The lengths we'll go to protect someone from themselves

[merl]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/...uicide-barrier

The Golden Gate Bridge's board of directors approved $76 million in funding to install a net system that would prevent people from committing suicide by jumping off the bridge.
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the money will come from a combination of bridge tolls and federal and state coffers.
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since the bridge opened in 1937, at least 1,600 people have jumped to their deaths. A record 46 committed suicide last year.

Congratulations you and I are paying for nets to save people who jump off the golden gate bridge at a cost of 1.6M for each that died last year or 48K for anyone who has ever died. No discussion of ongoing maintenance costs or how much it'll cost to fish each person out of the nets.

Personally I think they should put a diving board at the center of the bridge. (and of course a lawyer note about how using this may be hazardous to your health) Do these people really think that because they cannot jump off that bridge a suicidal person will just say "Oh well, there goes that plan. Might as well go on living." No they are going to find another bridge.