I just want every person in this group to know that my son, John McCartney, is now in a mental institution. As you all know, John got fired from his job in the Astronomy Department last week because he was using the telescopes instead of doing his work. On top of that, he told me that he got kicked out of his favorite online chat group - Bad Astronomy. John was in other chat groups, too, but this was his favorite. It was a crushing blow to him when he got kicked out. Now he's entered a bout of severe depression and has been institutionalized. I found all this out when I checked his computer, and I have to say that I'm extremely disappointed in every member of this group. How could you do such a thing that poor boy? His only dream in life was to become an astronomer. Now look what happened. He's in a hospital. And I have to admit, some of John's ideas were a little bizarre, like how he always heard secret messages in rock n' roll songs. But that started at an early age.
His interest in Astronomy began after he saw his first Bugs Bunny cartoon with the little alien character. Then he got hooked on Kazoo from the Flintstones, and also the Jetsons. After that, he discovered rock n' roll, and became obsessed with someone named Moon Martin - obviously another Astronomy link. But nothing got him more excited than studying the planets and coming up with scientific theories. He came home at night and said (I'd never seen him this happy), "Mom, I just joined Bad Astronomy, now I'm a real scientist just like they are!" He was so proud of himself. Then the worst happened and he got fired for following his passion. I hope all of you can understand how important this endeavor was to him. Astronomy was John's life, and now he's sitting in a home suffering from severe depression. He thinks his life is hopeless. I've tried to help him, but nothing seems to make him better. Then I found the message where he asked you guys to buy him a telescope. I'd do it myself, but I work as a waitress, and with a $550 rent payment each month, plus a light bill and phone bill, there's not much left over. So I started thinking, what would make John feel better? Then I got a great idea. What if you guys DID buy John a telescope, then I'd deliver it to him at the hospital. I know his eyes would light up like the sun! So, if you could possibly come up with some kind of solution, it would mean the world to both John and myself. He's a troubled boy, but he really does mean good, and he has so much respect and admiration for your chat group. He felt great being a part of it until he was kicked out. Please let me know what you can come up with. I'm really worried about him, and I'd hate for him to try and commit suicide again like he did two years ago.
With love,
Mrs. McCartney (John's Mom)