Dying for Dignity
A commentary on euthanasia20 total reviews
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
My dad always says that if he had to suffer to just put him out of his misery. He raises good points about how we don't make animals suffer yet we make human beings suffer when they die. Great job with this and I'm sure you're getting many mixed feelings
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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My dad always says that if he had to suffer to just put him out of his misery. He raises good points about how we don't make animals suffer yet we make human beings suffer when they die. Great job with this and I'm sure you're getting many mixed feelings
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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Most people agree, but are terrified of the exploitation of a law by greedy family members ready to knock people off for the inheritance. There was some theology that entered the conversation and you can see the feedback if you fo into the ratings shown on the right side of the story.
Thanks for reading.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
This is yet another commentary that should be published somewhere other than the confines of this website.
You really are good at this stuff, Ingrid. This reads like a quality article in any top newspaper or magazine.
Really well done.
His decline would include the loss of hearing, his eye sight and eventually paralysis. - My mother went exactly the same way. I would, without hesitation, have given her a needle about three weeks before she actually died, because at that point her life was already horrendous. Three weeks is not long to live, but it's a hellish eternity when you're living the way she did.
I think of the many beloved pets that I have helped along when there was no hope and only suffering in their lives, and it grieves me that we can not extend this kind of compassion to the terminally ill. - AMEN!
Bravo, you amazing woman.
Love Av
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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This is yet another commentary that should be published somewhere other than the confines of this website.
You really are good at this stuff, Ingrid. This reads like a quality article in any top newspaper or magazine.
Really well done.
His decline would include the loss of hearing, his eye sight and eventually paralysis. - My mother went exactly the same way. I would, without hesitation, have given her a needle about three weeks before she actually died, because at that point her life was already horrendous. Three weeks is not long to live, but it's a hellish eternity when you're living the way she did.
I think of the many beloved pets that I have helped along when there was no hope and only suffering in their lives, and it grieves me that we can not extend this kind of compassion to the terminally ill. - AMEN!
Bravo, you amazing woman.
Love Av
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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In any Canadian paper this would be repetitious. It was on every talk show for three days, but I really do like writing snapshot commentaries.
you know Avril, the sad truth is that only in writing doe my feelings on any subject come across as awesome. In real time, real life most people really don't care what I'm thinking.
Reading Sasha's book in progress 'The road to Insanity' there are a couple of personality disorders that seem to be a handbook of the way I think. Maybe next week I'll be writing about the number of flies that have invaded my house.
Thanks for all the stars.
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But your writing is an extension of you, therefore you must be awesome!
I care, as much as is possible given the nature of our friendship.
I'm not reading Sasha's book for the very reason you just mentioned.
Whenever possible, I avoid books on human issues, relationships, child rearing, pet training and possible health disorders, mental or otherwise.
They make me lose sleep.
Tell the flies to buzz off.
Av
Comment from GWHARGIS
It is heartbreaking, but I can see why it is debated. The ability to choose means that the patient can define his own condition. At what cut off do you say someone can or cannot ask for the 'cocktail'. A wonderfully written piece.
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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It is heartbreaking, but I can see why it is debated. The ability to choose means that the patient can define his own condition. At what cut off do you say someone can or cannot ask for the 'cocktail'. A wonderfully written piece.
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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Just as we have living wills today, allowing a power of attorney to look after out financial obligations if we re disable and incapable of looking after ourselves, I'm sure there would be a provision for a living testament, a legal document that would clearly state our wishes and under what circumstances, signed and witnessed while we are in a coherent state of mid.
Thanks for reading. It's a tough debate.
Comment from DALLAS01
Kudos to you for the profound commentary on this issue that sooner or later must be addressed everywhere. It is one I have pondered for almost thirty years. I do believe that once legalized it will stretch beyond the terminally ill and spill over into the growing number of elderly persons whose quality of life has been impeded by dementia and alzheimers, and of course that will be another debate.
Many years ago, I saw a science fiction movie where the terminally ill were transported to a room where a huge movie screen produced beautiful 3-D visions of nature while the room filled with classical music and they were injected with something that allowed them to gently drift off. I was so over whelmed with a feeling of relief for them that it stuck in my mind all of these years. I respect the religious argument but feel this is a humane issue. The argument that we do not allow our animals to suffer and don't grant our loved ones the same relief if they request it, should be the only debate.
