a lion escape. Most of the animals have been put down, but nearby schools had to close as a result of the bizarre incident. source (via • follow)
This issue is emotional, painful, and complicated. But these Americans served our nation bravely … we need to do everything in our power to honor their service, and to help them stay strong for themselves, for their families and for our nation.President Barack Obama • Reversing a previous policy that didn’t send military families condolence letters if their family member had committed suicide. This is definitely a good thing, because suicide is actually a common cause of death in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just because a soldier isn’t killed by the enemy, doesn’t mean their life means any less — military families deserve a letter from the president, regardless of the cause of death. source (via • follow)
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