We should have known, but, still, the science is shocking: when conservatives run governments, suicides and homicides go up; when liberals run governments, suicides and homicides go down...
Problem is that it is mostly the young, those influenced by social media, and bullying, especially LGBT, but I have to admit, I've seen reports, that suicide among farmers is high, then again farmers are by and large Republicans, conservative, religious and in debt.
Among all adults—including Veterans—the average number of suicides per day rose from 81.0 per day in 2001 to 121.0 in 2020. The average number of suicides per day among U.S. adults was highest in 2018 (127.4 per day). The average number of Veteran suicides per day rose from 16.4 in 2001 to 16.8 in 2020.
At the same time, Montana (#3) has the highest gun ownership rate, with 66.3% of adults owning a gun. Wyoming closely follows at 66.2%, with Alaska in third at 64.5%.
“Especially strong associations were observed between certain domains and specific causes of death: between the gun safety domain and suicide mortality among men, between the labor domain and alcohol-induced mortality, and between both the economic tax and tobacco tax domains and CVD mortality."
As to suicides, data shows that use of lethal methods, specifically firearms and hanging/suffocation, has been increasing among young and middle-aged adults of both sexes over the past decades. You'd think that easy access to guns would be the major factor.
Alaska, Wyoming and Montana have one thing in common, they attract right wingers, sociopaths who can't live with others of their species. Now I am what one would consider asocial, but not antisocial, IOW I have no socialization or social needs, although I do know how to socialize and do so successfully, but I don't have the need to feel the fur of my fellow critters against me.
I have spent a lot of time in Alaska, I have some former team mates who have retired in and stayed in Alaska. I have a former step son that went to Alaska for a job and stayed, they all have one thing in common, they are misfits who can't get along with others
Alaska also has a high suicide rate because it is the most depressing state in the union, with a night that last six months.alcoholism is rampant, I've seen people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks when the temperature is below freezing.
It also produces the highest number of morons, like Sarah Palin.
As regards suicide, I am all for self euthanasia, freedom of choice, I am pro choice. If my lung cancer kicks back up and metastasizes to the point that it causes me severe pain, then I will crawl up into the large oxygen tent, sans the oxygen, and let carbon dioxide do the job. It is painless. No mess to clean up, very thoughtful/
Would you consider yourself a social introvert? I'm curious about your work life, assuming you're not a trust fund baby. It's quite possible to be the center of attention in a group but also value time alone for long periods of time. I suspect there are more people like that than is recognized.
Thank you for replying. At 91 brain is not conducive to serious study. I just did an open mic at a comedy club for my birthday. That was taxing enough. I finished reading Thom's article re/Barr and my head is spinning. The article and comments are so thoughtful and intelligent. At the risk of being obsequious yours always stand out. My motive? Plain old curiosity.
Some of these states also are seeing overall and persistent population declines. Wyoming and Oklahoma are examples. Many of the involved people I have worked with in Wyoming are concerned about whether there will be a sufficient population in a couple of decades to sustain even the current infrastructure.
I had a plan. Millions of Puerto Ricans living on the mainland because SSI is not applicable on the island. SSI is portable within the states. Wyoming's voter population is less than 219,000. Relocate 250,000 Democrats. By comparison DC has no representation but in 2016 had 670,000 registered to vote!
Wyoming has 2 senators one house member. The senators can join PR and DC to the electoral college + can control the senate.
Wyoming Native Americans accounted for more than 42% of the state's coronavirus deaths but comprise just 2.3% of the population. Most not registered -- need a mailing address. Many registered Republican.
Consider the tens of thousands of homeless Californians who cannot afford housing but qualify for HUD chits. Wyoming has the lowest average cost of living among all of the Rocky Mountain states,. Average Housing Costs in Wyoming: $662 to $1,622 per month. The state has just 274,371 housing units, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
By comparison, Los Angeles rents rose to $3,515. Statewide, the median rent was $2,941 per month. The average rent in New York, NY is $3,760 per month. This is 148% higher than the national average rent price of $1,514/month, making New York one of the most expensive cities to rent an apartment in the US. Those could save billions in the long run finding volunteers to relocate.