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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Kudos to you for the profound commentary on this issue that sooner or later must be addressed everywhere. It is one I have pondered for almost thirty years. I do believe that once legalized it will stretch beyond the terminally ill and spill over into the growing number of elderly persons whose quality of life has been impeded by dementia and alzheimers, and of course that will be another debate.
Many years ago, I saw a science fiction movie where the terminally ill were transported to a room where a huge movie screen produced beautiful 3-D visions of nature while the room filled with classical music and they were injected with something that allowed them to gently drift off. I was so over whelmed with a feeling of relief for them that it stuck in my mind all of these years. I respect the religious argument but feel this is a humane issue. The argument that we do not allow our animals to suffer and don't grant our loved ones the same relief if they request it, should be the only debate.
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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You know there is not a thing you've said that I don't believe in whole-heartedly.
I've had a few responses that touch on the religious and a couple more that fear there will be some kind of mass abuse killing off the elderly to get at their money etc.
If guns don't kill and we accept that it's people who do the killing, then how can we not accept that a law based on humanity is not the weapon, the abusers are the guilty ones.
Half the population is now 0 plus in NA. It's time to have that discussion.
Thanks for the great feedback and all the light shining down from the stars.
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Having major computer issues may be mia for a while
Comment from Rondeno
You make your case strongly and with well-marshalled arguments. The case against you, as you well know, is that people might take advantage of relaxed laws to "off" relatives who are burdensome, or who have property to inherit.
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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You make your case strongly and with well-marshalled arguments. The case against you, as you well know, is that people might take advantage of relaxed laws to "off" relatives who are burdensome, or who have property to inherit.
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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It's a running argument, but I'd have to equate it as the same defence the pro gun lobby uses in that the weapon doesn't kill people, a person commits a murder.
There are valid arguments on both sides, but an enacted law that allows for merciful euthanasia does not automatically mean that there will be rampant murders any more than all gun owners are potential killers.
It's a tough debate, but we have an aging population--almost fifty percent over 50 in NA these days and I think it's a debate we all might want to engage in.
Thanks for reading and your feedback.
Comment from michaelcahill
Wonderfully written piece. You avoid any issues of religion or dogma which is a good choice and keeps the piece strong and focused on the human issues involved. An incredible man in a horrible position and one that many of us may one day face. An extremely strong point bringing up our pets and the love and compassion we extend to them in their final moments of need. Do we not deserve at least that? We choose for them as we are the ultimate authority. Therefore the ultimate authority should chose for us. That authority is, of course, ourselves. Excellent and important piece. Beautifully done. Perhaps, I should forego silliness now that I think about it! regards, mike
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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Wonderfully written piece. You avoid any issues of religion or dogma which is a good choice and keeps the piece strong and focused on the human issues involved. An incredible man in a horrible position and one that many of us may one day face. An extremely strong point bringing up our pets and the love and compassion we extend to them in their final moments of need. Do we not deserve at least that? We choose for them as we are the ultimate authority. Therefore the ultimate authority should chose for us. That authority is, of course, ourselves. Excellent and important piece. Beautifully done. Perhaps, I should forego silliness now that I think about it! regards, mike
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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I was duly impressed when watching the video to take note of the grace of the man, his continual strife regarding the state of a humanity that he knew he would leave. Yet he still cared about others without his resources.
There was no reference as to whether he mixed his own cocktail, but even by the public statement, I assume he did.
Comment from Dawn Munro
This is very well written, in your usual very strong narrative voice. It's a terribly sad story, and I watched the local newscasts of it too. I think it's a disgrace. I do like your optimistic ending, though I'm not sure it's accurate; I still remember the father out west who was sent to prison for alleviating the suffering of his only daughter. I can't remember all the details, but I know as I watched the news, I was horrified to think a parent would ever have to watch his or her child suffer and do nothing to ease that child's pain...
The argument is that it could lead to euthanasia being used for the elderly, the frail, and so on, but you make a vitally important point in your essay when you mention other countries where it is a legal option and the care that is taken before it is allowed.
