Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the fact that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This gives all of us a chance to come together to promote awareness about the issue of suicide prevention and how we can all help others talk about suicide. For many families in communities across the country, loved ones are gone far too soon because of suicide. Suicidal thoughts and action certainly know no bounds. They affect people of all ages, races, sexes, and religions. The statistics are startling. Suicide has become the third leading cause of death among young people and is the 10th leading cause of death here in the U.S. Each year, more than 40,000 Americans die by suicide--more than 100 per day, on average. A week and a half ago, I was in Kalamazoo's Bronson Park for the Gryphon Place Suicide Prevention Walk. A beautiful young woman by the name of Kait stood before a crowd of more than 100 and read a stirring poem about being bullied and, as a result, how she harbored thoughts of suicide. Hearing her deeply personal story certainly broke everyone's heart. It really did. As a father of two young adults, my thoughts quickly turned to them and their school experiences. Bullying is a very serious problem in our schools and can lead to depression, psychological issues, and, of course, suicide. When she finished, I followed up with her and told her that she is not alone. Anyone considering suicide or having suicidal thoughts should know the same.…”