As I near the grave, one of the most positive things about it will be that I will never have to hear, see, or read another word about tfg and his cultists. I would never commit suicide, because of my family, my friends, my faith. But if the faux orange slime mold reinfects the White House, it will be an immense relief if I pass quickly thereafter.
Wishing you long life, Roy — and to all of us, without the slime mold hovering in the wings … May he exit soon, via law or happenstance … Just so he goes ….
Red state voters are pissed off, and rightfully so.
Red states rank at the very BOTTOM of the country for GDP, hospital quality, health outcomes, happiness, income, education, air quality, water quality and life expectancy.
Not to worry, though, because red states rank highest for federal funding per capita, poverty, divorce, teen pregnancies, violent crime, domestic violence, governmental corruption, child and transgender porn, COVID deaths per capita and mental health crises.
Seven of the top ten states losing population are red. Contrary to popular rhetoric on the right, neither New York nor California are part of that top ten.
In fact, California has experienced a 7.97% growth rate—higher than that of 26 other states—since the 2010 census.
New York's state population increased by 5.52% from 2010 to 2023. Higher than 31 other states during that time.
Red states are completely resistant to policies that might mitigate the damage wrought by climate change, but require the most federal welfare assistance and FEMA aid after climate disasters.
They obsess over culture war issues that don't affect their lives at all, and blame blue state politicians and voters thousands of miles away, (who do not hold power either locally or in their state government) for all their problems.
As they're left farther and farther behind, they will increasingly hate and envy blue state residents and their better quality of life while doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to better their own.....but they do obsess over bringing the rest of us down to their depths.
And, as long as they continue to vote for the same people, blame others for their problems and are easily distracted from the real root of their problems, nothing will ever change for them, including who they blame for it.
"What's the Matter With Kansas" was a good book. People voting like they hate themselves. I should try to catch up on political literature, but, you know, HartmannWorld probably covers it anyhow....
Yes and they always criticize the city folk? While they defend unlimited greed, false religions, and the globalist who have enslaved them? It must suck to be them. No wonder they are envious.
Maybe I'm super-sensitive but when GWB was appointed president I really wished some person with insight would track the suicides to see if they increased. I felt at that point the end of democracy was imminent & I was positive many others felt the same. Needless to say I am not in the least surprised by this article. While I will remain skeptical of the ability of America to be honest & transparent in governing regardless of party I will never vote republican. I became a staunch democrat in 6th grade the minute I learned about FDR. And Thom, I truly appreciate your indepth explanations.
Is it no wonder that they need to lie, cheat, and steal to win elections? So many things are worse when a Republican is in charge, so they need to own the media to help spread propaganda and own the courts to curry favor for them. The one thing that they are good at is helping the rich who in turn help them accomplish these goals. And we the people help to keep this cycle going. 🤔
The good news is we have the tech to get us these stats and compile the fascinating data. The bad news is we have the tech to gather all the bad shit that happens in America (and the world) and to put it out there---if it bleeds it leads. And boy, do Republicans know how to use the resulting fear! Give them the office, the committee chair, the courts, and FOX and the misery index will sky rocket.
Culture wars and real wars are their solutions. Sure the left makes mistakes, but the difference is we admit it and try to fix it. Our brains work differently. Republicans are STUCK. They are victims of their amygdala---I don't want to be one too. Simply put, "fight or flight" will wear you out.
We must move on with or without them, and this Report is one more reason why we should. So interesting, Thom!
It's been shown by the data many times (e.g. https://www.epi.org/publication/econ-performance-pres-admin/) that the economy is better under Democratic than Republican administrations. Although many factors affect homicide and suicide rates, it is hard for me to believe that these rates are totally divorced from economic cycles. An economic downturn is a major stressor for human beings at individual and societal levels. When the economy does poorly, lay-offs abound, poverty (a known major stressor) increases, social injustice rises and becomes more obvious to the victims. All this can engender powerful feelings of frustration, despair and rage in people. Yes, responses to, and expressions of stress are manifold, and do include violence toward self or others.
