The Jonestown memorial

[LogicIsYourFriend]

Originally Posted by SuSuSushi

Why is there a memorial to all of these people? A good share of them voluntarily killed themselves, essentially sacrificing themselves for their religious beliefs, so why a "victims" memorial when most of them were not victims? They chose their path, they knew what they were doing.

I can see there being a memorial to the innocents in the group who were forced to drink the deadly poison, or the members who had the common sense to not want to kill themselves, but why are the names of the suicides on the memorial too?

Jonestown memorial unveiled on 30th anniversary | National Headlines from AP | Star-Telegram.com (http://www.star-telegram.com/462/story/1046641.html - broken link)

Because people who are mislead by religious wackos are victims, even if they're dumb enough to commit suicide for their religion.

[Bluesmama]

Originally Posted by LogicIsYourFriend

Because people who are mislead by religious wackos are victims, even if they're dumb enough to commit suicide for their religion.

The very reality that some people, like Jones and Manson, can have such control over people ~ gullible or not ~ is beyond terrifying to me.

Manson was just evil. However, he ingrained in his "flock" that he was the 2nd Coming, and it certainly isn't because he was "religious". Through his distorted mind, and drugs, and master of manipulation, he knew exactly who to target.

Manson and Jones. Amazing how two people so different could be so much alike.

[b. frank]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

Manson and Jones. Amazing how two people so different could be so much alike.

I don't see much difference at all.