... teacher Carla Swick posed a question about Alaska’s high suicide and domestic violence rates and asked what Young's office is doing about it. Young started talking about suicide, mentioning the role played by alcohol and depression, several witnesses said. The school didn’t record the assembly. But then, witnesses say, Young said suicide shows a lack of support from friends and family. That comment stunned students and staff still mourning the loss of a student who died Thursday, staffers say.

"When I heard 'a lack of support from family' and I heard 'a lack of support from friends,' I felt the oxygen go out of the room, but I gasped as well," Spargo said. "It just isn't true in these situations. It's just such a hurtful thing to say."

Rep. Don Young of Alaska reminding us once again just how classy Alaska Republicans can be during a question and answer session at—where else?—Wasilla High School:The school's principal, Amy Spargo, said she was taken aback:Young's office issued a statement saying the Congressman's comments blaming the students were "well-intentioned." According to the statement, Young felt he merely "shared some suggestions for helping family members and friends who are dealing with suicidal thoughts."

Well, Congressman Young, here's a suggestion for you: The next time someone asks you about dealing with the suicide of someone close to them, don't blame them for it. And if you do, apologize—don't defend it.