You think this might cause those on the edge to lean towards a softer society. The head simply does not vote for the welfare of the body. I guess some like violence and are will to take the plunge themselves. You would also think the Church might want to end that violence for Jesus sake.
If there is one trait that permeates their cult is that they are bereft of humor, which is sad. When the GOP has control and gets to infuse a little extra hate and anger into the mix, the sadness is more likely to win.
The common trait of a lack of sense of humour amongst extreme cons would make an interesting study. Then again now I come to think about the papers in Ludic studies I had to read whilst studying anthropology, maybe not.
Thanks, Thom, for another interesting post. However, every good scientist knows one of the fundamental rules of scientific enquiry: correlation is not causation. So, it could be argued by the opposition that Republicans are called forth by the citizenry in difficult times to correct the errors of a previous liberal Dem administration. That would be equally fallacious. And, yet, I too smiled when I read "that orange slime mold". Certainly, good humor is highly correlated with longevity. Best wishes to one and all!
Good news the house has passed the Ukraine aid bill by 316 to 91. I am sure that the 91 is the MAGAt Caucus, they and their lord and savior are traitors anyway, Republicans for Putin.
I chalk it up to Democratic policies that practice safety nets. Despite the ACA (Obamacare) not being a very good health care plan, it is political suicide for the GOP to nullify it as many of their own constituents need the coverage. The brilliance of Reagan and the GoP is that they’ve been able to use wedge issues, cultural differences to get a large base of voters ( evangelicals; workers; farmers). The farmers I don’t especially understand. They need government supported loans and protection from large Agribusinesses but yet vote for the party that could not care less about the family farm. Obama was able to get elected bec 8 yrs of GoP governance does a lot of damage v
Citizens' murders and self-destruction are a function of attenuated "Mental" Health.
Trump's and the GOP's deliberate, non-stop senselessness, engenders within citizens exactly what Trump and the GOP are themselves.
To paraphrase William Holden in the movie : "Network" . . . "They (DJT/GOP) are madness incarnate. . . . Virulent, inchoate madness. The lot of them, esp. those on FOX and on The Hill."
Here's the clip. Bill Holden dumps his girlfriend to go home to his wife.:
Such a brilliant prescient film. I often think just how much those who could see this dystopia we are in unfolding so many decades ago have had to suffer being silenced and in silence.
I found this divergence interesting: “When the Conservatives ruled both state and federal governments,” the BBC summarized, “men were 17% more likely to commit suicide than when Labour was in power. Women were 40% more likely to kill themselves.” One would expect, indeed, that an extra burden of coping with Conservative times falls on women, including dealing with men who are more agitated and more likely to be unemployed, AT THE SAME TIME "Conservative values" devalue and disempower women!
So that's why they don't get vaccinated, it's a passive form of suicide. Now I get it!
OK, that’s kind of clever, G G.
And only a little bit funny, because it is infinitely sad.
Problem is that it is mostly the young, those influenced by social media, and bullying, especially LGBT, but I have to admit, I've seen reports, that suicide among farmers is high, then again farmers are by and large Republicans, conservative, religious and in debt.
Among all adults—including Veterans—the average number of suicides per day rose from 81.0 per day in 2001 to 121.0 in 2020. The average number of suicides per day among U.S. adults was highest in 2018 (127.4 per day). The average number of Veteran suicides per day rose from 16.4 in 2001 to 16.8 in 2020.
Wyoming is number 1 -- by far. Alaska # 2. Montana.Idaho #3 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/suicide-mortality/suicide.htm
At the same time, Montana (#3) has the highest gun ownership rate, with 66.3% of adults owning a gun. Wyoming closely follows at 66.2%, with Alaska in third at 64.5%.
