Thought of the Day

I recently found out the Golden Gate Bridge is the second-most popular site for suicides in the world. In any given year, an average of around 50 people commit suicide by hurling themselves off the bridge and about 100 potential jumpers are talked out of an attempt. The brilliant citizens and authorities of San Francisco have decided to thwart attempts with signs and suicide prevention hotlines, instead of, say, erecting barriers or nets. One reason for public opposition to barriers/nets is aesthetics. Aesthetics! How about the aesthetics of enjoying a nice, mid-afternoon walk on the bridge, only to have your picturesque view ruined by the silhouette of a man falling at breakneck speed into the bay? California: where vanity trumps pragmatism and compassion.