Kudos on an excellent write about a very controversial and difficult topic.
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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This is very well written, in your usual very strong narrative voice. It's a terribly sad story, and I watched the local newscasts of it too. I think it's a disgrace. I do like your optimistic ending, though I'm not sure it's accurate; I still remember the father out west who was sent to prison for alleviating the suffering of his only daughter. I can't remember all the details, but I know as I watched the news, I was horrified to think a parent would ever have to watch his or her child suffer and do nothing to ease that child's pain...
The argument is that it could lead to euthanasia being used for the elderly, the frail, and so on, but you make a vitally important point in your essay when you mention other countries where it is a legal option and the care that is taken before it is allowed.
Kudos on an excellent write about a very controversial and difficult topic.
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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Thank you, especially for the feedback. the man's name was Latimer and I think his daughter has=d a very severe case of MS...but not sure about that. She too simply went to sleep with carbon monoxide poisoning. He spent many, many years in prison and is living in the Guelph area.
It's a tough debate, but with half the population now closing in on seniors, it seems the right time for the discussion.
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Oh, thank you, yes - that's the man! It surely is a tough debate, and I think you are right about the timing too...I only hope you are right about someone listening...
You are most welcome; I was very glad to have come across your essay.
Comment from forestport12
Very interesting. I expected this from a true libetarian. I tend to agree with many things of a libetarian. But stop short in some places. I'm ready and willing to vote for Rand Paul, Ron Paul's son. That you can bank on. Anywho. I thought when I read this it would be about a case where a doctor once did a video diary, but this educated me on the political and social aspects that are particular to Canada. My father always said, if you're not learning everyday, you're not living. Well done. Stan
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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Very interesting. I expected this from a true libetarian. I tend to agree with many things of a libetarian. But stop short in some places. I'm ready and willing to vote for Rand Paul, Ron Paul's son. That you can bank on. Anywho. I thought when I read this it would be about a case where a doctor once did a video diary, but this educated me on the political and social aspects that are particular to Canada. My father always said, if you're not learning everyday, you're not living. Well done. Stan
Comment Written 27-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 27-Sep-2013
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That's interesting that you think I'm a Libertarian...I haven't defined myself yet. Though I did write an essay a long, long time ago about abolishing government and argued the case for Libertarians.
I know of Ron Paul. Watched him on some talk shows, but am not that into detail of US politics that I know anything about junior.
Comment from JM daSilva
I know what I'm going to do if I know I'm going to die and there is no way out of it. I'm going to skydive or parachute and not open it. I've jumped a few times and that wouldn't be a bad way to go. I think people have the right to die. The crowd is imposing their opinion on the individual again.
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2013
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I know what I'm going to do if I know I'm going to die and there is no way out of it. I'm going to skydive or parachute and not open it. I've jumped a few times and that wouldn't be a bad way to go. I think people have the right to die. The crowd is imposing their opinion on the individual again.
Comment Written 26-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2013
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I admire your courage. Me- a fifth of vodka and sleeping pills. I'm not afraid of death, but I'm allergic to pain.
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No pain. It's too fast. lol.
Comment from Sasha
You hit the nail on the head with this one. Everyone should have the right to die with dignity. You do a marvelous job conveying this in this well written and deeply moving essay. I agree completely, we have the right to chose. Excellent work with this one.
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2013
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You hit the nail on the head with this one. Everyone should have the right to die with dignity. You do a marvelous job conveying this in this well written and deeply moving essay. I agree completely, we have the right to chose. Excellent work with this one.
Comment Written 26-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2013
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Check out the video. This man is so articulate and so absolutely certain of his convictions.
Thanks for the of bunch of exploding novas.
How goes the husband hunting....I half expected a Smurph ramble by now.
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I've been sick the past few weeks and haven't spent much time on the computer. Not sure what the problem is but I am once again dehydrated and don't have much energy to do anything. I have all but stopped reviewing other than a few exceptions. Hopefully I'll feel better soon.
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Oh, Sasha, we do suffer longer and deeper as time goes on and you, dear woman have had your share of trials.
I hope your wonderful community of medical angels are watching over you and taking measures to pull you out of bed. Take a big hug and try to do at least one good thing for yourself today.