However, by county, there are pockets that are proportionally higher. In Baghdad By the Sea only 8 in a year. In my old home town in Pennsyltucky, 18, which ranks with Wyoming. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/health-factors/social-economic-factors/community-safety/suicides?year=2024&county=12086
The 2021 suicide rate among working age folk is approximately 33% higher than it was two decades ago. Major industry groups with the highest suicide rates included Mining; Construction; Other Services; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation; and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting.https://www.safestates.org/news/661869/Suicide-Rates-by-Industry-and-Occupation--National-Vital-Statistics-System-United-States-2021..htm#:~:text=The%202021%20suicide%20rate%20among,Forestry%2C%20Fishing%2C%20and%20Hunting.
“Especially strong associations were observed between certain domains and specific causes of death: between the gun safety domain and suicide mortality among men, between the labor domain and alcohol-induced mortality, and between both the economic tax and tobacco tax domains and CVD mortality."
As to suicides, data shows that use of lethal methods, specifically firearms and hanging/suffocation, has been increasing among young and middle-aged adults of both sexes over the past decades. You'd think that easy access to guns would be the major factor.
Alaska, Wyoming and Montana have one thing in common, they attract right wingers, sociopaths who can't live with others of their species. Now I am what one would consider asocial, but not antisocial, IOW I have no socialization or social needs, although I do know how to socialize and do so successfully, but I don't have the need to feel the fur of my fellow critters against me.
I have spent a lot of time in Alaska, I have some former team mates who have retired in and stayed in Alaska. I have a former step son that went to Alaska for a job and stayed, they all have one thing in common, they are misfits who can't get along with others
Alaska also has a high suicide rate because it is the most depressing state in the union, with a night that last six months.alcoholism is rampant, I've seen people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks when the temperature is below freezing.
It also produces the highest number of morons, like Sarah Palin.
As regards suicide, I am all for self euthanasia, freedom of choice, I am pro choice. If my lung cancer kicks back up and metastasizes to the point that it causes me severe pain, then I will crawl up into the large oxygen tent, sans the oxygen, and let carbon dioxide do the job. It is painless. No mess to clean up, very thoughtful/
Would you consider yourself a social introvert? I'm curious about your work life, assuming you're not a trust fund baby. It's quite possible to be the center of attention in a group but also value time alone for long periods of time. I suspect there are more people like that than is recognized.
Interesting question, and motives. Are you working on a graduate thesis, or searching to confirm an opinion?
Thank you for replying. At 91 brain is not conducive to serious study. I just did an open mic at a comedy club for my birthday. That was taxing enough. I finished reading Thom's article re/Barr and my head is spinning. The article and comments are so thoughtful and intelligent. At the risk of being obsequious yours always stand out. My motive? Plain old curiosity.
Some of these states also are seeing overall and persistent population declines. Wyoming and Oklahoma are examples. Many of the involved people I have worked with in Wyoming are concerned about whether there will be a sufficient population in a couple of decades to sustain even the current infrastructure.
I had a plan. Millions of Puerto Ricans living on the mainland because SSI is not applicable on the island. SSI is portable within the states. Wyoming's voter population is less than 219,000. Relocate 250,000 Democrats. By comparison DC has no representation but in 2016 had 670,000 registered to vote!
Wyoming has 2 senators one house member. The senators can join PR and DC to the electoral college + can control the senate.
Probably more than 250,000 PRs on SSI in the NY metro area. Plus the unemployment rate in Wyoming is 2.8%. The following jobs provide housing. https://www.indeed.com/q-housing-provided-l-wyoming-jobs.html?vjk=a01a4f112ac74cd1
Wyoming Native Americans accounted for more than 42% of the state's coronavirus deaths but comprise just 2.3% of the population. Most not registered -- need a mailing address. Many registered Republican.
