I would hate to have to make that decision for a loved one. For me it's a no brainer. I would rather go quickly and quietly as opposed to lingering suffering pain. For me it all comes down to my right to choose my destiny and not someone Else's concern for my soul.
Oh and my thoughts on Dr. Kevorkian running an office in Michigan. I have no problem with him exercising his constitutional right.
that should have been ( running for office ).
I say, you go, Jack!
It has always been my belief that if someone wants to off himself (or herself), that person should have every right to do so. But as it is, it is either considered illegal (?) or immoral.
Assisting someone in their efforts is a whole other ball of wax. Should we actually permit that? That gives me pause. Could lead to a lot of deaths that were not requested by the dead-ee.
Seriously. How often have you said in half-jest to a friend or family member, "Gee, if I ever get that sick, kill me first. I wouldn't want to suffer." But consider. You have a falling out with said friend or family member. You get a cold. "Cough, cough'. Disgruntled friend or family member takes that as permission to do you in.
OK, just kidding with that, but there ARE ramificaitons to assisted suicide, and none of them are good.
Good point Marti but if Microsoft can come up with it on Vista, then a living will should have a part II that asks Are You Sure?
I'm torn on this due the prospect of abuse one way or another, but done by a family doctor and a signed documents I think I could go for it.
I live near several high bridges over the Hudson River in NY, and I can't tell you how many jump. These people are not all college kids high on drugs or crazy people, many have been your average men and women and some with terminal illness.
I just don't know, but like abortion, it should be their choice.
About the Ninth Amendment:
view linkFrankly, I think Kevorkian's interpretation is a stretch.
The 9th Amendment: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Why This Amendment Exists: When the Bill of Rights was first proposed, the major argument against it was that by specifying some rights that the government was not free to violate, there would be the implication that the government was free to violate any rights not specifically protected in the Constitution. The Ninth Amendment was written to address this concern.
