'Vladimir: Life's Darker Side'

"We seal our fate with the choices we make". Gloria Estefan. End of Story

Your previous comment appears to be a non sequitur, posted without explanation.  I'm puzzled.

john

John (Crosley)

I only think that I understand the meaning of "non sequitur", seems to have a few definitions  but here goes. Someplace you wrote that he might be homeless. Does not appear so to me, but assume the scenario that he is homeless: Life comprises choices. Apparently Vlad here made some wrong ones -dreadfully wrong.  Vlad determined his fate (assuming no mental illness).  Society is not responsible for bailing him out. Gloria's comment is pretty clear to me.

Meir, I think I can assure you this man is homeless -- his things were in a bundle nearby.  He is an alcoholic, or if not an alcoholic, he drinks, and to excess.

That is not always one's choice. For me, if I were alcoholic, it would be choice, because I do not enjoy being 'buzzed' or 'blotto' but some people get intense pleasure from alcohol, more than anything in their life and feel such pain that only alcohol can wipe it out and even allow them to live.

That's often much in personal body chemistry.  I do not have that chemistry and thankfully am not at risk, but some people do.

I think this man falls into that category.

Personal responsibility is important, and I take responsibility for my actions and am no apologist for this guy; just his portraitist, and I think I did a creditable job -- he is a bum, homeless and certainly not well kept.

He may in fact be mentally quite ill.  Ukraine does not have good services for the mentally ill men, nor for that matter does America for the most part unless there insurance -- otherwise out on the street on $200 a month, which means 'bum' in America too.

This is a mere depiction; not an apology.

You may in fact be right, though I think this man does have mental illness too together with alcoholism.

That's my view; thanks for stating yours in enough fullness I can understand now.

john

John (Crosley)

I dunno what's more disturbing, his expression or the half missing fingernail