Consider the tens of thousands of homeless Californians who cannot afford housing but qualify for HUD chits. Wyoming has the lowest average cost of living among all of the Rocky Mountain states,. Average Housing Costs in Wyoming: $662 to $1,622 per month. The state has just 274,371 housing units, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
By comparison, Los Angeles rents rose to $3,515. Statewide, the median rent was $2,941 per month. The average rent in New York, NY is $3,760 per month. This is 148% higher than the national average rent price of $1,514/month, making New York one of the most expensive cities to rent an apartment in the US. Those could save billions in the long run finding volunteers to relocate.
Also they drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, eat meat, don't exercise... Suicide by junk food and drugs and war. Why what a positive lot they are! /S
I think they need to hold more indoor rallies during the bird flu outbreak and put their theories to the test.
As I near the grave, one of the most positive things about it will be that I will never have to hear, see, or read another word about tfg and his cultists. I would never commit suicide, because of my family, my friends, my faith. But if the faux orange slime mold reinfects the White House, it will be an immense relief if I pass quickly thereafter.
Wishing you long life, Roy — and to all of us, without the slime mold hovering in the wings … May he exit soon, via law or happenstance … Just so he goes ….
I like “that orange slime mold”! 👍
Red state voters are pissed off, and rightfully so.
Red states rank at the very BOTTOM of the country for GDP, hospital quality, health outcomes, happiness, income, education, air quality, water quality and life expectancy.
Not to worry, though, because red states rank highest for federal funding per capita, poverty, divorce, teen pregnancies, violent crime, domestic violence, governmental corruption, child and transgender porn, COVID deaths per capita and mental health crises.
Seven of the top ten states losing population are red. Contrary to popular rhetoric on the right, neither New York nor California are part of that top ten.
In fact, California has experienced a 7.97% growth rate—higher than that of 26 other states—since the 2010 census.
New York's state population increased by 5.52% from 2010 to 2023. Higher than 31 other states during that time.
Red states are completely resistant to policies that might mitigate the damage wrought by climate change, but require the most federal welfare assistance and FEMA aid after climate disasters.
They obsess over culture war issues that don't affect their lives at all, and blame blue state politicians and voters thousands of miles away, (who do not hold power either locally or in their state government) for all their problems.
As they're left farther and farther behind, they will increasingly hate and envy blue state residents and their better quality of life while doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to better their own.....but they do obsess over bringing the rest of us down to their depths.
And, as long as they continue to vote for the same people, blame others for their problems and are easily distracted from the real root of their problems, nothing will ever change for them, including who they blame for it.
Source: www.worldpopulationreview.com
"What's the Matter With Kansas" was a good book. People voting like they hate themselves. I should try to catch up on political literature, but, you know, HartmannWorld probably covers it anyhow....
Yes and they always criticize the city folk? While they defend unlimited greed, false religions, and the globalist who have enslaved them? It must suck to be them. No wonder they are envious.
Maybe I'm super-sensitive but when GWB was appointed president I really wished some person with insight would track the suicides to see if they increased. I felt at that point the end of democracy was imminent & I was positive many others felt the same. Needless to say I am not in the least surprised by this article. While I will remain skeptical of the ability of America to be honest & transparent in governing regardless of party I will never vote republican. I became a staunch democrat in 6th grade the minute I learned about FDR. And Thom, I truly appreciate your indepth explanations.
Is it no wonder that they need to lie, cheat, and steal to win elections? So many things are worse when a Republican is in charge, so they need to own the media to help spread propaganda and own the courts to curry favor for them. The one thing that they are good at is helping the rich who in turn help them accomplish these goals. And we the people help to keep this cycle going. 🤔
The good news is we have the tech to get us these stats and compile the fascinating data. The bad news is we have the tech to gather all the bad shit that happens in America (and the world) and to put it out there---if it bleeds it leads. And boy, do Republicans know how to use the resulting fear! Give them the office, the committee chair, the courts, and FOX and the misery index will sky rocket.
