Thomas James Ball

Thomas Ball (Thomas James Ball; February 21, 1953 to June 15, 2011) was a soldier, a father, and a men's rights activist. He came into the national spotlight through his self-immolation, an act of protest against feminism, family courts, and misandry.
Biography
Thomas James Ball was born on February 21, 1953. He grew up in Holden, NH and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ball was a Sergeant in the Army National Guard. After 21 years of service in the armed forces, Ball worked in the private sector as a service advisor for New England car dealerships. He eventually moved to Winchendon, Mass, with wife (at the time) Karen Ball and their three children (Sara J. Ball, Melissa A. Ball and Kevin T. Ball). Thomas and Karen Ball were married from 1990 to 2002. Karen Ball filed for divorce in April 2001. Thomas Ball's last residence was in Holden, Mass.
Political Suicide
Thomas James Ball's self-immolation took place near the main rear entrance of the Cheshire County Superior Court House, sandwiched between the Ashuelot River and Robin Hood Park. Just before 5:30 on the evening of June 15, 2011, he doused himself with gasoline and set himself ablaze, in a calm and confident manner. Witness Sean Desio described Ball's demeanour as "like he was just chilling there, doing yoga or something." After the fire was burning, Ball refused help from several nearby men.
Ball made no sound while he was burning. Witness Dan Koski describes "I saw a man standing on fire. He walked around a little bit, walked on to the grass, collapsed on all fours and literally sat there and burned." After Ball collapsed, witness Jerry Goodrich describes the intense flames as being "over his head, and when he was on the ground, they were probably a good foot over his body." Thomas James Ball expired a few minutes after setting himself ablaze.
Mission Statement
Ball sent a "last will and testament" to a local news organization, the "Union Leader", explaining the motivations for his self immolation. Ball concluded his letter with parting words for his children:
"I have three things to say to my children. First, Daddy loves you. Second, you are my three most favorite people in the world. And last, that you are to stick together no matter how old you get or how far apart you live. Because it is like Grandma always said. The only thing you really have in this world is your family."

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