http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/05/he...gewanted=print
You know, I always advocate people should be free to choose to end their life if they want. I mean, it's
their life, after all. I think counseling should be mandatory, of course--but anyone should be able to choose. Whether they have an incurable disease or have just been sentenced to to life in prison without chance of parole. It's their life. They should have ultimate authority over it.
That said, I simply cannot envision any circumstance in which I would want my own death hastened--as long as I was conscious. (Living without realistic possibility consciousness can't really called a human life, can it?)
If I'm conscious I can still think. I can still experience. I can still grow. I simply can't imagine wanting to stop this.
Granted, I'm not in these people's positions and probably can't imagine the hell of constant pain or feeling helpless. But understanding my personality and tenacity I just can't imagine ever wanting to let go.
My own feelings on this matter obviously tarnish my view on how other people feel. Since I would never opt for assisted suicide I have a very difficult time understanding how others could. I wonder if they're depressed and could be treated. Or if more effort should be given to relieving their pain. I try not to but sometimes I cast a moral judgment on them.
Rationally I think it should be allowed. Emotionally the thought leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
But I am still for it.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/murder
In japan it was a matter of honor at one time, if you were defeated or had shamed yourself or your family, allowing you to save face and restore honor.
Somehow once we became civilized as a people, we realized that death was somehow bad and tried to stamp it out with laws, religion, and medicine. Sure its painful for the survivors, but in the case of taking ones own life, that choice should always be theirs, physically and spiritually.
Its true that some people may not be in their right mind when they are wishing to end their lives, but who is to say what the right mind is, who can say what is normal for that person? I believe that when someone has stopped enjoying their life, and is no longer being productive, and if they have attempted to overcome this but still cant shake it, that its quite a viable option.
As this topic was about assisted suicide, thats a bit tougher, but shouldnt be too hard to figure out. If you are incapable of doing it yourself, anyone who is *willing* to help you should be able to. I think that there should be a witness of consent, and documentation of the individual who will be assisting, usually a friend or relative, someone who was chosen and willing to be with that person. But beyond that i dont think it should be as complex an issue as we have made it out to be.
If we can do it to our pets without their consent, we should be able to do it for our family members, or our friends, or for anyone who has given it and gone through the proper legal and documentary procedures.
even-ing
Making things even
OH GOD HE KNOWS!!!!!