Culture wars and real wars are their solutions. Sure the left makes mistakes, but the difference is we admit it and try to fix it. Our brains work differently. Republicans are STUCK. They are victims of their amygdala---I don't want to be one too. Simply put, "fight or flight" will wear you out.
We must move on with or without them, and this Report is one more reason why we should. So interesting, Thom!
Great reply, Alis!
It's been shown by the data many times (e.g. https://www.epi.org/publication/econ-performance-pres-admin/) that the economy is better under Democratic than Republican administrations. Although many factors affect homicide and suicide rates, it is hard for me to believe that these rates are totally divorced from economic cycles. An economic downturn is a major stressor for human beings at individual and societal levels. When the economy does poorly, lay-offs abound, poverty (a known major stressor) increases, social injustice rises and becomes more obvious to the victims. All this can engender powerful feelings of frustration, despair and rage in people. Yes, responses to, and expressions of stress are manifold, and do include violence toward self or others.
You think this might cause those on the edge to lean towards a softer society. The head simply does not vote for the welfare of the body. I guess some like violence and are will to take the plunge themselves. You would also think the Church might want to end that violence for Jesus sake.
If there is one trait that permeates their cult is that they are bereft of humor, which is sad. When the GOP has control and gets to infuse a little extra hate and anger into the mix, the sadness is more likely to win.
The common trait of a lack of sense of humour amongst extreme cons would make an interesting study. Then again now I come to think about the papers in Ludic studies I had to read whilst studying anthropology, maybe not.
Thanks, Thom, for another interesting post. However, every good scientist knows one of the fundamental rules of scientific enquiry: correlation is not causation. So, it could be argued by the opposition that Republicans are called forth by the citizenry in difficult times to correct the errors of a previous liberal Dem administration. That would be equally fallacious. And, yet, I too smiled when I read "that orange slime mold". Certainly, good humor is highly correlated with longevity. Best wishes to one and all!
Wow Thom, that is heavy. Thanks a million. The DNC, DSCC, DCCC should be using this in bumper sticker form or maybe a documentary or ad.
Good news the house has passed the Ukraine aid bill by 316 to 91. I am sure that the 91 is the MAGAt Caucus, they and their lord and savior are traitors anyway, Republicans for Putin.
Yeah but “woke”, ya know, right? 😎
I chalk it up to Democratic policies that practice safety nets. Despite the ACA (Obamacare) not being a very good health care plan, it is political suicide for the GOP to nullify it as many of their own constituents need the coverage. The brilliance of Reagan and the GoP is that they’ve been able to use wedge issues, cultural differences to get a large base of voters ( evangelicals; workers; farmers). The farmers I don’t especially understand. They need government supported loans and protection from large Agribusinesses but yet vote for the party that could not care less about the family farm. Obama was able to get elected bec 8 yrs of GoP governance does a lot of damage v
Citizens' murders and self-destruction are a function of attenuated "Mental" Health.
Trump's and the GOP's deliberate, non-stop senselessness, engenders within citizens exactly what Trump and the GOP are themselves.
To paraphrase William Holden in the movie : "Network" . . . "They (DJT/GOP) are madness incarnate. . . . Virulent, inchoate madness. The lot of them, esp. those on FOX and on The Hill."
Here's the clip. Bill Holden dumps his girlfriend to go home to his wife.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4DXaKuOAZ0
Such a brilliant prescient film. I often think just how much those who could see this dystopia we are in unfolding so many decades ago have had to suffer being silenced and in silence.
I found this divergence interesting: “When the Conservatives ruled both state and federal governments,” the BBC summarized, “men were 17% more likely to commit suicide than when Labour was in power. Women were 40% more likely to kill themselves.” One would expect, indeed, that an extra burden of coping with Conservative times falls on women, including dealing with men who are more agitated and more likely to be unemployed, AT THE SAME TIME "Conservative values" devalue and disempower women!
Domestic violence also spikes during times of economic recession. Women and children are easy targets.
😯😯😯😬😬😬
I am stopped in my tracks!!!! Wow.