RpR, sounds like a nice trip down Nostalgia Lane, perhaps seen a bit through those infamous rose colored glasses. I'm in the Pacific NW, rural county. We still have small churches and corner bars, although the ubiquitous cell phones have rather done away with idle chit-chat. I'm not familiar with any show/movies that encourage suicide, but then I don't watch much except the news (often enough to drive one over the brink in itself). I do remember Dad openly drinking beers in the car and thinking nothing of it. I don't think he drove drunk, he just enjoyed a 'road beer' as he called it. Warm beer, ugh, not for me, despite my German-Irish heritage. I like my beer icy cold and clear (no micro brews for me).
In any event, the article is quite sobering. Having some farmer friends, it IS a difficult way to make a living. And their kids are often not so keen on following in their footsteps. My heart goes out to anyone who is so discouraged with life that suicide becomes a viable option.
